VA DEQ SWM Inspector Exam Questions and
Correct Answers Latest Update 2026
Define LDA - ANSWER-Land disturbing activity; any man-made change to the land
surface that potentially changes its runoff characteristics; includes clearing, grading, and
excavation.
What size LDA must comply with stormwater management regulation? in CPBA areas?
- ANSWER-anything of 1 acre or more, or 2500 ft^2 in CPBA areas; may be more
stringent locally.
what are some activities exempt from SWM regulations? - ANSWER-mining,
agriculture, sewer discharges, local reclamation programs, routine maintenance of
preexisting operations, public emergency activity
what term basically means a plea deal for stormwater offenders? - ANSWER-consent
order, which replaces penalties with fines.
how long does VSMP authority have to review SWM plan? - ANSWER-15 days to
review and determine approval, and notify applicant.
What element is targeted by water quality criteria? - ANSWER-Phosphorous, it indicates
pollution by bonding with other pollutants.
At what % impervious cover are streams substantially affected? - ANSWER-25%
what is the site-based load limit for water quality? - ANSWER-0.41 lbs/acre/yr total
phosphorous
Virginia Runoff Reduction Method- method of load calculations - ANSWER-load
calculations based on land cover type and soil type.
, what must happen to potentially harmful sheet flow runoff? - ANSWER-Must be diverted
to stormwater conveyance system.
SWM ponds must be able to convey water safely up to what level storm event? -
ANSWER-must be able to safely convey up to a 100 yr storm.
How often must a VSMP authority inspect an LDA? - ANSWER-Periodically.
all SWPPP requirements may be met by - ANSWER-incorporating other plans into
reference, or by developing missing elements.
What must the DEQ issue to an operator before an LDA? - ANSWER-a construction GP
How soon after final grade of a site must vegetation be put in place? - ANSWER-within
7 days.
How long must operator keep routine inspection reports? - ANSWER-At least 3 years
after the GP expires/terminates.
How long does operator have to revise SWPPP if authority deems it necessary? How
long does local authority have to review any modifications to SWPPP? - ANSWER-7
days for operator to make changes, 60 days for authority to review changes.
How long does operator have to notify DEQ of an unauthorized discharge? How long
does operator have to make a written report of this? - ANSWER-within 24 hours of
discovery for notification, within 5 days for written acknowledgement.
What constitutes a measurable rain event according to GP? - ANSWER-0.25 in. or
more over 24 hours.
Correct Answers Latest Update 2026
Define LDA - ANSWER-Land disturbing activity; any man-made change to the land
surface that potentially changes its runoff characteristics; includes clearing, grading, and
excavation.
What size LDA must comply with stormwater management regulation? in CPBA areas?
- ANSWER-anything of 1 acre or more, or 2500 ft^2 in CPBA areas; may be more
stringent locally.
what are some activities exempt from SWM regulations? - ANSWER-mining,
agriculture, sewer discharges, local reclamation programs, routine maintenance of
preexisting operations, public emergency activity
what term basically means a plea deal for stormwater offenders? - ANSWER-consent
order, which replaces penalties with fines.
how long does VSMP authority have to review SWM plan? - ANSWER-15 days to
review and determine approval, and notify applicant.
What element is targeted by water quality criteria? - ANSWER-Phosphorous, it indicates
pollution by bonding with other pollutants.
At what % impervious cover are streams substantially affected? - ANSWER-25%
what is the site-based load limit for water quality? - ANSWER-0.41 lbs/acre/yr total
phosphorous
Virginia Runoff Reduction Method- method of load calculations - ANSWER-load
calculations based on land cover type and soil type.
, what must happen to potentially harmful sheet flow runoff? - ANSWER-Must be diverted
to stormwater conveyance system.
SWM ponds must be able to convey water safely up to what level storm event? -
ANSWER-must be able to safely convey up to a 100 yr storm.
How often must a VSMP authority inspect an LDA? - ANSWER-Periodically.
all SWPPP requirements may be met by - ANSWER-incorporating other plans into
reference, or by developing missing elements.
What must the DEQ issue to an operator before an LDA? - ANSWER-a construction GP
How soon after final grade of a site must vegetation be put in place? - ANSWER-within
7 days.
How long must operator keep routine inspection reports? - ANSWER-At least 3 years
after the GP expires/terminates.
How long does operator have to revise SWPPP if authority deems it necessary? How
long does local authority have to review any modifications to SWPPP? - ANSWER-7
days for operator to make changes, 60 days for authority to review changes.
How long does operator have to notify DEQ of an unauthorized discharge? How long
does operator have to make a written report of this? - ANSWER-within 24 hours of
discovery for notification, within 5 days for written acknowledgement.
What constitutes a measurable rain event according to GP? - ANSWER-0.25 in. or
more over 24 hours.
