Ill. Admin. Code tit. 35, § 310.106
1) Scope and Applicability
A) USEPA has established standards for the submission of electronic documents under federally authorized programs. USEPA requires adherence to these standards for all electronic submissions to USEPA and an authorized state, if electronic submissions are authorized by USEPA. USEPA, the Board, the Agency, or the Control Authority may allow for the submission of electronic documents in lieu of paper documents. This subsection (a) does not require the submission of electronic documents in lieu of paper documents. This subsection (a) sets forth the requirements for the optional electronic submission of any document that must be submitted to the appropriate of the following:
B) Electronic document submission under this subsection (a) can occur only as follows:
C) This subsection (a) does not apply to any of the following documents, whether or not the document is a document submitted to satisfy the requirements cited in subsection (a)(1)(A):
D) When USEPA grants written approval for the submission of any types of documents as electronic documents in lieu of paper documents, as described in subsection (a)(1)(B)(ii), the Agency or the Board, as appropriate, must publish a Notice of Public Information in the Illinois Register that describes the documents approved for submission as electronic documents, the electronic document receiving system approved to receive them, the acceptable formats and procedures for their submission, and, as applicable, the date on which the Board or the Agency will begin to receive those submissions. If USEPA in writing revokes its approval for receiving any type of document as an electronic document in lieu of a paper document, the Board or the Agency must similarly publish a Notice of Public Information in the Illinois Register.
BOARD NOTE: Subsection (a)(1) is derived from 40 CFR 3.1, 3.2, 3.10, 3.20, and 3.1000.
3) Procedures for Submission of Electronic Documents in Lieu of Paper Documents to USEPA. Except as provided in subsection (a)(1)(C), any person who is required under Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations to create and submit or otherwise provide a document to USEPA may satisfy this requirement with an electronic document, in lieu of a paper document, if the following conditions are met:
B) USEPA has first published a notice in the Federal Register as described in subsection (a)(1)(B)(i).
BOARD NOTE: Subsection (a)(3) is derived from 40 CFR 3.2(a) and subpart B of 40 CFR 3.
4) Procedures for Submission of Electronic Documents in Lieu of Paper Documents to the Board, the Agency, or the Control Authority
B) The Board, the Agency, or the Control Authority may accept electronic documents under this subsection (a) only as provided in subsection (a)(1)(B)(ii).
BOARD NOTE: Subsection (a)(4) is derived from 40 CFR 3.2(b) and subpart D of 40 CFR 3.
5) Effects of Submission of an Electronic Document in Lieu of a Paper Document
D) Nothing in this subsection (a) limits the use of electronic documents or information derived from electronic documents as evidence in enforcement or other proceedings.
BOARD NOTE: Subsection (a)(5) is derived from 40 CFR 3.4 and 3.2000(c).
6) Public Document Subject to State Laws. Any electronic document filed with the Board is a public document. The document, its submission, its retention by the Board, and its availability for public inspection and copying are subject to various State laws, including the following:
7) Nothing in this subsection (a) or any provisions adopted under subsection (a)(4)(A) creates any right or privilege to submit any document as an electronic document.
BOARD NOTE: Subsection (a)(7) is derived from 40 CFR 3.2(c).
BOARD NOTE: Subsection (a) is derived from 40 CFR 3 and 403.8(g).
b) NPDES Electronic Reporting
1) Purpose and Scope
i) Electronic reporting of information by NPDES permittees;
v) Approved pretreatment programs; and
D) Proper collection, management, and sharing of the data and information listed in appendix A to 40 CFR 127, incorporated by reference in Section 310.107, ensures that there is a timely, complete, accurate, and nationally consistent set of data about the NPDES program.
BOARD NOTE: Subsection (b)(1) is derived from 40 CFR 127.1.
2) Definitions. For this subsection (b), the following terms have the following meanings.
"Initial recipient of electronic NPDES information from NPDES-regulated facilities" or "initial recipient" means the entity (USEPA or, after Illinois is authorized by USEPA to implement the NPDES program, the Agency) that is the designated entity for receiving electronic NPDES data.
BOARD NOTE: Derived from 40 CFR 127.2(b). USEPA is the initial recipient for a specific NPDES data group and NPDES program area until USEPA authorizes the State to act as the initial recipient for that NPDES data group and NPDES program area.
"Minimum set of NPDES data" means the data and information listed in table 1 in appendix A to 40 CFR 127, incorporated by reference in Section 310.107.
BOARD NOTE: Derived from 40 CFR 127.2(e). For this Part, the only data and information intended are those associated with NPDES data groups 1 (core NPDES data), 2 (general permit reports), 7 (pretreatment program reports), and 8 (significant industrial user reports).
"NPDES data group" means the group of related data elements identified in table 1 in appendix A to 40 CFR 127, incorporated by reference in Section 310.107. These NPDES data groups have similar regulatory reporting requirements and have similar data sources.
BOARD NOTE: Derived from 40 CFR 127.2(c).
"NPDES program", for this subsection (b), means the federal pretreatment program adopted by the Board under Section 13.3 of the Act to implement section 307(b) of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1317(b)). USEPA can implement the NPDES program or authorize the State to implement the NPDES program ("authorized NPDES program"). Identifying the relevant authority must be done for each NPDES subprogram (e.g., NPDES core program, federal facilities, general permits, and pretreatment).
BOARD NOTE: Derived from 40 CFR 127.2(d). This definition is limited to wastewater pretreatment. The corresponding federal definition includes all other aspects of the NPDES program.
"NPDES-regulated entity" means any entity regulated by the NPDES program that has a role in the NPDES program, as defined in this subsection (b)(2).
BOARD NOTE: Derived from 40 CFR 127.2(h). This definition is limited to wastewater pretreatment. The corresponding federal definition includes all other aspects of the NPDES program.
"Program reports" means the information reported by NPDES-regulated entities and listed in table 1 in appendix A to 40 CFR 127, incorporated by reference in Section 310.107 (except NPDES data groups 1 and 2).
BOARD NOTE: Derived from 40 CFR 127.2(f). For this subsection (b), the only information intended is that associated with NPDES data groups 7 (pretreatment program reports) and 8 (significant industrial user reports).
BOARD NOTE: Subsection (b)(2) is derived from 40 CFR 127.2.
3) Data to Be Reported Electronically
A) An NPDES-regulated entity must electronically submit the minimum set of NPDES data for these NPDES reports, as applicable. The following NPDES reports are the source of the minimum set of NPDES data from NPDES-regulated entities:
B) A facility or entity seeking coverage under or termination from an NPDES general permit must electronically submit the minimum set of NPDES data for the following notices, certifications, and waivers (if those reporting requirements are applicable):
C) An industrial user located in a municipality without an approved local pretreatment program must electronically submit the minimum set of NPDES data for the following self-monitoring reports (if those reporting requirements are applicable):
D) The minimum set of NPDES data for NPDES-regulated facilities is identified in appendix A to 40 CFR 127, incorporated by reference in Section 310.107.
BOARD NOTE: Subsection (b)(3) is derived from 40 CFR 127.11.
4) Signature and Certification Standards for Electronic Reporting. The signatory and certification requirements identified in subsection (a) and Section 310.631 also apply to electronic submissions of NPDES information (see subsection (b)(2)) by NPDES permittees, facilities, and entities subject to this subsection (b).
BOARD NOTE: Subsection (b)(4) is derived from 40 CFR 127.12.
5) Requirements Regarding Quality Assurance and Quality Control
B) NPDES permittees, facilities, and entities subject to this subsection (b) must electronically submit their NPDES information in compliance with the data quality requirements specified in subsection (b)(6). NPDES permittees, facilities, and entities subject to this subsection (b) must electronically submit their NPDES information unless a waiver is granted in compliance with this subsection (b) (see subsections (b)(7) and (b)(7)(G)).
BOARD NOTE: Subsection (b)(5) is derived from 40 CFR 127.13.
6) Requirements Regarding Timeliness, Accuracy, Completeness, and National Consistency. NPDES permittees, facilities, and entities subject to this subsection (b) must comply with all requirements in this subsection (b) and electronically submit the minimum set of NPDES data in the following nationally-consistent manner:
A) Timely. Electronic submissions of the minimum set of NPDES data to the appropriate initial recipient, as defined in subsection (b)(2), must be timely.
D) Consistent. Electronic submissions of the minimum set of NPDES data must be compliant with USEPA data standards as set forth in this subsection (b) and in a form (including measurement units) fully compatible with USEPA's national NPDES data system.
BOARD NOTE: Subsection (b)(6) is derived from 40 CFR 127.14.
7) Waivers from Electronic Reporting
B) USEPA or the Board, by an adjusted standard or variance issued under Section 28.1 or Sections 35 through 37 of the Act and Subpart D or B of 35 Ill. Adm. Code 104, to the extent that the State is authorized to administer a segment of the NPDES program, may grant to an NPDES permittee, facility, or entity subject to this subsection (b) a temporary waiver from electronic reporting in compliance with this subsection (b)(7) and the procedures of subsection (b)(7)(G).
ii) To apply for a temporary waiver, the owner, operator, or duly authorized representative of the NPDES permittee, facility, and entity subject to this subsection (b) must submit the information listed in subsection (b)(7)(E) in the petition for the temporary waiver.
BOARD NOTE: The Board moved the text of 40 CFR 127.15(b)(2)(i) through (b)(2)(vi) to appear as 35 Ill. Adm. Code 310.106(b)(7)(E)(i) through (b)(7)(E)(vi) to comport with codification requirements.
C) USEPA or the Board, by an adjusted standard under Section 28.1 of the Act [415 ILCS 5/28.1] and Subpart D of 35 Ill. Adm. Code 104, to the extent that the State is authorized to administer a segment of the NPDES program, may grant to an NPDES permittee, facility, or entity subject to this subsection (b) a permanent waiver from electronic reporting in compliance with this subsection (b)(7) and the procedures of subsection (b)(7)(G).
iii) An approved permanent waiver is not transferrable.
D) The Agency, by a provisional variance under Sections 35 through 37 of the Act and Subpart C of 35 Ill. Adm. Code 104, to the extent that the State is authorized to administer a segment of the NPDES program, may grant to an NPDES permittee, facility, or entity subject to this subsection (b) an episodic waiver from electronic reporting in compliance with subsections (b)(7)(G) and (b)(9). The following conditions apply to an episodic waiver:
iii) An episodic waiver cannot last more than 60 days.
iv) The Agency will decide if the episodic waiver provision allows facilities and entities to delay their electronic submissions or to send hardcopy (paper) submissions. An episodic waiver is only available to a facility or entity in the circumstances listed in subsection (b)(7)(F).
BOARD NOTE: The Board moved the text of 40 CFR 127.15(d)(4)(i) and (d)(4)(ii) to appear as 35 Ill. Adm. Code 310.106(b)(7)(F)(i) and (b)(7)(E)(ii) to comport with codification requirements.
BOARD NOTE: Section 36(c) of the Act provides a maximum duration of 45 days for a provisional variance, allowing a single extension of up to 45 days. No combination of a provisional variance and an extension can exceed 60 days in total duration under this subsection (b)(7)(D)(iii).
iii) The facility address;
vi) Any other information required by the Act or Board regulations (35 Ill. Adm. Code: Subtitle C, Chapter I).
BOARD NOTE: The Board moved the text of 40 CFR 127.15(b)(2)(i) through (b)(2)(vi) to appear as 35 Ill. Adm. Code 310.106(b)(7)(E)(i) through (b)(7)(E)(vi) to comport with codification requirements.
F) A temporary waiver is limited to the following circumstances:
ii) A prolonged electronic reporting system outage (i.e., an outage longer than 96 hours). The Agency must determine if an episodic waiver is warranted in this case and must receive the hardcopy (paper) submissions.
BOARD NOTE: The Board moved the text of 40 CFR 127.15(d)(4)(i) and (d)(4)(ii) to appear as 35 Ill. Adm. Code 310.106(b)(7)(F)(i) and (b)(7)(F)(ii) to comport with codification requirements.
G) Procedural Requirements for Waivers
i) USEPA requires that the Board grant or deny a request for a temporary or permanent waiver from electronic reporting in writing within 120 days after receiving the request.
BOARD NOTE: Subsection (b)(7)(G)(i) is derived from 40 CFR 127.24(a) and (b).
ii) The Agency must provide notice of an episodic waiver individually or through means of mass communication if an episodic waiver is available. The notice must state the facilities and entities that may use the episodic waiver, the likely duration of the episodic waiver, and any other directions regarding how facilities and entities should provide the minimum set of NPDES data (as well as other required information in compliance with statutes, regulations, the NPDES permit, another control mechanism, or an enforcement order) to the initial recipient, as defined in subsection (b)(2). No waiver request from the NPDES permittee, facility, or entity is required to obtain an episodic waiver from electronic reporting. The Agency, when granting the episodic waiver, must determine whether to allow facilities and entities to delay their electronic submissions for a short time (i.e., no more than 40 days) or to have the facilities and entities send hardcopy (paper) submissions.
BOARD NOTE: Subsection (b)(7)(G)(ii) is derived from 40 CFR 127.24(d).
iii) The Agency must electronically transfer to USEPA the minimum set of NPDES data (as defined in Section 310.106(b)(2)) that it receives from a permittee, facility, or entity that has received a waiver under this subsection (b)(7).
BOARD NOTE: Subsection (b)(7)(G)(iii) is derived from 40 CFR 127.24(c).
BOARD NOTE: Subsections (b)(7)(A) through (b)(7)(F) are derived from 40 CFR 127.15.
8) Implementation of Electronic Reporting Requirements for NPDES Permittees, Facilities, and Entities Subject to this Subsection (b)
A) Scope and Schedule. An NPDES permittee, facility, or entity subject to this subsection (b), except those covered by waivers under subsection (b)(7), must electronically submit the following NPDES information (reports, notices, waivers, and certifications) after the compliance deadlines listed in the following table.
| NPDES Information | Compliance Deadlines for Electronic Submissions |
| General Permit Reports Notices of Intent to Discharge, Notices of Termination, and Other Waivers | December 21, 2025 |
| Discharge Monitoring Reports | December 21, 2016 |
| POTW Pretreatment Program Annual Reports (see Section 310.612) | December 21, 2025 |
| Significant Industrial User Compliance Reports in Municipalities Without Approved Pretreatment Programs (see Sections 310.605 and 310.611) | December 21, 2025 |
BOARD NOTE: EPA may approve an alternative compliance deadline for general permit reports and program reports in accordance with 40 CFR 127.24(e) and (f).
C) Initial Recipient. An NPDES permittee, facility, or entity subject to this subsection (b) must electronically submit the information listed in the table in subsection (b)(8)(A) to USEPA Region 5, the Control Authority, the Approval Authority, or the initial recipient (as identified under 40 CFR 127.27 and defined in subsection (b)(2)). USEPA was to identify and publish the initial recipient on a USEPA website and in the Federal Register, by state and NPDES data group (see subsection (b)(7)).
BOARD NOTE: The procedure by which USEPA determines the initial recipient is 40 CFR 127.27. That procedure provides that USEPA is the initial recipient if the State is not approved by USEPA to act as the initial recipient.
D) Standards for NPDES-Regulated Entities with Electronic Reporting Waivers. An NPDES permittee, facility, or entity subject to this subsection (b) that has received a waiver from electronic reporting must continue to provide the minimum set of NPDES data (as well as other required information in compliance with statutes, regulations, the NPDES permit, another control mechanism, or an enforcement order) to the Agency or initial recipient (see subsection (b)(7)).
BOARD NOTE: Subsection (b)(8) is derived from 40 CFR 127.16.
9) Inclusion of Electronic Reporting Requirements in NPDES Permits. All permits issued by the Agency must contain permit conditions requiring compliance with the electronic reporting requirements in this Section. An NPDES-regulated facility already having an electronic reporting requirement in its permit that meets the requirements in this Section must continue its electronic reporting to the initial recipient.
BOARD NOTE: Subsection (b)(9) is derived from 40 CFR 127.26(f).
The submission of any document under any provision of this Part is subject to this Section.
(Source: Amended at 47 Ill. Reg. 5083, effective March 23, 2023)