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CMAR Requirements For Satellite Collection Systems

Compliance Maintenance Annual Report (CMAR)

Satellite collection systems are owned by a municipality or utility that does not own a wastewater treatment facility. These collection systems discharge into another municipality's wastewater collection or treatment system. Approximately 300 satellite collection systems are currently covered by the WPDES general permit for bypassing and overflows (WI0047341).

eCMAR Form Requirements

Satellite collection system owners are required to complete and electronically submit a CMAR form (eCMAR) with information on annual operation and maintenance activities that maximize the useful life and capacity of these systems. The eCMAR form submitted annually by June 30 with information from the previous calendar year contains:

  • the type of annual maintenance activities performed on the collection system;
  • the occurrence of Sanitary Sewer Overflows (SSOs);
  • an assessment of the overall performance of the collection system; and
  • the financial management practices in place to ensure repairs, replacements and upgrades are implemented.

View eCMAR form sections

The eCMAR contains many sections applicable to all types of wastewater treatment works - visit View sections of the eCMAR form. Only four sections of the eCMAR form are required for satellite collection systems. View examples of these sections:

Read/Print eCMAR Form Instructions

Each eCMAR form section contains helpful instructions on how to complete the section. Click on the links below to view the instructions for those sections. TIP: You may wish to print out these instructions before you complete your eCMAR.

You can also view a presentation on eCMAR requirements for Satellite Collection Systems: Satellite Collection System presentation

Trending Graphs

Trending graphs visually display important information about the performance of your wastewater treatment works. Collection system performance data is used to develop trends in the data over periods of time of five or 10 years. Data is analyzed using a best fit linear regression analysis, from which an equation (straight line: Y = mX + b) is developed through which projections are made for when facilities may reach design parameters. (For example, from a straight line, to find the time X when Y equals design: X = (Y - b) / m.)

For section (m) Sanitary Sewer Collection Systems, trending analyses can be used to track and evaluate the progress a community is making in improving the performance of their collection systems through improved operation and maintenance or through CMOM (Capacity, Management, Operation and Maintenance) programs so that impacts of wet weather flows are reduced and eliminated. Graphs available in the Sanitary Sewer Collection Systems section display data and trend lines for the following performance indicators: lift station failures, sewer pipe failures, sanitary sewer overflows, basement backups, complaints and peaking factor ratios (example graphs).

To view your facility's Sanitary Sewer Collection Systems graphs once you have accessed your eCMAR form, click on the "Graph" button located on the right-hand column of the screen next to the performance indicator you wish to view.

Department Approvals

Collection system and sewer extension construction projects may need approval by the department. See Wastewater Systems Plan Review for more information. Collection system projects that receive state Clean Water Fund loan assistance are required to submit an Operation and Maintenance Manual to the DNR for approval in accordance with Form 3400-143.

Operation And Maintenance Program References

There are several resource guides on how to create an effective Operation and Maintenance program for collection systems. See References for Operation and Maintenance Programs for Sanitary Sewer Collection Systems.

Financial Planning For Wastewater Treatment Improvements

To obtain information about funding sources for wastewater treatment improvements, visit the Water and Wastewater Funding Sources page.

Visit Accessing eCMAR Forms for instructions on obtaining the eCMAR form.