CPESC Water Quality Standards 5

Question 1

What is the purpose of a Section 401 Water Quality Certification under the Clean Water Act?

Accepted Answer

To ensure that federally permitted activities comply with state water quality standards

Answer

Section 401 certification is issued by states to certify that a federally permitted activity (like a Section 404 wetland fill) will comply with state water quality standards.

Question 2

In a TMDL calculation, what does the 'margin of safety' (MOS) account for?

Accepted Answer

Uncertainty in data, modeling, and the relationship between pollutant loads and water quality

Answer

The margin of safety accounts for uncertainties in data quality, modeling assumptions, and the relationship between pollutant loads and resulting water quality conditions.

Question 3

Which stormwater management approach is most effective at reducing total phosphorus loads from construction sites before discharge to sensitive water bodies?

Accepted Answer

Installation of a sediment basin with a chemical treatment system

Answer

Sediment basins combined with chemical treatment (such as polyacrylamide or alum) effectively flocculate and settle fine particles and phosphorus bound to sediment.

Question 4

Under EPA regulations, which of the following water bodies receives Tier 2 protection under antidegradation policy?

Accepted Answer

Waters that exceed water quality standards — better than required

Answer

Tier 2 antidegradation protection applies to waters where quality exceeds levels necessary to support designated uses — these must be maintained and protected from degradation.

Question 5

A construction contractor observes a spill of hydraulic fluid reaching a storm drain that discharges to a local creek. Under CWA requirements, what is the immediate obligation?

Accepted Answer

Implement containment and cleanup immediately, and notify the appropriate regulatory agency as required by permit conditions

Answer

Spills reaching surface waters require immediate containment and cleanup actions, followed by regulatory notification within the timeframe specified in the applicable permit.

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

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

CPESC Water Quality Standards 5