Certified Erosion, Sediment, and Storm Water Inspector (CESSWI) Exam — Questions and Answers

Question 1: Which inspection finding would trigger an immediate corrective action for a post-construction outlet structure?

Grass growing on the side slopes of the embankment
Outlet pipe fully blocked with debris, causing the basin to overflow its embankment (Correct answer)
Water surface 1 foot below the design permanent pool elevation
Minor algae growth on the barrel walls

Correct answer: Outlet pipe fully blocked with debris, causing the basin to overflow its embankment

A blocked outlet that causes embankment overtopping is an emergency condition — uncontrolled overflow can erode and fail the embankment, causing catastrophic downstream flooding.

Question 2: What does a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) establish for an impaired water body?

The minimum buffer distance required between construction and waterways
The required frequency of stormwater monitoring at construction sites
The maximum volume of stormwater that can be discharged daily
The maximum amount of a pollutant a water body can receive and still meet water quality standards (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The maximum amount of a pollutant a water body can receive and still meet water quality standards

A TMDL sets the maximum pollutant load a water body can assimilate while still meeting applicable water quality standards.

Question 3: A construction site disturbing 0.8 acres is located in a state that has been authorized by EPA to administer its own NPDES program. Which permit authority applies?

The state issues its own equivalent permit under state authority (Correct answer)
The site is exempt because it is under 1 acre
EPA issues the federal NPDES permit directly
No permit is required until the site exceeds 5 acres

Correct answer: The state issues its own equivalent permit under state authority

In states with EPA-authorized NPDES programs, the state administers its own stormwater permits and the state permit applies.

Question 4: When evaluating a site's susceptibility to rill erosion, which combination of factors poses the greatest risk?

Steep slopes, bare silt loam soil, high-intensity rainfall (Correct answer)
Moderate slopes, gravelly soil, low rainfall
Gentle slopes, sandy loam, moderate rainfall
Flat slopes, clay soils, dense vegetation

Correct answer: Steep slopes, bare silt loam soil, high-intensity rainfall

Rill erosion is maximized by steep slopes that accelerate flow velocity, highly erodible silt loam, bare conditions with no protective cover, and high-intensity rain events.

Question 5: When a construction project is complete and all areas are stabilized, what must the permit holder file to terminate NPDES permit coverage?

A Final Inspection Report
A Notice of Intent (NOI) amendment
A Notice of Termination (NOT) (Correct answer)
A Certificate of Occupancy

Correct answer: A Notice of Termination (NOT)

A Notice of Termination (NOT) is submitted to the permitting authority once the site is stabilized and permit coverage is no longer needed.

Question 6: A bioretention cell (rain garden) treats stormwater primarily through which combination of processes?

Chlorination and UV disinfection
Filtration, infiltration, and biological uptake (Correct answer)
Coagulation and flocculation
Gravitational settling only

Correct answer: Filtration, infiltration, and biological uptake

Bioretention cells use engineered soil media for filtration, underlying native soil for infiltration, and plants for biological nutrient uptake to achieve pollutant removal.

Question 7: Who is ultimately responsible for ensuring a SWPPP is properly implemented on a construction site?

The land owner or operator (Correct answer)
The erosion control contractor
The state environmental agency
The local municipality

Correct answer: The land owner or operator

Under NPDES permit requirements, the land owner or operator bears ultimate responsibility for SWPPP implementation and compliance.

Question 8: When performing a post-construction stormwater inspection, which document should the inspector reference to verify that BMPs were installed as approved?

The local zoning ordinance
The approved stormwater management plan and construction drawings (Correct answer)
The contractor's bid schedule
The NPDES Phase I permit

Correct answer: The approved stormwater management plan and construction drawings

The approved stormwater management plan and associated construction drawings define the required BMP types, sizes, locations, and specifications that the inspector verifies against field conditions.

Question 9: During a CESSWI inspection, which document should the inspector review FIRST before visiting the site?

The contractor's daily log
The local weather forecast only
The SWPPP and approved site plans (Correct answer)
The property deed

Correct answer: The SWPPP and approved site plans

Reviewing the SWPPP and approved site plans before arriving ensures the inspector knows what controls are required and can assess compliance effectively.

Question 10: Which post-construction BMP is specifically designed to reduce both runoff volume and pollutant loading through infiltration and evapotranspiration?

Concrete flume
Bioretention cell (rain garden) (Correct answer)
Riprap channel lining
Rip-rap energy dissipater

Correct answer: Bioretention cell (rain garden)

Bioretention cells use engineered soil media and vegetation to infiltrate, filter, and evapotranspirate stormwater, removing pollutants through physical, biological, and chemical processes.

Question 11: In a SWPPP, the 'good housekeeping' section typically covers:

Landscaping and aesthetic site maintenance
Management of construction materials, waste, and spill prevention on-site (Correct answer)
Employee hygiene standards on the job site
Maintenance schedules for heavy equipment

Correct answer: Management of construction materials, waste, and spill prevention on-site

Good housekeeping provisions in a SWPPP address storage, handling, and disposal of construction materials and wastes to prevent pollutants from reaching storm water.

Question 12: On a construction site, polyacrylamide (PAM) is PRIMARILY used to:

Stabilize steep cut slopes against mass movement
Flocculate fine particles and reduce turbidity in runoff (Correct answer)
Replace vegetative cover during dry seasons
Filter petroleum hydrocarbons from stormwater

Correct answer: Flocculate fine particles and reduce turbidity in runoff

PAM is a soil amendment that causes fine clay and silt particles to clump (flocculate), reducing turbidity in stormwater runoff.

Question 13: In the context of green infrastructure, which practice captures rooftop runoff for reuse or infiltration directly at the source?

Rain barrel or cistern (Correct answer)
Bioswale
Riprap outlet
Dry swale

Correct answer: Rain barrel or cistern

Rain barrels and cisterns capture and store rooftop runoff at the point of generation, reducing the volume that enters the storm drainage system.

Question 14: When documenting inspection findings, which information is LEAST critical to include in the inspection report?

Date, time, and weather conditions
Inspector's name and qualifications
Names of all workers observed on site that day (Correct answer)
Location and description of each BMP inspected

Correct answer: Names of all workers observed on site that day

Worker rosters are not a required component of inspection reports; the critical elements are inspector identity, site conditions, BMP status, and corrective actions.

Question 15: 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?

Section 311
Section 404 (Correct answer)
Section 402 (NPDES)
Section 303(d)

Correct answer: Section 404

Section 404 of the Clean Water Act establishes a program to regulate the discharge of dredged or fill material into waters of the United States, including wetlands. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the EPA jointly administer this program.

Question 16: 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)?

The replacement of one brand of silt fence with a different brand that has equivalent specifications.
A change in the project's construction schedule that delays the start date by one month.
A change in design, construction, operation, or maintenance that has a significant effect on the potential for pollutant discharge. (Correct answer)
A routine weekly inspection identifies that a BMP requires minor maintenance.

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

According to the EPA's Construction General Permit (CGP) and similar state permits, a SWPPP must be amended when there is a change in design, construction, operation, or maintenance that could significantly impact the discharge of pollutants. Minor schedule changes, equivalent material substitutions, or routine maintenance findings do not typically require a formal amendment, although maintenance must be documented.

Question 17: Which inspection finding would indicate that a dry extended detention pond is NOT functioning as designed?

Side slopes are vegetated with erosion-resistant grass
Outlet structure riser has a dewatering orifice at the pond floor
Pond bottom has sparse grass cover between storm events
Permanent pool of water remains in the pond bottom weeks after the last storm (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Permanent pool of water remains in the pond bottom weeks after the last storm

A dry extended detention pond is designed to drain completely between storms; a permanent pool indicates a clogged outlet, high water table, or improper grading that prevents full drainage.

Question 18: When evaluating the adequacy of an erosion control plan, an inspector should verify that BMPs are designed to handle what storm event at minimum?

A 100-year, 24-hour storm event for all BMPs
A 10-year, 1-hour storm event for slopes only
A 2-year, 24-hour storm event for temporary BMPs (Correct answer)
A 5-year, 6-hour storm event for perimeter controls

Correct answer: A 2-year, 24-hour storm event for temporary BMPs

Most construction stormwater permits and guidance documents require temporary erosion control BMPs to be designed to handle at least a 2-year, 24-hour storm event.

Question 19: Which of the following best describes an 'operator' as defined under NPDES construction stormwater regulations?

The licensed engineer who stamps the SWPPP drawings
Any subcontractor performing earthwork activities on the project
The municipality issuing the grading permit for the project
Any entity with operational control over daily activities or the ability to modify plans/specifications (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Any entity with operational control over daily activities or the ability to modify plans/specifications

An 'operator' is any entity that has operational control over construction activities or control over the project's plans and specifications.

Question 20: Which scenario represents an illicit discharge to a storm sewer system?

Sanitary sewer overflow entering a storm drain through a cross-connection (Correct answer)
Groundwater infiltration into a storm drain pipe
Stormwater runoff entering an inlet during a rainstorm
Clean water from a firefighting operation draining to a storm inlet

Correct answer: Sanitary sewer overflow entering a storm drain through a cross-connection

A sanitary sewer cross-connection that allows sewage to enter the storm drain is a classic illicit discharge, introducing pathogens and pollutants into waterways.

Question 21: A SWPPP amendment log should record which of the following for each amendment?

The cost of implementing the change
Only the date the amendment was made
The contractor's insurance policy number
The date, description of the change, reason for the change, and the person who authorized it (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The date, description of the change, reason for the change, and the person who authorized it

A complete amendment log captures the date, a clear description of what changed, why it changed, and who approved the change to maintain an auditable record.

Question 22: Which scenario represents a 'significant non-compliance' event that typically requires expedited regulatory reporting?

A safety cone placed outside the designated area
A site map that is slightly out of date
An unpermitted discharge of sediment-laden water to a water of the United States (Correct answer)
A silt fence post that is leaning slightly

Correct answer: An unpermitted discharge of sediment-laden water to a water of the United States

An unpermitted discharge to waters of the US is a significant non-compliance event under most NPDES permits, requiring immediate corrective action and often accelerated reporting to the regulatory agency.

Question 23: What is the primary goal of erosion control?

Minimize soil movement (Correct answer)
Build roads
Increase runoff
Grow vegetation

Correct answer: Minimize soil movement

The primary goal of erosion control is to prevent or reduce the displacement and transport of soil particles by wind or water. Uncontrolled erosion can lead to loss of fertile topsoil, sedimentation of waterways, and damage to infrastructure. By minimizing soil movement, erosion control measures protect natural resources and maintain site stability.

Question 24: A SWPPP requires inspections every 7 days and within 24 hours after a 0.25-inch rain event. During a week with two qualifying rain events, the minimum number of required inspections is:

1
2
4
3 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 3

The two post-storm inspections (within 24 hours of each event) satisfy the weekly requirement if they occur within the 7-day interval, resulting in a minimum of 2 inspections for that week.

Question 25: What is the primary purpose of an extended detention basin compared to a standard dry detention basin?

Increase peak discharge rates
Reduce basin footprint
Eliminate the need for outlet structures
Provide longer residence time to settle fine sediments (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Provide longer residence time to settle fine sediments

Extended detention basins hold runoff for 24–40 hours, allowing finer sediment particles that would not settle in a standard detention period to be removed before release.

Question 26: A SWPPP inspection reveals that silt fence has been installed on contours rather than across slopes. What action should the inspector take?

Issue a stop-work order without documentation
Remove the silt fence immediately
Document the deficiency and require corrective action (Correct answer)
Note it as acceptable since silt fence placement is flexible

Correct answer: Document the deficiency and require corrective action

Silt fence must intercept sheet flow by running across slopes, not on contours; the inspector must document the deficiency and require corrective installation.

Question 27: Which of the following best describes a 'qualified inspector' under most state NPDES construction stormwater programs?

Any licensed professional engineer
An EPA regional staff member
Any employee of the general contractor
A person trained to evaluate BMPs and identify compliance issues (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A person trained to evaluate BMPs and identify compliance issues

A qualified inspector is someone trained to recognize and evaluate the effectiveness of BMPs and identify compliance deficiencies, though specific credentials vary by state.

Question 28: A CESSWI inspector reviewing site records finds that corrective actions identified in a previous inspection were not implemented within the required timeframe. How should this be documented?

A new inspection report should note the repeat finding and the failure to correct within the required period (Correct answer)
The inspector should verbally notify the operator and take no further action
The prior inspection record should be amended to remove the uncorrected finding
The site should automatically be issued a stop-work order by the inspector

Correct answer: A new inspection report should note the repeat finding and the failure to correct within the required period

Repeat or unresolved findings must be documented in subsequent inspection reports as ongoing violations, creating an accurate compliance record.

Question 29: The rational method equation Q = CiA calculates peak runoff rate. What does the coefficient 'C' represent?

Runoff coefficient reflecting land cover and soil type (Correct answer)
Curve number for the watershed
Concentration time in minutes
Channel flow velocity in ft/s

Correct answer: Runoff coefficient reflecting land cover and soil type

The runoff coefficient C (dimensionless, 0–1.0) accounts for the fraction of rainfall that becomes surface runoff based on land use, soil type, and slope.

Question 30: What should inspectors check for in BMPs?

Shade patterns
Installation and maintenance status (Correct answer)
Label tags
Paint color

Correct answer: Installation and maintenance status

Inspectors must check the installation and maintenance status of Best Management Practices (BMPs) to ensure their effectiveness in preventing stormwater pollution. Proper installation guarantees BMPs are built according to design specifications, while consistent maintenance ensures they remain functional and capable of controlling erosion and sediment over time. Both aspects are critical for compliance and environmental protection.

Question 31: On a topographic map used for site characterization, closely spaced contour lines indicate:

Areas of deep soil deposition
Wetland boundaries
Steep slopes with higher erosion potential (Correct answer)
Flat terrain with low erosion risk

Correct answer: Steep slopes with higher erosion potential

Closely spaced contour lines represent rapid elevation change over a short horizontal distance, meaning steep slopes that generate faster runoff and higher erosive energy.

Question 32: During a site inspection, a 15-gallon drum of hydraulic fluid is tipped over, and the entire contents spill onto a gravel staging area. The spill is quickly contained with absorbent materials. According to typical SWPPP requirements, what is the inspector's most important documentation responsibility?

Take a sample of the contaminated gravel for laboratory analysis.
Interview the equipment operator who caused the spill and include their statement in the report.
Ensure the incident is recorded in the SWPPP's spill log with details on the substance, volume, location, and cleanup measures. (Correct answer)
Estimate the cost of the spilled material for the project manager.

Correct answer: Ensure the incident is recorded in the SWPPP's spill log with details on the substance, volume, location, and cleanup measures.

The SWPPP requires tracking and reporting of spills. Documenting the specifics of the spill—what it was, how much, where it happened, and the response taken—in a dedicated spill log is a critical record-keeping requirement for compliance and future prevention efforts.

Question 33: Which of the following best describes the concept of 'water quality volume' (WQv) in stormwater management?

The maximum volume a detention pond can hold before overtopping
The total annual runoff volume from a site
The volume of runoff from a design storm used to size water quality BMPs (Correct answer)
The volume of groundwater recharge achieved annually

Correct answer: The volume of runoff from a design storm used to size water quality BMPs

Water quality volume is the runoff volume from a specified small storm (often 1-inch or the 90th percentile event) used to size BMPs for pollutant removal and volume reduction.

Question 34: A CESSWI is inspecting a large construction site (over 10 acres) with significant grading. Which of the following sediment control BMPs is most appropriate for managing sediment-laden runoff at the primary discharge point for a large drainage area?

A sediment basin designed to detain runoff and allow sediment to settle. (Correct answer)
Inlet protection devices on all nearby storm drains.
Fiber rolls placed along the contours of the disturbed slopes.
A series of silt fences installed along the site perimeter.

Correct answer: A sediment basin designed to detain runoff and allow sediment to settle.

Sediment basins are specifically designed to handle runoff from large drainage areas (typically 5 to 100 acres) by creating a temporary pond that allows sediment to settle out before the water is discharged from the site. Silt fences, inlet protection, and fiber rolls are typically used for smaller drainage areas or as secondary controls.

Question 35: An inspector discovers that a post-construction wet pond outlet's trash rack is missing. The most important reason to replace it immediately is to:

Prevent debris from blocking the outlet pipe, which could cause uncontrolled overflow and embankment failure (Correct answer)
Reduce aquatic vegetation growth inside the barrel
Meet local landscaping ordinance requirements
Improve the aesthetic appearance of the pond

Correct answer: Prevent debris from blocking the outlet pipe, which could cause uncontrolled overflow and embankment failure

Trash racks keep large debris from entering and blocking the outlet barrel; without one, clogging can cause water levels to exceed the embankment and lead to erosive overtopping or structural failure.

Question 36: A 'perched water table' on a construction site is most likely caused by:

An impermeable soil or rock layer that impedes downward percolation of water (Correct answer)
Deep fractured bedrock below 20 feet
High evapotranspiration rates in summer
Excessive irrigation of adjacent landscaping

Correct answer: An impermeable soil or rock layer that impedes downward percolation of water

A perched water table forms when a low-permeability layer (clay lens, hardpan, or bedrock) traps infiltrating water above the regional water table.

Question 37: What is the role of an Erosion and Sediment Control (ESC) plan in the context of regulatory compliance for construction projects?

It replaces the SWPPP and satisfies all NPDES permit conditions
It documents site-specific BMPs for controlling erosion and sediment, often required by local ordinance and incorporated into the SWPPP (Correct answer)
It must be prepared exclusively by a licensed geotechnical engineer
It is only required for projects disturbing more than 50 acres under federal law

Correct answer: It documents site-specific BMPs for controlling erosion and sediment, often required by local ordinance and incorporated into the SWPPP

ESC plans document erosion and sediment control measures required by local authorities and are typically incorporated as part of the site's SWPPP.

Question 38: On a construction site soil report, a 'dispersion' problem refers to which condition?

Soil particles that resist compaction
Soil with high organic matter content
Soil that collapses suddenly when wetted
Soil particles that deflocculate in water, making it highly erodible (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Soil particles that deflocculate in water, making it highly erodible

Dispersive soils have clay particles that repel each other in water, causing the soil to erode internally (piping) or on the surface at very low shear stresses.

Question 39: Which EPA Phase II rule expanded NPDES stormwater permit requirements to include construction sites of what minimum acreage?

5 acres or more
0.5 acres or more
1 acre or more (Correct answer)
2 acres or more

Correct answer: 1 acre or more

The EPA Phase II stormwater rule (effective 2003) extended permit requirements to construction sites disturbing 1 acre or more.

Question 40: What is the primary difference between infiltration trenches and infiltration basins as stormwater BMPs?

Trenches are narrow, subsurface stone-filled features; basins are shallow surface depressions (Correct answer)
Trenches treat larger drainage areas than basins
Basins require underdrain systems; trenches do not
Trenches use sand media; basins use gravel

Correct answer: Trenches are narrow, subsurface stone-filled features; basins are shallow surface depressions

Infiltration trenches are narrow excavations filled with stone aggregate that receive runoff and infiltrate it underground, while infiltration basins are open surface areas that allow ponded water to percolate into the soil.

Question 41: Which BMP design parameter ensures that sediment trapped in a basin will not be resuspended and discharged during large storm events?

Trap efficiency curve
Length-to-width ratio (Correct answer)
Freeboard elevation
Anti-seep collar placement

Correct answer: Length-to-width ratio

A length-to-width ratio of 3:1 or greater promotes plug flow, reducing turbulence and short-circuiting that could resuspend settled sediment during high-flow events.

Question 42: What is the primary mechanism by which a vegetated filter strip reduces stormwater pollutant loads?

Aeration of runoff to oxidize contaminants
Chemical precipitation of dissolved pollutants
Sedimentation and infiltration as sheet flow passes through dense vegetation (Correct answer)
Biological uptake by plant roots in the filter strip

Correct answer: Sedimentation and infiltration as sheet flow passes through dense vegetation

Vegetated filter strips slow sheet flow, allowing sediment to settle and runoff to infiltrate, removing particulate-bound pollutants from stormwater.

Question 43: 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?

Note that the BMP is functioning as intended by capturing sediment.
Remove the silt fence as it is no longer effective.
Document the finding and schedule maintenance for the following week.
Document the deficiency and require that maintenance be performed promptly to restore its function. (Correct answer)

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

Best Management Practices (BMPs) like silt fences require regular maintenance to function correctly. A common rule of thumb is that sediment should be removed when it reaches one-third to one-half the height of the fence. A sagging fence with excessive accumulation is a failing BMP that needs to be documented as a deficiency requiring prompt corrective action.

Question 44: Under most state construction general permits, what is the maximum allowable turbidity or visual benchmark that inspectors use to evaluate whether a BMP is functioning effectively?

Discharge must not cause a discernible change in the color or clarity of the receiving water (Correct answer)
Discharge turbidity must not exceed 5 NTU above background levels
Discharge must not cause a visible sheen, foam, or floating solids in receiving waters
Discharge must be completely clear with zero suspended solids

Correct answer: Discharge must not cause a discernible change in the color or clarity of the receiving water

Many permits use narrative standards prohibiting discharges that cause a discernible change in color or clarity of receiving waters as the visual benchmark.

Question 45: Under EPA enforcement authority, which type of penalty can be assessed for each day a construction site is in violation of its NPDES stormwater permit?

Civil administrative penalties of up to $25,000 per day of violation (Correct answer)
Only criminal fines; civil penalties require a court order
Fines limited to the cost of installing missing BMPs
No monetary penalties; only injunctive relief is available under the CWA

Correct answer: Civil administrative penalties of up to $25,000 per day of violation

EPA can assess civil administrative penalties of up to $25,000 per day per violation for NPDES permit noncompliance under CWA Section 309.

Question 46: Under most state MS4 permits, what minimum level of permanent vegetation cover is typically required before a disturbed area is considered 'finally stabilized' and permit coverage can be terminated?

70% uniform vegetative cover (Correct answer)
25% uniform vegetative cover
100% complete vegetative cover with no bare areas
50% uniform vegetative cover

Correct answer: 70% uniform vegetative cover

Most permits define final stabilization as achieving at least 70% uniform perennial vegetative cover, or equivalent stabilization methods.

Question 47: A linear construction project (pipeline) crosses through three states. Which NPDES permits are required?

A single federal NPDES permit from EPA covers the entire linear project
Only one permit from the state where the project originates is needed
Separate NPDES permit coverage is required in each state where earth disturbance occurs (Correct answer)
Linear projects are exempt from NPDES requirements regardless of disturbed acreage

Correct answer: Separate NPDES permit coverage is required in each state where earth disturbance occurs

NPDES permit coverage must be obtained in each state where land disturbance occurs, as each state (or EPA for unauthorized states) has its own jurisdiction.

Question 48: What is the goal of stormwater management?

Increase erosion
Flood construction sites
Raise water levels
Reduce pollution and manage flow (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Reduce pollution and manage flow

The goal of stormwater management is to effectively control the quantity and quality of runoff generated from rainfall. This involves reducing the volume and velocity of stormwater to prevent flooding and erosion, while also treating it to remove pollutants before it enters natural water bodies. Comprehensive management protects infrastructure, human safety, and environmental health.

Question 49: What is required in inspection reports?

Expense receipts
Personal notes
Soil samples
Site conditions and BMP status (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Site conditions and BMP status

Inspection reports are required to include detailed information on site conditions and the status of Best Management Practices (BMPs). This includes observations about erosion, sediment accumulation, and pollutant sources, alongside assessments of whether BMPs are properly installed, maintained, and functioning effectively. This comprehensive reporting ensures accountability and guides necessary corrective actions.

Question 50: Which erosion mechanism involves the removal of a thin, relatively uniform layer of soil from the land surface by raindrop splash and sheet flow?

Sheet erosion (Correct answer)
Rill erosion
Gully erosion
Streambank erosion

Correct answer: Sheet erosion

Sheet erosion removes a thin, fairly uniform layer of soil across a broad area through the combined action of raindrop impact and shallow overland flow.

Question 51: When computing peak discharge using the Rational Method (Q = CiA), what units must drainage area 'A' be expressed in for the formula to yield flow in cubic feet per second?

Acres (Correct answer)
Square miles
Hectares
Square feet

Correct answer: Acres

In the Rational Method as commonly applied in the US, area must be in acres, rainfall intensity in inches per hour, and C is dimensionless, yielding Q in cubic feet per second.

Question 52: Which document is the primary communication tool between the inspector and the contractor regarding required corrective actions?

The project's daily weather log
A Notice of Deficiency or Corrective Action Report (Correct answer)
A verbal agreement documented in the inspector's personal notes
The SWPPP itself

Correct answer: A Notice of Deficiency or Corrective Action Report

A Notice of Deficiency or Corrective Action Report formally communicates required repairs to the contractor and creates a legally defensible paper trail.

Question 53: When multiple operators share responsibility on a single construction site under a Construction General Permit, how is permit responsibility typically allocated?

The landowner always holds sole permit responsibility regardless of who performs work
Only the general contractor holds permit responsibility; subcontractors are exempt
Each operator with operational control over a portion of the site may need separate or co-permittee coverage (Correct answer)
Permit responsibility automatically transfers to whoever installs the sediment controls

Correct answer: Each operator with operational control over a portion of the site may need separate or co-permittee coverage

Operators with day-to-day operational control over site activities may each require permit coverage or be named as co-permittees.

Question 54: The 'first flush' phenomenon in urban stormwater refers to:

Initial flushing of sanitary sewers during high-flow events
The peak discharge occurring at the beginning of a storm event
Disproportionately high pollutant concentrations in early runoff from impervious surfaces (Correct answer)
First-year performance decline of new stormwater BMPs

Correct answer: Disproportionately high pollutant concentrations in early runoff from impervious surfaces

The first flush describes the elevated concentrations of pollutants (oil, metals, nutrients) mobilized from impervious surfaces by the initial portion of a storm before dilution occurs.

Question 55: A construction site plan calls for the use of check dams in a newly constructed drainage swale. What is the primary function of these check dams?

To increase the velocity of water flow to flush the channel.
To filter out fine sediment and pollutants from the water.
To serve as a permanent structural foundation for the swale.
To reduce the velocity of water flow, preventing channel erosion. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To reduce the velocity of water flow, preventing channel erosion.

The main purpose of a check dam is to reduce the velocity of concentrated stormwater flow within a channel or swale. By slowing the water, it reduces its erosive energy, which helps prevent scouring and gullying of the channel bed and banks, and allows some sediment to settle out.

Question 56: An inspector observes that fiber rolls installed on a slope have gaps larger than 1 inch between the roll and the soil surface. What problem does this create?

The roll will shift upslope during rain events
The roll will decompose faster than intended
Runoff bypasses the roll by flowing underneath rather than being slowed (Correct answer)
Sediment will accumulate above the roll too quickly

Correct answer: Runoff bypasses the roll by flowing underneath rather than being slowed

Gaps beneath fiber rolls allow runoff to channel under the device, bypassing its flow-retarding function entirely.

Question 57: Permeable pavement systems reduce stormwater runoff volume primarily by:

Directing runoff to adjacent vegetated swales only
Reducing impervious area calculations by 50% by default
Allowing water to infiltrate through voids into underlying storage layers (Correct answer)
Increasing surface slope to accelerate drainage

Correct answer: Allowing water to infiltrate through voids into underlying storage layers

Permeable pavement contains open-graded voids that allow rainfall to pass through the surface and into a stone reservoir base, where it infiltrates into the subgrade or is slowly released.

Question 58: Which factor most directly determines the appropriate spacing of contour wattles on a slope?

Proximity to water bodies
Soil type and clay content
Annual rainfall amount
Slope steepness and wattle diameter (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Slope steepness and wattle diameter

Spacing of contour wattles is primarily determined by slope steepness and wattle diameter, with steeper slopes requiring closer spacing.

Question 59: What is the primary purpose of conducting a pre-construction site assessment for a CESSWI inspector?

To verify the contractor's insurance
To identify site drainage patterns, sensitive areas, and existing erosion hazards before grading begins (Correct answer)
To collect soil samples for laboratory analysis
To approve the grading plan for permit issuance

Correct answer: To identify site drainage patterns, sensitive areas, and existing erosion hazards before grading begins

A pre-construction assessment establishes baseline conditions, identifies drainage flow paths, and locates environmentally sensitive areas so appropriate BMPs can be planned.

Question 60: An inspector is performing a routine weekly site inspection. According to the EPA's 2022 Construction General Permit (CGP), which of the following items is essential to document in the inspection report?

The projected cost of any required maintenance or corrective actions.
The brand names of all BMPs currently installed on site.
The visual quality of any discharges, including color, odor, and oily sheen. (Correct answer)
A summary of any conversations held with subcontractors during the inspection.

Correct answer: The visual quality of any discharges, including color, odor, and oily sheen.

Part 4.7 of the EPA's 2022 CGP explicitly requires that inspection reports document the visual quality of any stormwater discharges, noting characteristics like color, odor, floating or suspended solids, foam, and oily sheen. While other details are part of good site management, the visual assessment of discharges is a specific permit requirement for the report.

Question 61: In the context of post-construction stormwater management, what does 'hydromodification' refer to?

The installation of stormwater infrastructure modifications after construction
Modifying a hydrograph by adding riprap
Changes in the natural hydrologic cycle (peak flows, runoff volume, duration) caused by land development (Correct answer)
The process of adding chemical treatment to stormwater

Correct answer: Changes in the natural hydrologic cycle (peak flows, runoff volume, duration) caused by land development

Hydromodification describes how impervious surfaces and altered drainage increase peak flows, total runoff volume, and flow duration compared to pre-development conditions, degrading stream channels.

Question 62: A permeable pavement system fails to drain adequately after several years of use. What is the most likely cause?

Excessive rainfall intensity during storms
Structural failure of the aggregate base
Tree root intrusion into the pavement surface
Clogging of pores by fine sediments and debris (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Clogging of pores by fine sediments and debris

Fine sediment and organic debris accumulate in the pores of permeable pavement over time, reducing infiltration rates and requiring vacuum sweeping maintenance.

Question 63: What action should a CESSWI inspector take if they encounter an aggressive or threatening response from a contractor during an inspection?

Abandon the inspection permanently and submit no report
Escalate the confrontation to establish authority
Physically restrain the contractor until the situation is resolved
Calmly disengage, ensure personal safety, and report the incident to the supervisor and regulatory agency as required (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Calmly disengage, ensure personal safety, and report the incident to the supervisor and regulatory agency as required

Inspector safety takes priority; disengaging calmly and reporting the incident through proper channels protects both the inspector and the integrity of the regulatory process.

Question 64: Under NPDES construction stormwater permits, non-stormwater discharges from a construction site are generally:

Allowed during daylight hours without restriction if diluted to acceptable levels
Permitted if the contractor notifies the local municipality 48 hours in advance
Prohibited unless specifically authorized in the permit or excluded by regulation (Correct answer)
Always permitted as long as they are less than 100 gallons per day

Correct answer: Prohibited unless specifically authorized in the permit or excluded by regulation

Non-stormwater discharges are prohibited under NPDES construction permits unless they are specifically listed as authorized exceptions (such as uncontaminated groundwater dewatering) or are separately permitted.

Question 65: What is the purpose of a stabilized construction entrance/exit (also called a rock pad or wheel wash) under pollution prevention requirements?

To provide a designated area for concrete truck washout operations
To create a permeable surface that allows stormwater to infiltrate before leaving the site
To reduce the tracking of mud and sediment onto public roads by construction vehicles (Correct answer)
To serve as a secondary containment area for fuel and chemical storage

Correct answer: To reduce the tracking of mud and sediment onto public roads by construction vehicles

Stabilized construction entrances are designed to dislodge mud and debris from vehicle tires so it does not get tracked onto public roadways, where it can be washed into storm drains.

Question 66: In the context of SWPPP communication, what does the acronym 'NOI' stand for?

Notice of Infraction
Notice of Inspection
Notification of Incident
Notice of Intent (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Notice of Intent

NOI stands for Notice of Intent, the document submitted to the permitting authority to obtain coverage under a general NPDES permit before construction begins.

Question 67: What is the primary purpose of including dated photographs in a construction stormwater inspection report?

To help the inspector remember site conditions for the next inspection.
To provide a clear, time-stamped visual record of site conditions and BMP performance. (Correct answer)
To provide a visual substitute for all written descriptions of BMPs.
To create marketing materials for the construction company's environmental stewardship.

Correct answer: To provide a clear, time-stamped visual record of site conditions and BMP performance.

Dated photographs serve as crucial, objective evidence of the conditions observed during an inspection. They can verify the status of BMPs, document deficiencies, show the context of the site, and confirm that corrective actions have been completed, supporting the written findings in the report.

Question 68: An inspector is working near heavy equipment on an active construction site. What personal protective equipment (PPE) is typically required?

Gloves and a dust mask
Safety glasses only
Hard hat, high-visibility vest, and steel-toed boots at minimum (Correct answer)
No PPE required since the inspector is not doing construction work

Correct answer: Hard hat, high-visibility vest, and steel-toed boots at minimum

Active construction sites require hard hats, high-visibility vests, and steel-toed boots as baseline PPE for anyone on site, including inspectors.

Question 69: Which outlet structure configuration is best suited to control two separate design storms (e.g., 2-year and 100-year) from a single detention basin?

Riser with multiple orifices at different elevations (Correct answer)
Simple overflow weir
Single orifice plate
Perforated riser pipe

Correct answer: Riser with multiple orifices at different elevations

A multi-stage riser with orifices at different elevations independently controls smaller, more frequent storms at lower stages and larger storms at higher stages.

Question 70: A SWPPP log shows that a required BMP repair was identified but not completed within the required timeframe. This is best described as:

A minor administrative deficiency
Normal practice if the next inspection is imminent
A permit violation that could trigger enforcement (Correct answer)
An acceptable variance if weather was the cause

Correct answer: A permit violation that could trigger enforcement

Failure to complete required BMP repairs within the permit-specified timeframe constitutes a permit violation subject to enforcement action.

Question 71: Street sweeping of public roads adjacent to a construction site is primarily performed to address which stormwater pollution concern?

Improve site visibility for construction personnel operating heavy equipment
Prevent pavement damage caused by excessive weight of sediment deposits
Remove tracked sediment and debris before it is washed into storm drains by rain (Correct answer)
Reduce vehicle noise from heavy construction truck traffic on roadways

Correct answer: Remove tracked sediment and debris before it is washed into storm drains by rain

Street sweeping removes sediment tracked from construction sites onto public roads before rainfall events can mobilize that material into storm drains and downstream waterways.

Question 72: What term describes the volume of runoff that must be captured and treated to meet water quality objectives under many state stormwater programs?

Critical storm volume
Water quality volume (WQv) (Correct answer)
Recharge volume
Channel protection volume

Correct answer: Water quality volume (WQv)

The Water Quality Volume (WQv) is the runoff volume associated with a small, frequent storm (often the 90th percentile event) that must be captured and treated to achieve pollutant load reductions.

Question 73: An inspector finds that a slope with disturbed soil has been left un-stabilized for 20 days without any temporary cover. The applicable CGP requires stabilization within 14 days. How should this be documented?

As an observation only, since no sediment has left the site yet
As a corrective action item with the number of days past the stabilization deadline noted (Correct answer)
Defer documentation until the next scheduled inspection
As a compliant condition because the slope has not actively eroded

Correct answer: As a corrective action item with the number of days past the stabilization deadline noted

Exceeding the stabilization deadline is a permit violation that must be documented as a corrective action item, including the number of days the deadline has been exceeded.

Question 74: What is the purpose of the J-hook or 'J-turn' method when installing silt fence at the ends of a run?

To prevent runoff from flowing around the ends of the fence (Correct answer)
To allow controlled overflow at a designated point
To create a sediment sump at the terminus
To anchor the fabric to adjacent vegetation

Correct answer: To prevent runoff from flowing around the ends of the fence

Turning the ends of a silt fence upslope in a J-hook formation prevents concentrated flow from bypassing the barrier at the fence endpoints.

Question 75: What is the primary purpose of maintaining a chain of custody for water quality samples collected during a storm water inspection?

To satisfy laboratory billing requirements
To determine the cost of treatment
To identify who is to blame for pollution
To ensure sample integrity and legal defensibility by documenting all handlers from collection to laboratory analysis (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To ensure sample integrity and legal defensibility by documenting all handlers from collection to laboratory analysis

Chain of custody documentation preserves sample integrity and ensures results are legally defensible by tracking every person who handled the sample.

Question 76: An inspector finds a silt fence that is completely buried in sediment and no longer functional. What is the most critical communication step?

Verbally tell the nearest worker and move on
Document the deficiency with photos and measurements and issue a written corrective action notice with a deadline (Correct answer)
Remove the fence yourself to restore the site
Note it as compliant since the fence did its job collecting sediment

Correct answer: Document the deficiency with photos and measurements and issue a written corrective action notice with a deadline

A non-functional BMP must be formally documented and a written corrective action notice issued, creating a regulatory paper trail and establishing accountability.

Question 77: Soil texture is determined by the relative proportions of which three particle sizes?

Cobble, silt, and clay
Sand, clay, and organic matter
Gravel, sand, and silt
Sand, silt, and clay (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Sand, silt, and clay

USDA soil texture classification is based on the percentages of sand (0.05–2 mm), silt (0.002–0.05 mm), and clay (<0.002 mm) as plotted on a soil texture triangle.

Question 78: The 'LS' factor in the USLE represents:

Soil loss per acre
Land slope only
Landscape sensitivity index
Slope length and slope steepness combined (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Slope length and slope steepness combined

The LS factor accounts for both the length of the slope (L) and its steepness (S); longer and steeper slopes accumulate more runoff energy and cause greater erosion.

Question 79: Which federal agency has primary enforcement authority for NPDES violations at construction sites in states without authorized NPDES programs?

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (Correct answer)

Correct answer: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

EPA retains direct NPDES enforcement authority in states that have not received EPA authorization to administer their own permit programs.

Question 80: Under Low Impact Development (LID) principles, what is the primary goal when managing stormwater from a new development?

Pipe all runoff directly to the nearest water body
Maximize impervious surface to reduce maintenance
Mimic pre-development hydrology by managing runoff at the source (Correct answer)
Size detention basins to handle the 500-year storm

Correct answer: Mimic pre-development hydrology by managing runoff at the source

LID aims to replicate pre-development hydrology through distributed, small-scale practices that promote infiltration, evapotranspiration, and retention close to where rain falls.

Question 81: Under the Clean Water Act Section 402, which program specifically governs stormwater discharges from construction sites?

Section 319 Nonpoint Source Program
Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Program
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) (Correct answer)
Section 404 Dredge and Fill Program

Correct answer: National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)

The NPDES program under CWA Section 402 regulates point source discharges including stormwater from construction activities.

Question 82: Which erosion control BMP is MOST appropriate for protecting a freshly graded cut slope in a semi-arid climate where irrigation is not available?

Standard straw wattle with native seed
Bonded fiber matrix (BFM) hydraulic mulch (Correct answer)
Open-weave textile erosion control blanket
Polyethylene sheeting

Correct answer: Bonded fiber matrix (BFM) hydraulic mulch

BFMs create a continuous bonded matrix that protects soil and retains moisture to support seed germination even in dry conditions without irrigation.

Question 83: During inspection of a stormwater BMP maintenance access road, an inspector notes the road surface is eroding and depositing sediment into an adjacent wet pond forebay. The BEST corrective action is to:

Remove the forebay and expand the main pool
Increase mowing frequency along the road
Stabilize the access road with gravel or pavement and install edge protection (Correct answer)
Reroute pond drainage to bypass the access road

Correct answer: Stabilize the access road with gravel or pavement and install edge protection

The access road should be surfaced with stable aggregate or pavement and provided with edge protection such as rolled erosion control products or riprap to prevent sediment delivery to the pond.

Question 84: Under a typical NPDES Construction General Permit, how often must pollution prevention and good housekeeping measures be inspected during the active construction phase?

At least every 14 calendar days and within 24 hours of a 0.5-inch or greater storm event (Correct answer)
Daily by the site superintendent with no required documentation
Only after significant storm events, defined as greater than 1 inch of rainfall in 24 hours
Once per month by a registered professional engineer of record

Correct answer: At least every 14 calendar days and within 24 hours of a 0.5-inch or greater storm event

Most NPDES CGPs require qualified personnel to inspect all BMPs, including good housekeeping measures, at least every 14 days and within 24 hours after a qualifying storm event of 0.5 inches or more.

Question 85: An inspector finds that vegetation on a previously disturbed slope has less than 70% cover. What does this indicate?

Only annual grasses are required for stabilization
The site can be considered permanently stabilized
The vegetation is sufficient if the slope is less than 3:1
The stabilization is inadequate and active erosion control BMPs must remain in place (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The stabilization is inadequate and active erosion control BMPs must remain in place

Most NPDES permits require at least 70% uniform vegetative cover before a disturbed area is considered finally stabilized and BMPs can be removed.

Question 86: In which scenario is a rock berm PREFERABLE to a silt fence for sediment control?

Sheet flow over flat slopes less than 1%
Concentrated flow conditions or in drainage channels (Correct answer)
Perimeter control along property lines
Areas with established vegetation nearby

Correct answer: Concentrated flow conditions or in drainage channels

Rock berms can handle concentrated flow and higher flow velocities that would overwhelm and breach a silt fence, making them more appropriate for drainage channels.

Question 87: Heat stress is a significant hazard for field inspectors in summer. Which sign indicates a worker may be experiencing heat stroke (a medical emergency) rather than heat exhaustion?

Hot, dry skin; confusion; and loss of consciousness (Correct answer)
Muscle cramps and fatigue
Thirst and dark-colored urine
Heavy sweating and pale, moist skin

Correct answer: Hot, dry skin; confusion; and loss of consciousness

Heat stroke presents with hot, dry skin and altered mental status—including confusion and unconsciousness—requiring immediate emergency medical response.

Question 88: Under the EPA Construction General Permit, which of the following pollutants from construction sites requires specific BMP controls beyond sediment?

Concrete washout, paint, and fuel stored on site (Correct answer)
Carbon dioxide from equipment exhaust
Dust from unpaved access roads in arid regions
Noise from grading equipment

Correct answer: Concrete washout, paint, and fuel stored on site

The CGP requires BMPs to address non-sediment pollutants including concrete washout, fuels, oils, paints, and other chemicals stored or used on site.

Question 89: Under the Clean Water Act's NPDES program, a Phase II MS4 permit holder is generally a:

State environmental agency
Large federal military installation with over 10,000 acres
Small to medium municipality or county with a population under 100,000 that operates a storm sewer system (Correct answer)
Private land developer constructing more than 5 acres

Correct answer: Small to medium municipality or county with a population under 100,000 that operates a storm sewer system

Phase II MS4 regulations (40 CFR Part 122) require small municipalities and counties (generally under 100,000 population) to obtain NPDES permit coverage for their storm sewer systems.

Question 90: Which of the following best describes the 'corrective action deadline' concept in storm water inspection communication?

The expiration date of the SWPPP permit
A specific date by which identified deficiencies must be repaired and verified, typically specified in the corrective action notice (Correct answer)
The deadline for the contractor to respond to emails
The date by which the inspector must submit the report

Correct answer: A specific date by which identified deficiencies must be repaired and verified, typically specified in the corrective action notice

Corrective action deadlines set a specific date for BMP repairs, after which the inspector must verify completion and document the outcome.

Question 91: A state requires that construction sites implement post-construction stormwater controls as a condition of local land development approval. This requirement is most directly associated with which federal mandate?

The Endangered Species Act Section 7 consultation requirements
The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) environmental review process
NPDES Phase II stormwater rules requiring local MS4 programs to include post-construction standards (Correct answer)
Section 404 wetland mitigation banking regulations

Correct answer: NPDES Phase II stormwater rules requiring local MS4 programs to include post-construction standards

Phase II NPDES rules require Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) programs to establish post-construction stormwater management standards for new development.

Question 92: A key principle of construction sequencing for minimizing erosion is to perform which of the following actions FIRST?

Install perimeter controls and sediment barriers before mass grading begins. (Correct answer)
Install utilities and storm drain infrastructure across the entire site.
Begin mass grading and clearing to establish the site footprint quickly.
Stabilize all finished slopes with permanent vegetation immediately after they are cut.

Correct answer: Install perimeter controls and sediment barriers before mass grading begins.

Proper construction sequencing requires that principal sediment and runoff control measures, such as perimeter controls (silt fences, berms) and sediment traps/barriers, be installed *before* major land-disturbing activities like mass grading commence. This ensures that a system is in place to capture sediment as soon as soil is exposed.

Question 93: Which statement BEST describes the role of electronic recordkeeping systems in modern CESSWI documentation practice?

Only paper records are considered legally valid for permit compliance
Electronic records are not accepted by any regulatory agency
Electronic systems can streamline data entry, GPS tagging, and report generation, but must meet the same legal admissibility and retention standards as paper records (Correct answer)
Electronic records eliminate the need for inspector signatures

Correct answer: Electronic systems can streamline data entry, GPS tagging, and report generation, but must meet the same legal admissibility and retention standards as paper records

Electronic recordkeeping offers efficiency advantages but must satisfy the same regulatory requirements — completeness, accuracy, retention periods, and admissibility — as traditional paper-based records.

Question 94: Which of the following scenarios would require the installation of a temporary diversion dike above a disturbed area?

The construction entrance has become clogged with mud from vehicle traffic
A sediment basin needs to be dewatered after a storm event
The disturbed area is located on a flat, poorly drained site
Runoff from undisturbed upland areas drains across an active construction zone (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Runoff from undisturbed upland areas drains across an active construction zone

Temporary diversion dikes intercept clean runoff from upland areas before it crosses disturbed ground, preventing it from picking up sediment and complicating stormwater management.

Question 95: When characterizing a disturbed construction site, which indicator most strongly suggests the presence of hydric soils and a potential wetland?

Sandy texture with rapid drainage
Gray or bluish-green soil colors (gleying) with redoximorphic features (Correct answer)
Reddish-brown oxidized mottles throughout the soil profile
High bulk density and low organic matter

Correct answer: Gray or bluish-green soil colors (gleying) with redoximorphic features

Gleyed colors and redoximorphic features (mottles, concretions) result from periodic saturation and anaerobic conditions characteristic of hydric soils in wetlands.

Question 96: Why are permeable pavements beneficial?

Crack under pressure
Block water
Resist evaporation
Enable infiltration (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Enable infiltration

Permeable pavements are designed with porous surfaces that allow stormwater to filter through them and infiltrate into the underlying soil, rather than running off the surface. This process helps to reduce stormwater runoff volume, replenish groundwater, and filter out pollutants. By enabling infiltration, permeable pavements mitigate flooding and improve water quality.

Question 97: What does vegetative buffer strip do?

Reduces erosion and captures pollutants (Correct answer)
Prevents evaporation
Enhances curb appeal
Hides equipment

Correct answer: Reduces erosion and captures pollutants

A vegetative buffer strip, typically a strip of grass or other plants, is strategically placed to slow down runoff water, allowing sediment and associated pollutants to settle out before reaching sensitive areas like waterways. The vegetation's root systems also help stabilize the soil, further reducing erosion. This natural filtration system is a cost-effective way to improve water quality and manage stormwater.

Question 98: During a linear construction project (pipeline or road), how are inspection locations typically determined?

Only at the project endpoints and the midpoint
At fixed intervals of every 1,000 feet regardless of site conditions
At each active work area, disturbed area, and discharge location along the corridor (Correct answer)
Only where BMPs have been previously installed

Correct answer: At each active work area, disturbed area, and discharge location along the corridor

Linear projects require inspections at each active work area, all disturbed areas, and every discharge location along the entire corridor, not just fixed intervals.

Question 99: Which element distinguishes a pollution prevention plan from a standard erosion control plan within a SWPPP?

Pollution prevention plans include sediment basin design calculations
Pollution prevention plans are only required on sites over 10 acres
Pollution prevention plans replace the need for BMPs
Pollution prevention plans address non-sediment pollutants such as concrete washout, fuels, and chemicals (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Pollution prevention plans address non-sediment pollutants such as concrete washout, fuels, and chemicals

Pollution prevention measures address non-sediment construction pollutants (fuels, concrete, paints, chemicals), while erosion control focuses on soil loss and sedimentation.

Question 100: Under the NPDES Construction General Permit, which condition triggers the requirement to implement 'non-storm water management' erosion controls?

Presence of endangered species habitat within 500 feet
Disturbance of more than 5 acres at one time
Rain events exceeding 0.5 inches in 24 hours
Discharge of irrigation water or dewatering effluent from a construction site (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Discharge of irrigation water or dewatering effluent from a construction site

Non-stormwater discharges such as irrigation water or construction dewatering effluent require specific management BMPs because they are not precipitation-generated.

Question 101: Which scenario would most likely require an operator to obtain individual NPDES permit coverage rather than coverage under a Construction General Permit?

A site using a proprietary sediment control device
A site disturbing exactly 1 acre with no downstream impaired waters
A site with a history of permit violations and a significant potential for water quality harm (Correct answer)
A site that uses a phased grading approach

Correct answer: A site with a history of permit violations and a significant potential for water quality harm

EPA or a state agency may require individual permit coverage when a site poses a significant risk to water quality, such as a pattern of violations or proximity to sensitive resources.

Certified Erosion, Sediment, and Storm Water Inspector (CESSWI) Exam

The CESSWI certification validates the knowledge and skills of professionals responsible for inspecting and ensuring compliance with erosion, sediment, and stormwater management regulations.

100

Questions

120 min

Time Limit

75%

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