CSM Stormwater Regulations & Compliance 1

Question 1

What is the purpose of the Clean Water Act (CWA)?

Accepted Answer

To regulate discharges and protect water quality

Answer

The Clean Water Act (CWA), enacted in 1972, is the principal federal law in the United States governing water pollution. Its primary purpose is to restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the nation's waters. It achieves this by regulating pollutant discharges into navigable waters and setting water quality standards.

Question 2

What is a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)?

Accepted Answer

A separate stormwater drainage system

Answer

An MS4, or Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System, is a conveyance or system of conveyances (including roads with drainage systems, municipal streets, catch basins, curbs, gutters, ditches, man-made channels, or storm drains) that is owned or operated by a public body. It is designed to collect and convey stormwater runoff, and it is separate from sanitary sewers which carry wastewater.

Question 3

What does NPDES stand for?

Accepted Answer

National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System

Answer

NPDES stands for National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System. This is a permitting program under the Clean Water Act that controls direct discharges of pollutants into U.S. waters. Facilities that discharge pollutants from a point source into waters of the United States are required to obtain an NPDES permit.

Question 4

Why are Best Management Practices (BMPs) used in stormwater management?

Accepted Answer

To control and reduce stormwater pollution

Answer

Best Management Practices (BMPs) are techniques, measures, or structural controls used to manage the quantity and improve the quality of stormwater runoff. They are implemented to prevent or reduce the discharge of pollutants into waterways. Examples include sediment basins, silt fences, vegetated swales, and permeable pavements.

Question 5

What is a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP)?

Accepted Answer

A plan to prevent stormwater pollution

Answer

A Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) is a site-specific document that identifies potential sources of stormwater pollution at a construction site or industrial facility. It outlines the BMPs that will be implemented to prevent pollutants from entering stormwater runoff and ultimately contaminating local water bodies. The SWPPP is a critical component for achieving compliance with NPDES stormwater permits.

(CSM) Certified Stormwater Manager Practice Test

(CSM) Certified Stormwater Manager Practice Test

CSM Stormwater Regulations & Compliance 1