CEPSCI Inspection Procedures and Documentation 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What constitutes a qualified inspector for SWPPP inspections under most state NPDES permits?
- Any site worker who has been on-site for 30 days
- Someone trained in erosion and sediment control principles and familiar with the site's SWPPP (Correct answer)
- The project engineer only
- Any licensed contractor
Correct answer: Someone trained in erosion and sediment control principles and familiar with the site's SWPPP
Most permits require inspections to be conducted by someone who has been trained in erosion and sediment control and is familiar with the site's specific SWPPP and conditions.
Question 2: During a post-storm inspection, a CEPSCI inspector should pay special attention to:
- Worker attendance records
- Areas of concentrated runoff, BMP outlets, and any signs of erosion or sediment discharge (Correct answer)
- The construction schedule only
- Equipment condition and fuel levels
Correct answer: Areas of concentrated runoff, BMP outlets, and any signs of erosion or sediment discharge
Post-storm inspections focus on areas most vulnerable to failure during rainfall: concentrated flow paths, BMP outlets and spillways, and locations where sediment may have been discharged.
Question 3: What is the purpose of a corrective action log in SWPPP documentation?
- To record worker disciplinary actions
- To track deficiencies found during inspections and document when and how they were corrected (Correct answer)
- To log equipment maintenance
- To record daily weather observations
Correct answer: To track deficiencies found during inspections and document when and how they were corrected
A corrective action log creates a verifiable record showing that inspection deficiencies were identified, addressed, and resolved within required timeframes, demonstrating ongoing compliance.
Question 4: If a state regulatory inspector visits a construction site and the SWPPP is not available, the likely consequence is:
- A verbal warning with no further action
- A notice of violation that may result in fines for failure to maintain required records (Correct answer)
- Automatic suspension of all work
- Criminal charges against the project manager
Correct answer: A notice of violation that may result in fines for failure to maintain required records
Failure to have the SWPPP available on-site constitutes a permit violation that can result in a notice of violation and potential financial penalties.
Question 5: Which photographic documentation practice is most valuable during BMP inspections?
- Taking one photo per week regardless of conditions
- Consistently photographing the same locations from the same vantage points before and after storms (Correct answer)
- Only photographing areas of obvious violation
- Taking photos only when regulators are present
Correct answer: Consistently photographing the same locations from the same vantage points before and after storms
Consistent before-and-after photography from the same vantage points creates a comparative record that demonstrates BMP performance and documents any changes in site conditions.
Question 6: When must a Notice of Termination be filed for a construction site NPDES permit?
- 30 days before construction begins
- After all disturbed areas have achieved final stabilization and no further construction-related stormwater discharges will occur (Correct answer)
- At the midpoint of construction
- When the building receives its certificate of occupancy
Correct answer: After all disturbed areas have achieved final stabilization and no further construction-related stormwater discharges will occur
A Notice of Termination can only be filed after all disturbed areas have been finally stabilized with permanent vegetation or equivalent cover and all temporary BMPs have been removed.
CEPSCI Inspection Procedures and Documentation 2
What constitutes a qualified inspector for SWPPP inspections under most state NPDES permits?