CEPSCI Water Quality Monitoring and Testing 2

Question 1

What is the purpose of collecting a background (upstream) sample during stormwater monitoring at a construction site?

Accepted Answer

To establish baseline water quality and isolate site contributions from natural conditions

Answer

To determine the flow rate of the receiving stream

Answer

To satisfy NPDES permit record-keeping requirements only

Answer

To measure the dilution factor of the receiving water body

Question 2

A construction inspector observes that discharge turbidity is 320 NTU and the benchmark is 250 NTU. What is the required response under the EPA CGP?

Accepted Answer

Document the exceedance and immediately review and modify the SWPPP and BMPs

Answer

No action is required unless the exceedance occurs three consecutive times

Answer

Suspend all construction activity until turbidity returns to below benchmark

Answer

Notify the local fire department and health department within 24 hours

Question 3

What does the term 'effluent limit' mean in the context of construction stormwater monitoring?

Accepted Answer

A legally enforceable maximum concentration that must not be exceeded in discharge

Answer

A suggested target value for turbidity that triggers BMP review

Answer

The minimum flow rate at which samples must be collected

Answer

A voluntary industry standard for water quality at construction exits

Question 4

Which federal regulation requires construction sites disturbing one or more acres to obtain NPDES permit coverage and implement water quality monitoring?

Accepted Answer

Clean Water Act Section 402

Answer

Clean Air Act Section 112

Answer

Safe Drinking Water Act

Answer

Resource Conservation and Recovery Act

Question 5

When recording water quality monitoring data in a field logbook, which piece of information is NOT typically required?

Accepted Answer

The GPS coordinates of the nearest downstream municipality

Answer

Date and time of sample collection

Answer

Name of the sampler

Answer

Weather conditions during sampling

Question 6

A construction site is located adjacent to a cold-water fishery. Which additional water quality parameter may be especially important to monitor beyond standard turbidity?

Accepted Answer

Dissolved oxygen

Answer

Total dissolved solids

Answer

Electrical conductivity

Answer

Color units

Question 7

How frequently must stormwater monitoring typically be performed under the EPA Construction General Permit when there is a qualifying storm event?

Accepted Answer

Once every 7 calendar days and within 24 hours of a 0.25-inch or greater storm

Answer

Once per construction season regardless of number of storm events

Answer

Within 4 business days after the storm event

Answer

Only when visible sediment discharges are observed by the inspector