Environmental Compliance Inspector Environmental Compliance Inspector Water Quality Compliance Questions and Answers 2

Question 1

Under the Clean Water Act, what is the primary purpose of a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit?

Accepted Answer

To regulate point source discharges of pollutants into waters of the United States

Answer

To set drinking water standards for public water systems

Answer

To authorize the filling of wetlands for commercial development

Answer

To exempt industrial facilities from stormwater monitoring

Question 2

What does the term 'mixing zone' refer to in water quality compliance?

Accepted Answer

An area near a discharge point where water quality standards may be exceeded

Answer

A designated area where treated effluent is blended before discharge

Answer

A laboratory procedure for combining water samples

Answer

A section of a treatment plant where chemicals are added

Question 3

Which parameter is most commonly used to measure the oxygen-demanding strength of wastewater?

Accepted Answer

Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD)

Answer

Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)

Answer

Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD)

Answer

Turbidity (NTU)

Question 4

During a compliance inspection, an inspector discovers a facility is discharging above its permitted daily maximum limit for total suspended solids. What is this classified as?

Accepted Answer

An effluent limit exceedance

Answer

A minor administrative deficiency

Answer

A best management practice deviation

Answer

A pretreatment program violation

Question 5

What is the purpose of a Discharge Monitoring Report (DMR) submitted by a permitted facility?

Accepted Answer

To document self-monitored effluent data and demonstrate compliance with permit limits

Answer

To request modifications to existing permit conditions

Answer

To report workplace safety incidents at the treatment facility

Answer

To apply for renewal of an expiring NPDES permit

Question 6

Which of the following best describes a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL)?

Accepted Answer

A calculation of the maximum amount of a pollutant a water body can receive and still meet water quality standards

Answer

The maximum volume of water a treatment plant can process in 24 hours

Answer

The total weight of sludge a facility may dispose of per day

Answer

A federal limit on the number of discharge permits issued per watershed