CES Water Quality & Watershed Management 3

Question 1

Under the NPDES permit system, a municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) operator is required to implement which primary management approach?

Accepted Answer

Six minimum control measures for stormwater management

Answer

Phase I and Phase II NPDES permits for MS4s require implementation of six minimum control measures including public education, illicit discharge detection, and construction site controls.

Question 2

Eutrophication in lakes is most directly driven by excess inputs of which nutrients?

Accepted Answer

Nitrogen and phosphorus

Answer

Excess nitrogen and phosphorus stimulate algal blooms that lead to oxygen depletion, reduced light penetration, and degraded aquatic habitat in a process called eutrophication.

Question 3

Which physical characteristic of a watershed most directly influences the flashiness of its storm response?

Accepted Answer

Percentage of impervious surface cover

Answer

High percentages of impervious surface reduce infiltration, causing rapid runoff concentration that produces sharp, high-amplitude storm hydrographs (flashy response).

Question 4

In drinking water treatment, the primary purpose of coagulation and flocculation is to remove which contaminants?

Accepted Answer

Suspended particles, colloids, and turbidity

Answer

Coagulation and flocculation destabilize and aggregate colloidal and suspended particles so they can be removed by subsequent sedimentation and filtration.

Question 5

Which federal regulation establishes maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for public drinking water supplies in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)

Answer

The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) of 1974 authorizes EPA to set MCLs and treatment technique requirements for public water systems to protect public health.

(CES) Certified Environmental Scientist Practice Test

(CES) Certified Environmental Scientist Practice Test

CES Water Quality & Watershed Management 3