For how long should SSO Reports be kept on file?

The appropriate duration for retaining Sanitary Sewer Overflow (SSO) reports is determined by regulatory requirements and best practices for environmental protection. Keeping SSO reports for five years ensures that the necessary information is available for review and analysis in case of future incidents or audits. This timeframe allows for adequate tracking of performance and compliance with environmental regulations, enabling operators to identify patterns, improve response strategies, and enforce accountability for public health and environmental impacts.

Furthermore, organizations may need access to historical data to demonstrate compliance during inspections or investigations and to effectively communicate their efforts in managing and mitigating overflow incidents. Retaining these reports for five years strikes a balance between maintaining useful records for operational improvement and regulatory compliance without overburdening storage and management resources.