CROMERR Overview
CROMERR (Cross-Media Electronic Reporting Rule, 40 CFR Part 3) is the EPA's regulation governing electronic reporting to environmental agencies. It requires that electronically submitted reports have the same legal standing as paper submissions.
Key Requirements
- Identity Proofing — The signer must be verified as a real person through a knowledge-based authentication (KBA) process before they can sign.
- Electronic Signature — Each signature must include the signer's printed name, date/time, and a statement of intent. It must be uniquely linked to the signer.
- Copy of Record — A complete, unalterable copy of the signed document must be generated and stored.
- Audit Trail — Every action (creation, edit, signature, submission) must be logged with timestamps and user identification.
When CROMERR Applies
CROMERR applies when you submit environmental compliance reports electronically to EPA or a delegated state/tribal agency. Common examples:
- Pretreatment periodic reports (semi-annual, annual)
- DMR (Discharge Monitoring Report) submissions
- Annual stormwater reports
- Any report that would otherwise require a wet-ink signature