CESCO Water Pollution Control (CWA) 2

Question 1

What is the maximum term of an NPDES permit before it must be reissued?

Accepted Answer

5 years

Answer

CWA Section 402(b) and 40 CFR 122.46 limit NPDES permits to a fixed term not exceeding five years.

Question 2

Under the NPDES Electronic Reporting Rule (40 CFR Part 127), how must most permittees submit Discharge Monitoring Reports?

Accepted Answer

Electronically, through systems such as NetDMR

Answer

The eRule requires NPDES DMRs to be submitted electronically instead of on paper.

Question 3

Which CWA provision generally keeps a reissued NPDES permit from containing effluent limits less stringent than the previous permit?

Accepted Answer

Anti-backsliding

Answer

CWA Section 402(o) anti-backsliding provisions generally bar relaxing limits in renewed permits.

Question 4

A company needs a federal license for an activity that may discharge into navigable waters. What certification does CWA Section 401 require?

Accepted Answer

A state water quality certification that the discharge will comply with water quality requirements

Answer

Section 401 requires the state (or tribe) to certify that a federally licensed discharge will meet applicable water quality requirements.

Question 5

Which agency issues CWA Section 404 permits for discharging dredged or fill material into waters of the United States?

Accepted Answer

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Answer

The Army Corps of Engineers runs the Section 404 permit program, and EPA has oversight and veto authority.

CESCO - Certified Environmental, Safety and Compliance Officer Practice Test