CESSWI Documentation and Reporting 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When an inspector discovers a previously undocumented discharge of sediment-laden water to a receiving stream, what is the FIRST documentation step?
- Notify the state environmental agency immediately
- Record the date, time, location, estimated volume, and visual characteristics of the discharge (Correct answer)
- Photograph only the discharge point
- Update the SWPPP to reflect the new condition
Correct answer: Record the date, time, location, estimated volume, and visual characteristics of the discharge
Capturing the factual details of the incident (date, time, location, volume, and appearance) is the first step so all subsequent notifications and reports are based on accurate information.
Question 2: Which component of a SWPPP inspection report documents whether installed BMPs are functioning as designed?
- Corrective action log
- BMP effectiveness assessment section (Correct answer)
- Contractor certification statement
- Rainfall frequency chart
Correct answer: BMP effectiveness assessment section
The BMP effectiveness assessment section specifically evaluates whether each installed control measure is performing its intended erosion or sediment control function.
Question 3: Under the EPA Construction General Permit, how many calendar days after a rainfall event ≥0.25 inches does the inspector have to complete and document a site inspection?
- 24 hours
- 48 hours
- 72 hours (Correct answer)
- 14 days
Correct answer: 72 hours
The CGP requires post-storm inspections to be completed within 72 hours (3 calendar days) of the qualifying rainfall event.
Question 4: What does a 'Notice of Termination' (NOT) document in the context of stormwater permits?
- Termination of a contractor's employment
- Formal notification that construction is complete and permit coverage is no longer needed (Correct answer)
- Cancellation of a SWPPP amendment
- Notice that a BMP has failed and must be removed
Correct answer: Formal notification that construction is complete and permit coverage is no longer needed
A Notice of Termination is submitted to the permitting authority to formally end permit coverage once final stabilization has been achieved and all temporary BMPs have been removed.
Question 5: An inspector notes turbid stormwater leaving a site but cannot measure turbidity on-site. Which documentation approach is MOST appropriate?
- Leave a blank field in the report until lab results arrive
- Record a qualitative visual description using standard color/clarity descriptors (Correct answer)
- Estimate turbidity as 'zero' since no equipment is available
- Delay the inspection report until portable equipment is obtained
Correct answer: Record a qualitative visual description using standard color/clarity descriptors
When quantitative measurement is not possible, inspectors should document qualitative visual observations using accepted descriptors (clear, light brown, chocolate brown, etc.) so that a record of conditions still exists.
Question 6: Which of the following BEST describes 'corrective action documentation' in stormwater inspection records?
- A record of penalties issued to contractors
- A log identifying deficiencies found, the required repair, the responsible party, and the deadline for completion (Correct answer)
- A summary of rainfall totals for the permit period
- A copy of the erosion control plan submitted with the permit application
Correct answer: A log identifying deficiencies found, the required repair, the responsible party, and the deadline for completion
Corrective action documentation captures each identified deficiency, what fix is required, who is responsible for making the repair, and by when it must be done.
Question 7: Why should stormwater inspection records include the inspector's qualifications or certification number?
- To allow the inspector to charge higher fees
- To demonstrate that the inspection was performed by a qualified person as required by the permit (Correct answer)
- To satisfy payroll record-keeping requirements
- To enable GPS tracking of inspections
Correct answer: To demonstrate that the inspection was performed by a qualified person as required by the permit
Many permits and regulations require inspections to be conducted by a 'qualified person,' and recording the inspector's credentials confirms regulatory compliance.
CESSWI Documentation and Reporting 2
When an inspector discovers a previously undocumented discharge of sediment-laden water to a receiving stream, what is the FIRST documentation step?