CPESC Regulatory Compliance & Environmental Laws 3

Question 1

A SWPPP must be developed and implemented before land disturbance begins on a project exceeding one acre. Who is legally responsible for certifying the SWPPP?

Accepted Answer

The permitted operator or an authorized representative

Answer

The permitted operator (owner/developer or general contractor) or their authorized representative must sign and certify the SWPPP, accepting legal responsibility for compliance.

Question 2

Under the Construction General Permit, a 'qualified inspector' conducting site inspections must document findings using what minimum standard?

Accepted Answer

Written inspection reports retained on-site for at least 3 years

Answer

The CGP requires written inspection reports that must be retained on-site (or readily accessible) for at least three years after permit termination.

Question 3

The 'anti-degradation' policy under the Clean Water Act primarily serves to:

Accepted Answer

Protect existing water quality and uses, especially in high-quality waters

Answer

The anti-degradation policy protects existing water quality from further degradation, with special protections for Tier 2 and Tier 3 (Outstanding National Resource) waters.

Question 4

When a construction site is located within a coastal zone, what additional federal coordination may be required beyond the standard NPDES permit?

Accepted Answer

Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) federal consistency review

Answer

Federal actions and federally permitted activities within or affecting a state's coastal zone must be reviewed for consistency with the state's approved Coastal Zone Management Program under CZMA.

Question 5

A construction project disturbs 3.5 acres and discharges to a 303(d)-listed impaired water body. Under the EPA CGP, this project is classified as:

Accepted Answer

A Category 2 site requiring benchmark monitoring

Answer

Under the 2017 EPA CGP, sites discharging to 303(d)-impaired waters are Category 2 sites that trigger additional requirements including benchmark monitoring for relevant pollutants.

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

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

CPESC Regulatory Compliance & Environmental Laws 3