Compliance Exam Practice Questions
And Correct Answers (Verified Answers)
Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
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1. What is the primary purpose of the NPDES Industrial Stormwater
Permit program?
A. To regulate drinking water treatment facilities
B. To control pollutants discharged through stormwater from industrial
activities
C. To eliminate all rainfall runoff from industrial properties
D. To regulate only wastewater treatment plants
Answer: B. To control pollutants discharged through stormwater from
industrial activities
,The NPDES Industrial Stormwater Permit program is designed to prevent
pollutants associated with industrial activities from being transported by
stormwater into surface waters.
2. Which federal law established the NPDES permitting system?
A. Clean Air Act
B. Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
C. Clean Water Act
D. Safe Drinking Water Act
Answer: C. Clean Water Act
The Clean Water Act created the NPDES program to regulate point source
discharges into waters of the United States.
3. What does NPDES stand for?
A. National Pollution Discharge Elimination System
B. National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
C. National Prevention of Drainage Erosion System
D. National Permit Discharge Environmental Standard
Answer: B. National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
NPDES means National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System and applies
to permitted pollutant discharges.
, 4. Industrial stormwater permits mainly regulate which type of
discharge?
A. Groundwater infiltration only
B. Stormwater runoff from industrial areas
C. Domestic sewage only
D. Atmospheric emissions
Answer: B. Stormwater runoff from industrial areas
The program focuses on stormwater runoff that may carry industrial
pollutants into receiving waters.
5. What document identifies potential pollutant sources and control
measures at an industrial facility?
A. Safety Data Sheet
B. Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan
C. Air Quality Permit
D. Waste Manifest
Answer: B. Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan
The SWPPP identifies industrial activities, pollutant sources, and best
management practices needed for stormwater compliance.
6. The main goal of a SWPPP is to:
, A. Increase stormwater discharge volume
B. Prevent stormwater contamination
C. Replace all environmental permits
D. Eliminate facility inspections
Answer: B. Prevent stormwater contamination
A SWPPP provides procedures and controls to minimize pollutants entering
stormwater discharges.
7. Which agency commonly administers NPDES permits?
A. EPA or authorized state agencies
B. Department of Transportation only
C. Occupational Safety agencies only
D. Local fire departments
Answer: A. EPA or authorized state agencies
The EPA oversees NPDES nationally, while many states administer
approved programs.
8. Which industrial activity is commonly covered under stormwater
permits?
A. Manufacturing facilities
B. Private residences