CESSWI Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Where should a concrete washout area be located on a construction site to prevent stormwater contamination?
- Directly adjacent to the nearest storm drain inlet for easy drainage
- At least 50 feet from storm drains, streams, and other water bodies (Correct answer)
- Upslope from all drainage channels to allow natural dilution
- Within 10 feet of the concrete mixing area regardless of drainage patterns
Correct answer: At least 50 feet from storm drains, streams, and other water bodies
Concrete washout areas must be sited at least 50 feet from storm drains, streams, and water bodies to prevent highly alkaline concrete wastewater from entering waterways.
Question 2: Which of the following is the BEST practice for storing bulk fuels and lubricants on a construction site?
- Store containers on bare soil in a low-lying area so spills naturally disperse
- Place containers inside secondary containment capable of holding 110% of the largest container's volume (Correct answer)
- Stack containers near the site entrance for quick access during emergencies
- Store all fuels and lubricants directly on impervious pavement without additional containment
Correct answer: Place containers inside secondary containment capable of holding 110% of the largest container's volume
Secondary containment sized to 110% of the largest container volume is the standard practice to capture spills before they reach stormwater conveyances.
Question 3: A construction crew spills hydraulic fluid near a storm drain. What is the FIRST action the inspector should ensure is taken?
- Dilute the spill with water and flush it into the storm drain
- Stop the source of the spill and prevent it from entering the storm drain (Correct answer)
- Document the spill and notify the state agency within 24 hours before any cleanup
- Apply dry cement powder to neutralize the hydraulic fluid
Correct answer: Stop the source of the spill and prevent it from entering the storm drain
The immediate priority in any spill response is to stop the source and prevent the material from reaching the storm drain or waterway, before documentation and notification steps.
Question 4: Construction site solid waste, such as packaging and scrap materials, must be managed to prevent stormwater pollution. What is the required minimum frequency for solid waste removal from most active construction sites?
- As needed, with no defined frequency required by NPDES permits
- Weekly, or more frequently if waste containers are full (Correct answer)
- Monthly, provided containers have adequate capacity
- Daily, as all waste must be removed from the site each evening
Correct answer: Weekly, or more frequently if waste containers are full
NPDES construction general permits typically require solid waste removal at least weekly to prevent materials from becoming pollutants in stormwater runoff.
Question 5: Portable sanitary facilities (portable toilets) on construction sites should be positioned to minimize stormwater contamination. Which placement is MOST appropriate?
- In a low-lying area downhill from the site so runoff carries waste away from work areas
- On stable, level ground away from drainage channels, storm drains, and water bodies (Correct answer)
- Adjacent to the nearest stream to allow for emergency overflow in heavy rain events
- Clustered near the site entrance on bare soil for easy servicing access
Correct answer: On stable, level ground away from drainage channels, storm drains, and water bodies
Portable toilets should be placed on stable, level ground well away from drainage channels and water bodies to prevent overturning and accidental discharge during storm events.
Question 6: Which of the following materials stored on a construction site poses the GREATEST pH-related risk to aquatic life if it enters a waterway via stormwater runoff?
- Wood shavings from lumber cutting
- Concrete and mortar washout water (Correct answer)
- Topsoil stockpile runoff
- Plastic sheeting and packaging waste
Correct answer: Concrete and mortar washout water
Concrete and mortar washout water has a very high pH (often above 12) and is highly caustic, posing severe toxicity risks to aquatic organisms even in small quantities.
Question 7: Under good housekeeping practices, how should paints, solvents, and other hazardous construction chemicals be stored on site?
- In original labeled containers under cover, within secondary containment, away from drains (Correct answer)
- Opened and repackaged into unmarked containers for convenience, stored outdoors
- Adjacent to water sources for easy cleanup access when containers are emptied
- Stored loosely on open shelving to allow vapors to dissipate naturally
Correct answer: In original labeled containers under cover, within secondary containment, away from drains
Hazardous chemicals must remain in original labeled containers, be stored under cover within secondary containment, and be kept away from storm drains to prevent spills and runoff contamination.
CESSWI Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping 1
Where should a concrete washout area be located on a construction site to prevent stormwater contamination?