CPESC Permit Requirements 5

Question 1

Which section of the Clean Water Act prohibits the discharge of pollutants from a point source to waters of the United States without a permit?

Accepted Answer

Section 301

Answer

Clean Water Act Section 301 establishes the general prohibition on discharging pollutants from a point source to waters of the U.S. without an NPDES permit.

Question 2

What penalty can EPA or a state agency impose for each day of a continuing NPDES permit violation?

Accepted Answer

Up to $25,000 per day or more depending on violation type

Answer

Civil penalties under the Clean Water Act can reach up to $25,000 per day per violation, with higher amounts possible for knowing or willful violations.

Question 3

A CPESC notices that a subcontractor has disturbed an additional 0.5 acres not shown on the SWPPP site map. What is the correct action?

Accepted Answer

Update the SWPPP to reflect the additional disturbed area and install appropriate BMPs

Answer

The SWPPP must be updated to reflect all disturbed areas and appropriate BMPs must be installed to maintain permit compliance.

Question 4

What does the term 'qualified personnel' mean in the context of NPDES construction site inspections?

Accepted Answer

Someone knowledgeable in the principles of erosion and sediment control who can assess BMP effectiveness

Answer

Qualified personnel must have demonstrated knowledge of stormwater pollution prevention and the ability to evaluate BMP effectiveness and site conditions.

Question 5

Which of the following best describes a 'discharge authorization' under an NPDES Construction General Permit?

Accepted Answer

Legal authorization allowing stormwater discharges from the construction site in compliance with permit conditions

Answer

Discharge authorization under a Construction General Permit legally allows stormwater discharges from the site provided all permit conditions including SWPPP implementation are met.

(CPESC) Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control Practice Test

(CPESC) Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control Practice Test

CPESC Permit Requirements 5