Helpful hints and information for the eCMAR

Authorized users are people authorized by your facility's governing body to enter data, validate data or submit data in your eCMAR form as an "enterer" or a "submitter." Use the DNR Electronic Business Switchboard to register as an authorized "enterer" or "submitter."

Each person who enters data ("enterer") should have their own Wisconsin User ID and password. Neither the eCMAR "enterer" nor "submitter" can change data pre-entered into sections of the eCMAR from the department's database. Only a representative of the department can make changes to data already entered into the department's database.

Can't log in to WAMS — Are you both the "Authorized Submitter" and "Authorized Enterer?" You must have registered in Switchboard for both roles. Are you using the same email address that you registered with to obtain your Wisconsin User ID? If not, you need to update your contact information in the Profile Management section. Check your passwords and User ID to make sure your CAPS lock is turned off when you enter them. Remember they are case sensitive. Check to see if you used any capitals in your passwords when you originally registered for a User ID in WAMS.

Cookies — A "cookie" is a message given to a web browser (you) by a web server. The purpose of a cookie is to identify you as a user and track your interests to possibly prepare special customized information for you. The cookie messages can be annoying when you are trying to use your computer. Use this process to block the receipt of cookies.

1. Open your web browser.
2. Under the "Tools" menu, click "Internet Options."
3. Click on the "Privacy Tab."
4. Make sure the security is set to "Medium-high" or "lower," then hit the "advanced" button.
5. Check the "override automatic cookie handling" box.
6. Make sure both columns have the "accept" selected and click "OK."
7. Click "OK" again to close the window.
8. Try logging on again just to make sure it worked.

Correct address links — Use the Switchboard address link to log in to WAMS: Switchboard

Display non-secure items — If your Windows software program asks you if you want to display non-secure items, click "yes."

Favorite drop-down menus — Don´t use the "Favorites" drop-down menu to get to the screen you are looking for. Problems have been encountered when using this feature.

Locked out — Lockouts occur when you type in your Wisconsin User ID and/or password incorrectly three times. See Account Recovery on how to change User ID´s and passwords. See also 403 error messages.

Network server down — You access the eCMAR through the Department of Administration´s network server. If that server is not working online, you won´t be able to log in to WAMS. Keep repeating your log in a few times to make sure the log in problem isn't because the network server is down. See also 500 Internal Server in Error Messages Helpful Hints.

Pop-up blockers — You can open a new window from a "blocked" site by holding down the "Ctrl" key while you click with your mouse on the item you wish to open that has the pop-up block on it.

Printing delays — See Print Button in Completing eCMAR Forms.

Slow computer — Try some basic maintenance. Delete your computer temporary files, historical files and cookies. Monthly computer "cleaning" is a good idea. Because of the amount of data being transferred into the eCMAR, having a high-speed internet connection may be helpful.

Acrobat Reader — You need Acrobat Reader Version 5.5 or greater to print out screen sections of the eCMAR. Download Adobe Reader.

1. Choose "Download," select "Adobe Reader."
2. Click the "Download now" button on the page.
3. The next steps in the download process appear onscreen. Following these steps will install Adobe Reader on your machine. You might have to restart the machine.

Basic computer skills — If you have experience searching the internet for information, you probably have all the computer skills you need to access your facility's eCMAR form. Taking some basic computer classes, especially on using the Internet, from a local technical school or library may be helpful if you have limited experience using computers.

Email addresses — An email address allows you to send and receive information over the internet. Your email address allows you to receive your eCMAR via the internet and identifies you as the sender of your completed eCMAR form. You already have an internet service provider if your computer is connected to the internet. If you haven't set-up an email account with your internet service provider, check with your provider's customer service representative to create one. If you are using someone else's internet-connected computer or a computer at a library, you will want to establish your own individual email address. You can obtain an email address through an on-line internet service provider that offers free or free trial period email services.

Internet-connected computer — If your facility doesn't have a computer you can use, you can access your facility's eCMAR on your personal home computer, a computer available at a public library or other computers you have permission to use. The computer you use to access your eCMAR must be connected to the internet. If you don't have internet connection to your computer, you will need to select a company to provide internet service. Check with your local telephone directory to see which companies provide internet service in your area. Internet providers offer connection with either high speed cable, DSL (Digital Subscriber Line, which uses existing telephone lines) or satellite service. A high-speed internet connection may be helpful because of the amount of data that is transferred in the eCMAR. One website lists free; free trial period;and inexpensive internet service providers available in different locations in Wisconsin: https://www.isp-in-area.com/internet-service-providers/wisconsin/

Changing data already entered — See Revalidation - Data/Information Changes in Completing eCMAR Forms if the eCMAR has not been submitted.

If the eCMAR has been submitted, contact your local DNR representative. See Report Issue Button in Completing eCMAR Forms, or Getting DNR Help.

Incorrect or missing data — If the pre-populated data in your eCMAR form is missing or incorrect, see Report Issue button information in Completing eCMAR Forms.

403 Error — Three incorrect attempts in logging into your WAMS account results in a lockout from your account. You may need to perform an Account Recovery to change your password or User ID.

409 Error — We have found that deleting cookies off your computer helps. Try these steps.

1. Close your eCMAR page.
2. Open your internet browser.
3. In the tool bar at the top of the page, you should see "file, edit, etc…" Click on "Tools", then "internet options."
4. Under the general tab, click on "delete files." After the files have been deleted, click on "delete cookies."
5. Click on "clear history."
6. Then click on "OK" and try logging in again.

500 internal server all ldap servers down — This means the Department of Administrations' network server is down, and you cannot connect to it. Chances are if it's down for you, it's down for everyone, including the DNR. Try again later in the day to see if you can log in.

502 bad gateway — This is a programming issue. See Getting Help.

Page cannot be found — Try clicking the "Refresh" button, close down and open again. If you still get the same error message, contact the DNR. See Getting Help.

Action response plans — An Action Response Plan is required for any section of the CMAR with a grade of D or F. The Action Response Plan shall be included in the CMAR Resolution. The Plan shall state what actions will be taken to address and correct the problems identified in the sections that received a grade of D or F. The owner shall submit an implementation schedule as part of the Action Response Plan.

Corrective actions — Corrective actions include operational changes, operation and needs reviews, facility planning, engineering studies, improvements, collection system operation and maintenance improvements, upgrading of an existing wastewater treatment facility, construction of a new facility, and other activities identified by the treatment works owner to maintain compliance with effluent limitations and permit conditions.

Governing body or owner — The governing body or owner of a treatment works is the name of the entity officially responsible for the treatment works. It is usually the same entity who is issued the WPDES permit.

Resolutions/owners statement of review and response — The governing body of a publicly owned treatment works shall pass a resolution that includes the items listed below. Private owners of wastewater treatment works shall address these items in an Owner Statement of Review and Response: A) An acknowledgment that the governing body has reviewed the CMAR; and B) The recommendations or action plan, if required, which the owner will follow to maintain compliance with effluent limitations and permit conditions.

1. For sections of the CMAR with grades of A or B, a summary of recommended or corrective actions (see above) is voluntary.
2. For sections of the CMAR with a grade of C, the owner shall recommend steps or corrective actions that have been taken to address problems or deficiencies identified in these CMAR sections.
3. For sections of the CMAR with D or F grades, the owner shall submit an Action Response Plan (see above). The Action Response Plan and implementation schedule shall be included in the CMAR Resolution. The Action Response Plan shall state what actions will be taken to address and correct problems identified in the CMAR.
4. Any other information the treatment works owner deems appropriate.

Resolutions are generally less permanent enactments than ordinances, and commonly deal with matters of a special of temporary nature. Unless required, resolutions need not follow any specified format. Resolutions are generally brought to the council or board floor in writing. Ordinarily, resolutions are not separately published or posted, and appear in condensed form in the proceedings of the governing body published under secs. 61.32 or 62.11(14), Wis. Stats. In villages, resolutions are to be recorded in chronological order in the ordinance book as required by sec. 61.25(3), Wis. Stats.

The DNR provides a sample CMAR Resolution [PDF] as an example only. Municipalities should consult with their own attorneys for proper formatting.

For further guidance on resolutions, see the Handbook for Wisconsin Municipal Officials available from the League of Wisconsin Municipalities [exit DNR].

The State of Wisconsin established the Wisconsin Web Access Management System (WAMS) to allow access to state forms available through the internet by authorized individuals. For more information on the purpose of WAMS, go to the WAMS website [exit DNR]

You can log in to WAMS through the DNR Switchboard to create your Wisconsin User ID and password. See the Switchboard registration instructions for more information.

Account recovery — Account Recovery is used to restore access to your account if you cannot remember your password or your Wisconsin User ID. You must know the answer to the secret question you answered during your original registration and have access to the email address you used during WAMS registration.

Address field box — Type address links in the "Address" field box (directly below the Back and Forward buttons on the toolbar) of your computer screen. Do not type address links in a "Search" field box because it will not get you to the eCMAR. 

Locked out — Lockouts occur when you type in your Wisconsin User ID and/or password incorrectly three times; three strikes and you're out. Open your web browser and type in this address in the "Address" field box (see above): https://on.wisconsin.gov. You may need to change your password (see below) or update your contact information. See more hints in Account Recovery (see below) or 403 errors.

Log in — Log in to the Switchboard to access your facility's eCMAR. If you can't log in, check your Wisconsin User ID and password. The network server may also be unavailable at times. Keep repeating if you can't log in. 

Passwords — Passwords must be between seven and 20 characters and must contain a combination of letters and numbers. You cannot use any part of your name in the password. Passwords are case sensitive, so carefully write down the combination of upper- and lowercase letters you use in your password. Make sure Caps Lock is not on when entering your password. If you forget your password, use the Switchboard to log in to WAMS and click on Account Recovery. You will be asked to enter your User ID and email address. You must know the answer to your secret question when you created your WAMS account. You will be sent an email that provides a link you can click on to continue the Account Recovery.

Profile management — Use the Switchboard to update your contact information. For instance, update your facility contact information in the Switchboard if you no longer have the same email address that you used when you first registered for your Wisconsin user ID.

Registration — Use the DNR Switchboard to register for a Wisconsin User ID.

Removing users/former employees — If an authorized user (see above) leaves a facility, the DNR should be notified to remove the former employee from the department's wastewater permit database (SWAMP). Contact Stephen Nehring for assistance in removing authorized users from SWAMP. Each person registering in WAMS must have a unique email address.

User IDs — User IDs must be five to 20 characters and must be a combination of letters and numbers. You cannot share your User ID with anyone else. User IDs are case sensitive, so carefully write down the combination of upper- and lowercase letters you use in your password if you use a combination. Make sure Caps Lock is not on when entering your user ID.