Compliance Maintenance Annual Report (CMAR)

Chapter NR 208, Wis. Adm. Code [exit DNR] is more commonly known as the Compliance Maintenance Annual Report (CMAR) rule for publicly and privately owned domestic wastewater treatment works. The CMAR is a self-evaluation tool that promotes the owner's awareness and responsibility for wastewater collection and treatment needs, measures the performance of a wastewater treatment works during a calendar year, and assesses its level of compliance with permit requirements.

CMAR requirements have been in existence since 1987. Revisions to Chapter NR 208, Wis. Adm. Code, became effective in January 2005 and January 2006 for satellite collection systems.

2023 eCMAR forms due by June 30, 2024

The annual CMAR form (eCMAR) is submitted electronically using this process.

• No later than April 30:
  WDNR makes applicable sections of the eCMAR form available electronically through the Switchboard.
• No later than June 30:
  Treatment works owners submit their completed eCMAR form containing information from the previous calendar year to WDNR.
• By August 31 of the year in which the eCMAR form was received (or within 60 days of receipt, whichever is later):
  WDNR provides a response to the eCMAR form and associated information.

See Accessing eCMAR forms for instructions on gaining access to the eCMAR form.

About the CMAR Program

The Compliance Maintenance Annual Report (CMAR) is an annual self-evaluation-reporting requirement for publicly and privately owned domestic wastewater treatment works. The CMAR program was revised in 1992 and in 2005. Annual submittal of an electronic CMAR form (eCMAR) no later than June 30 is required under NR 208, Wis. Adm. Code – Compliance Maintenance [exit DNR].

The Purpose of the Program

The purpose of the eCMAR is to evaluate the wastewater treatment system for problems or deficiencies. Management, operation and maintenance activities are described. Owners identify proposed actions to prevent violations of WPDES permits and water quality degradation. The eCMAR program also encourages actions that:

• Promote the owners’ awareness and responsibility for wastewater collection and treatment needs.
• Maximize the useful life of wastewater treatment systems through improved operation and maintenance.
• Initiate formal planning, design and construction for system upgrades.

The eCMAR Form

The eCMAR form is a communication tool for identifying needs for future planning. The eCMAR form:

• Describes the management and physical condition of the wastewater treatment works during the previous calendar year.
• Assesses system performance and wastewater maintenance activities.
• Evaluates compliance with WPDES permit requirements
• Provides an objective analysis to determine whether a more detailed evaluation of the wastewater facility is needed.
• Identifies proposed actions necessary to maintain regulatory compliance.