Stormwater Regulations & Compliance Flashcards
7 cards from real CSM practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Stormwater Regulations & Compliance flashcards as text
Under the Clean Water Act Section 402, which permit program directly authorizes the discharge of stormwater to waters of the US?
Answer: NPDES Permit Program
The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) under CWA Section 402 is the primary permitting mechanism for stormwater discharges.
A construction site disturbing 0.8 acres that is part of a larger common plan of development that will disturb 1.5 acres total — does it require a Construction General Permit?
Answer: Yes, because the common plan of development exceeds 1 acre
EPA's CGP triggers apply to the entire common plan of development or sale, so if the overall plan disturbs ≥1 acre the permit is required regardless of individual lot size.
Which EPA Phase II rule first extended NPDES stormwater permit requirements to small MS4s?
Answer: 1999 Phase II Final Rule
The 1999 Phase II Final Rule (effective March 2003) expanded NPDES coverage to small MS4s in urbanized areas and smaller construction sites.
What is the primary purpose of a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) at an industrial facility?
Answer: Document BMPs to prevent pollutants from entering stormwater discharges
A SWPPP identifies potential pollutant sources and describes BMPs to prevent pollutants from reaching stormwater runoff.
Under the MS4 program, which of the six minimum control measures addresses removing floatables and debris from stormwater before it enters receiving waters?
Answer: Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping
Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping covers practices at municipal operations that prevent pollutant introduction, including debris management.
A state issues a General Permit for industrial stormwater that is more stringent than the EPA baseline MSGP. Which statement is correct?
Answer: The facility must comply with the more stringent state requirements
Under the Clean Water Act's anti-degradation framework, states may set standards more stringent than federal requirements, and facilities must comply with the stricter standard.
Which enforcement mechanism allows EPA to issue an immediate order requiring a party to cease discharging without going to court first?
Answer: Administrative Compliance Order
EPA's Administrative Compliance Orders under CWA Section 309(a) can require immediate cessation of violations without prior judicial action.