CESSWI Inspection Procedures and Duties 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During an inspection of a linear utility project, which unique challenge does the inspector face compared to a traditional land development site?
- Linear projects never require SWPPPs
- The disturbed corridor is long and narrow, making it difficult to establish perimeter controls and stabilize slopes quickly (Correct answer)
- Utility projects are exempt from NPDES stormwater requirements
- Linear projects only disturb impervious surfaces
Correct answer: The disturbed corridor is long and narrow, making it difficult to establish perimeter controls and stabilize slopes quickly
Linear projects present challenges because the elongated disturbance makes perimeter control and rapid stabilization more difficult, and phased construction often leaves long sections exposed.
Question 2: A CESSWI inspector is reviewing an inlet protection device on a storm drain during a light rain. The device is overflowing at the sides. What is the most likely cause?
- The device is functioning correctly by bypassing clean water
- The device is clogged with sediment and has lost its sediment-filtering capacity (Correct answer)
- The inlet pipe diameter is too large
- The rain is too light to trigger flow
Correct answer: The device is clogged with sediment and has lost its sediment-filtering capacity
Overflow at the sides of an inlet protection device typically indicates sediment buildup has blocked normal flow, meaning the device needs cleanout or replacement.
Question 3: Which of the following best describes 'non-stormwater discharges' that may be allowed under a construction general permit?
- Any water discharged from the site is a non-stormwater discharge
- Specific discharges such as uncontaminated groundwater, landscape irrigation, or fire hydrant flushing that meet permit conditions (Correct answer)
- All process wastewater generated on the construction site
- Discharges that occur only at night
Correct answer: Specific discharges such as uncontaminated groundwater, landscape irrigation, or fire hydrant flushing that meet permit conditions
Construction general permits typically enumerate allowable non-stormwater discharges (e.g., uncontaminated groundwater dewatering) that must still be managed to avoid pollutant discharge.
Question 4: What is the correct action when an inspector discovers that records required by the SWPPP (such as inspection reports and training logs) are missing or incomplete?
- Reconstruct the records from memory
- Cite the recordkeeping deficiency and require the permittee to produce or recreate documentation as allowed by the permit (Correct answer)
- Ignore recordkeeping issues if site BMPs appear functional
- Notify the contractor's attorney before documenting
Correct answer: Cite the recordkeeping deficiency and require the permittee to produce or recreate documentation as allowed by the permit
Recordkeeping requirements are legally mandated permit conditions; missing records constitute a violation that must be cited and corrected independently of BMP physical condition.
Question 5: An inspector observes a portable toilet on site that has been tipped over, with contents spilling on the ground. What type of potential violation does this represent?
- A safety violation only with no stormwater implications
- A potential stormwater pollutant discharge because sanitary waste can reach waterways via runoff (Correct answer)
- A concern only if the toilet is within 50 feet of a building
- No violation because portable toilets are exempt from stormwater permits
Correct answer: A potential stormwater pollutant discharge because sanitary waste can reach waterways via runoff
Spilled sanitary waste is a significant stormwater pollutant that can carry pathogens to waterways and represents a SWPPP non-compliance requiring immediate cleanup.
Question 6: What is the significance of 'active' versus 'inactive' portions of a construction site from an inspection standpoint?
- Inactive portions require more frequent inspections than active areas
- Inactive portions that are not disturbed within a defined period may require temporary stabilization, reducing inspection frequency (Correct answer)
- There is no regulatory distinction between active and inactive areas
- Active portions are exempt from BMP requirements
Correct answer: Inactive portions that are not disturbed within a defined period may require temporary stabilization, reducing inspection frequency
Many permits allow reduced inspection frequency or waiver for temporarily stabilized inactive areas, but require stabilization measures to be in place to qualify.
Question 7: During a site inspection, the inspector notices that the owner has applied for a Notice of Termination (NOT). Which site condition must be confirmed before the NOT can be filed?
- All construction equipment has been removed from the site
- All disturbed areas have achieved final stabilization and all temporary BMPs have been removed or will be removed (Correct answer)
- The contractor has been paid in full
- The local building department has issued a certificate of occupancy
Correct answer: All disturbed areas have achieved final stabilization and all temporary BMPs have been removed or will be removed
A Notice of Termination can only be filed once all disturbed areas are finally stabilized, stormwater controls are no longer needed, and the site meets all permit termination conditions.
CESSWI Inspection Procedures and Duties 4
During an inspection of a linear utility project, which unique challenge does the inspector face compared to a traditional land development site?