Inspection Procedures and Duties Flashcards
7 cards from real CESSWI practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Inspection Procedures and Duties flashcards as text
Which scenario represents a 'significant non-compliance' event that typically requires expedited regulatory reporting?
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.
When inspecting a sediment retention pond outlet structure, what is the inspector checking by examining the riser barrel and anti-seep collar?
Answer: Whether seepage or piping through or around the embankment could cause structural failure
Anti-seep collars are designed to prevent piping failures along the barrel; inspectors check for signs of seepage, settlement, or erosion around the outlet structure that could indicate embankment instability.
A CESSWI inspector identifies a BMP deficiency during an inspection. The timeframe for corrective action under most construction general permits is typically:
Answer: Within 7 calendar days for most deficiencies, with some requiring immediate action for active discharges
Most CGPs require non-emergency deficiencies to be corrected within 7 calendar days, while active discharges or high-risk conditions may require immediate action.
The inspector's duty regarding confidentiality of inspection findings primarily means:
Answer: Inspection records are typically public documents but should not be selectively shared to benefit one party over another
Inspection records under NPDES programs are generally public documents subject to disclosure laws; the inspector must handle them objectively without favoritism to any party.
When assessing the effectiveness of a fiber wattle (straw roll) installed on a slope, which observation indicates the BMP is performing correctly?
Answer: The wattle is anchored securely, perpendicular to slope flow, with no undercutting or bypass channels
A properly installed fiber wattle is staked perpendicular to flow direction with ends turned uphill to prevent bypass, and must show no signs of undercutting or flow routing around it.
What is the primary reason inspectors should document the condition of stormwater BMPs at the START of a rain event as well as after?
Answer: Pre-storm documentation establishes a baseline to determine whether damage occurred during the storm or was pre-existing neglect
Pre-storm baseline documentation allows the inspector to differentiate between storm damage (which may require repair timelines) and pre-storm neglect (which may indicate earlier non-compliance).
A construction site near a sensitive waterway has a requirement for a 'buffer zone' around the stream. During inspection, equipment tracks are found within the buffer. What should the inspector do?
Answer: Document the encroachment, cite the violation, and require remediation of the buffer area per permit conditions
Buffer zone encroachment is a permit violation regardless of whether visible erosion has occurred yet; it must be documented, cited, and remediated to protect the waterway.