CPESC Water Quality Standards 4

Question 1

Which federal law provides the primary framework for regulating wetland fill activities that could impact water quality near construction sites?

Accepted Answer

Clean Water Act Section 404

Answer

Section 404 of the Clean Water Act regulates the discharge of dredged or fill material into waters of the US, including wetlands, and is administered jointly by the Army Corps of Engineers and EPA.

Question 2

A stream receiving construction runoff shows a dissolved oxygen (DO) level of 3 mg/L. Most state standards require a minimum DO of 5 mg/L for warm-water fisheries. What impact is most likely?

Accepted Answer

Fish kills and loss of sensitive aquatic species

Answer

DO levels below 5 mg/L stress fish and other aquatic life; levels near 3 mg/L can cause fish kills and eliminate sensitive species from the system.

Question 3

What does the term 'use attainability analysis' (UAA) allow states to do regarding designated uses?

Accepted Answer

Demonstrate that attaining a designated use is not feasible and potentially revise it downward

Answer

A Use Attainability Analysis (UAA) allows states to demonstrate that certain designated uses cannot be achieved and to downgrade uses if specific physical, chemical, or economic factors make attainment infeasible.

Question 4

Under the construction general permit framework, what is the significance of a water body's 303(d) listing for a permitted construction site?

Accepted Answer

Additional or more stringent permit conditions may apply to protect the impaired water body

Answer

Construction sites discharging to 303(d)-listed impaired waters often face additional permit conditions, more stringent effluent limits, or enhanced BMP requirements.

Question 5

Which parameter best indicates the presence of hydrocarbon contamination (fuel/oil) in stormwater runoff from construction equipment areas?

Accepted Answer

Oil and grease (O&G) concentration

Answer

Oil and grease (O&G) monitoring detects petroleum hydrocarbons from fuels, lubricants, and hydraulic fluids commonly associated with construction equipment staging areas.

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

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

CPESC Water Quality Standards 4