CESSWI - Certified Erosion, Sediment, and Storm Water Inspector Regulations and Compliance Questions and Answers

Question 1

Under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Construction General Permit (CGP), what is the minimum land disturbance threshold that typically requires permit coverage for a construction activity?

Accepted Answer

1.0 acre

Answer

0.5 acres

Answer

5.0 acres

Answer

Any activity regardless of size

Question 2

A CESSWI is conducting a site inspection and finds that a silt fence is sagging and has sediment accumulated to more than half its height. According to common compliance standards, what is the most appropriate immediate action?

Accepted Answer

Document the deficiency and require that maintenance be performed promptly to restore its function.

Answer

Document the finding and schedule maintenance for the following week.

Answer

Remove the silt fence as it is no longer effective.

Answer

Note that the BMP is functioning as intended by capturing sediment.

Question 3

Which of the following is the MOST common type of violation found during regulatory inspections of construction sites with a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP)?

Accepted Answer

Inadequate or missing inspection records and documentation.

Answer

Failure to stabilize the construction entrance.

Answer

Improper concrete washout procedures.

Answer

Incorrect installation of erosion control blankets.

Question 4

A construction project involves discharging dredged or fill material into a wetland that is considered a 'water of the United States.' Which section of the Clean Water Act (CWA) primarily governs the permitting for this activity?

Accepted Answer

Section 404

Answer

Section 303(d)

Answer

Section 311

Answer

Section 402 (NPDES)

Question 5

An inspector is reviewing a SWPPP for a new 15-acre development. The plan indicates that where a drainage location disturbs more than 10 acres, a sediment basin will be installed. This requirement is a key component of which federal regulation?

Accepted Answer

EPA's Effluent Limitation Guidelines (ELGs) for the Construction & Development Category

Answer

The Coastal Zone Management Act

Answer

The Endangered Species Act

Answer

The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)

Question 6

During a routine weekly inspection, a CESSWI notices that a new stockpile of soil has been created near a storm drain inlet, and a new staging area for equipment has been established. Neither of these changes is reflected on the SWPPP site map. This situation represents a failure to:

Accepted Answer

Implement a living document.

Answer

File the Notice of Intent (NOI) correctly.

Answer

Conduct a pre-construction meeting.

Answer

Post the construction entrance signage.