Discharge Monitoring Reports (DMRs) are the cornerstone of NPDES permit compliance reporting. Every permitted facility must submit DMRs on a regular schedule — typically monthly or quarterly — summarizing monitoring results for each discharge point. DMR reporting software automates the entire process: pulling validated lab data, calculating the required statistics, comparing results to permit limits, and generating electronic files ready for submission to EPA NetDMR or state reporting systems.
Why DMR Preparation Is Painful Without Software
How DMR Reporting Software Works
Step 1: Data Collection & Validation
Laboratory EDD files are imported directly into the system. The software validates each result against permit limits, checks holding times, identifies outliers, and flags any issues that need review before the data is used in reports.
Step 2: Automated DMR Calculations
The software computes every statistic required for the DMR form:
- Monthly average — Arithmetic mean of all sample results within the reporting period
- Daily maximum — Highest single result recorded during the period
- Daily minimum — Lowest single result recorded during the period
- Geometric mean — Used for bacterial parameters such as E. coli and fecal coliform
- Mass loading — Concentration multiplied by flow, converted to the required units (lbs/day, kg/day)
- Frequency of analysis — Number of samples collected during the period
Step 3: Non-Detect Handling
Non-detect results require special treatment in DMR calculations. The software applies configurable substitution methods — zero substitution, half the detection limit, or full detection limit value — based on your permit requirements or organizational policy. This eliminates one of the most common sources of manual calculation errors.
Step 4: Limit Comparison & Exceedance Review
Before generating the final DMR, the software compares every calculated value to the applicable permit limit and highlights any exceedances. Reviewers can see at a glance which parameters passed and which need narrative explanation or corrective action documentation.
Step 5: Electronic Export & Submission
Generate DMR data files in formats compatible with EPA NetDMR, state electronic reporting systems, or in printable PDF format. Electronic export eliminates the need to manually re-enter values into web portals, reducing submission errors and saving significant time.
DMR Reporting Frequencies
The software supports all standard DMR reporting schedules and tracks submission status for each:
- Monthly DMRs — Due by the 28th of the following month (most common)
- Quarterly DMRs — Due within 28 days of quarter end
- Semi-annual DMRs — Required by some general permits for benchmark monitoring
- Annual DMRs — Year-end summaries required by certain state programs
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Ready to Automate Your DMR Reporting?
Call (720) 547-5102 or click below to see DMR generation in action.
