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

An upstream background sample establishes pre-existing water quality conditions so that the site's contribution to turbidity or other parameters can be accurately identified.

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

A benchmark exceedance under the EPA CGP triggers a requirement to review the SWPPP, identify causes, and modify or add BMPs to reduce sediment discharge.

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

An effluent limit is a legally binding numeric standard in an NPDES permit; exceeding it constitutes a permit violation, unlike a benchmark which is a trigger for corrective action.

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 Water Act Section 402 establishes the NPDES permit program, which requires stormwater discharge permits and water quality monitoring for construction sites of one acre or more.

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

Standard field monitoring records require date, time, sampler identity, weather, location, and measurement values — the coordinates of a downstream municipality are not a required data field.

CEPSCI - Certified Erosion Prevention and Sediment Control Inspector Practice Test

CEPSCI - Certified Erosion Prevention and Sediment Control Inspector Practice Test

CEPSCI Water Quality Monitoring and Testing 2