CEPSCI Water Quality Monitoring and Testing 3

Question 1

Which of the following best describes a 'qualified person' authorized to conduct stormwater monitoring under most NPDES construction general permits?

Accepted Answer

Someone with site-specific knowledge and training in BMP installation and stormwater monitoring

Answer

Any full-time employee of the construction company regardless of training

Answer

A licensed professional engineer only

Answer

A state environmental agency employee

Question 2

What is the primary reason sediment-laden stormwater discharge is harmful to aquatic ecosystems?

Accepted Answer

It smothers benthic organisms, reduces light penetration, and clogs fish gills

Answer

It raises water temperature significantly

Answer

It increases dissolved oxygen to toxic levels

Answer

It introduces chemical pesticides into the water column

Question 3

A turbidity reading taken downstream of a construction site is 180 NTU, while the upstream background reading is 160 NTU. What is the most appropriate conclusion?

Accepted Answer

Background conditions are driving turbidity; the site contribution is minor but should still be documented

Answer

The site is contributing negligible sediment; no action is needed

Answer

The site is significantly impacting water quality and immediate shutdown is required

Answer

The downstream reading must be re-taken because it cannot be lower than the site discharge reading

Question 4

Under the Clean Water Act, a Section 303(d) list identifies:

Accepted Answer

Water bodies that do not meet water quality standards and require a TMDL

Answer

Construction sites that have exceeded turbidity benchmarks more than three times

Answer

NPDES permit holders in significant noncompliance

Answer

Wetlands subject to Section 404 fill permit requirements

Question 5

What is the primary purpose of a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) for sediment in a receiving water body near a construction site?

Accepted Answer

To allocate allowable sediment loads among all pollution sources to meet water quality standards

Answer

To set the maximum weight of soil that can be excavated per day on a site

Answer

To define the maximum turbidity permitted inside the site's sediment basin

Answer

To calculate the volume of stormwater that must be retained on site

Question 6

Which of the following actions would most directly reduce the turbidity of stormwater leaving a construction site?

Accepted Answer

Increasing the detention time in a sediment basin to allow particles to settle

Answer

Installing a concrete washout area away from storm drains

Answer

Applying dust suppressants to unpaved haul roads

Answer

Establishing a vehicle tracking pad at site entrances

Question 7

If a construction inspector discovers that a site's stormwater discharge is causing a visible plume of sediment in a receiving stream, what is the FIRST action that should be taken?

Accepted Answer

Immediately notify the site operator and document the condition with photographs and written notes

Answer

File a formal complaint with the EPA regional office

Answer

Install additional silt fence along the stream bank

Answer

Halt all construction work indefinitely until the plume clears