CESSWI Site Inspection Procedures 3

Question 1

Under the EPA's Construction General Permit (CGP), how soon after a qualifying storm event must an inspection be completed?

Accepted Answer

Within 72 hours of the storm ending

Answer

The EPA CGP requires post-storm inspections to be completed within 72 hours after the end of a qualifying storm event of 0.25 inches or more.

Question 2

Which area of a construction site typically receives the most scrutiny during a site inspection for sediment loss?

Accepted Answer

Downslope perimeter controls and discharge points

Answer

Downslope perimeter controls and discharge points are where sediment leaves the site, making them the highest-priority inspection locations.

Question 3

What is the recommended minimum slope for a gravel construction entrance/exit pad to promote vehicle tire cleaning?

Accepted Answer

1-2% toward the site interior to prevent tracking toward the road

Answer

A slight 1-2% slope toward the site interior helps direct drainage away from the public road and encourages tire cleaning as vehicles depart.

Question 4

When inspecting silt fence, which defect indicates that the fence is likely to fail hydraulically during a storm?

Accepted Answer

Geotextile fabric is torn at a post connection point allowing a gap

Answer

Tears in the geotextile fabric at post connections create gaps through which sediment-laden water can flow unfiltered, representing a critical failure point.

Question 5

During a dry-weather inspection, an inspector notices a trickle of murky water flowing from a storm drain that is not connected to any known dewatering activity. What should the inspector do first?

Accepted Answer

Trace the flow upstream to identify the illicit discharge source and document findings

Answer

Dry-weather flows of turbid water suggest an illicit discharge, which must be traced to its source and documented for reporting under the SWPPP.

(CESSWI) Certified Erosion, Sediment, and Storm Water Inspector Practice Test

(CESSWI) Certified Erosion, Sediment, and Storm Water Inspector Practice Test

CESSWI Site Inspection Procedures 3