CESSWI - Certified Erosion, Sediment, and Storm Water Inspector SWPPP and Plan Management Questions and Answers

Question 1

A SWPPP must be amended within a specific timeframe after certain events. Which of the following scenarios triggers a mandatory SWPPP amendment under the typical EPA Construction General Permit (CGP)?

Accepted Answer

A change in design, construction, operation, or maintenance that has a significant effect on the potential for pollutant discharge.

Answer

A change in the project's construction schedule that delays the start date by one month.

Answer

The replacement of one brand of silt fence with a different brand that has equivalent specifications.

Answer

A routine weekly inspection identifies that a BMP requires minor maintenance.

Question 2

An inspector is reviewing a construction site's SWPPP records. Which of the following documents is NOT typically required to be kept on-site or readily available as part of the SWPPP documentation?

Accepted Answer

The personal qualifications and resume of the SWPPP designer.

Answer

The original Notice of Intent (NOI) submitted to the regulatory agency.

Answer

Inspection reports from all required site inspections.

Answer

Records of employee training related to SWPPP implementation.

Question 3

A construction site operator has completed all construction activities and established a uniform, perennial vegetative cover with a density of 85% across all previously disturbed areas. What is the next critical step for the operator regarding their NPDES permit?

Accepted Answer

Submit a Notice of Termination (NOT) to the permitting authority.

Answer

Continue weekly inspections for a full calendar year to ensure vegetation survival.

Answer

Amend the SWPPP to reflect the 'post-construction' phase.

Answer

Send a letter to the local municipality certifying project completion.

Question 4

During a site walk, a CESSWI identifies that a subcontractor's new staging area for material storage is located in an area not designated on the SWPPP site map and lacks required perimeter controls. This represents a failure in what critical aspect of SWPPP management?

Accepted Answer

Plan implementation and communication.

Answer

Final stabilization.

Answer

Permit termination.

Answer

Effluent limitation monitoring.

Question 5

All personnel involved in activities that could impact stormwater quality must receive training. What is the primary purpose of documenting this training and keeping records with the SWPPP?

Accepted Answer

To demonstrate compliance with a specific requirement of the Construction General Permit.

Answer

To provide a defense against any citizen lawsuits.

Answer

To track employee performance for annual reviews.

Answer

To allow for billing the client for training-related expenses.

Question 6

Which of the following is the most accurate description of the relationship between the Comprehensive SWPPP (C-SWPPP) and the On-Site SWPPP (OS-SWPPP)?

Accepted Answer

The C-SWPPP contains all documents submitted for permit coverage, while the OS-SWPPP is the version kept on-site, often excluding large engineering reports but including logs and inspection records.

Answer

The OS-SWPPP is a preliminary draft, while the C-SWPPP is the final, approved version.

Answer

The C-SWPPP is for industrial sites, and the OS-SWPPP is for construction sites.

Answer

The OS-SWPPP is only required for sites larger than 50 acres, while the C-SWPPP is required for all sites.