SWM DEQ Exam Question and Answer
(2026/2027) | Updated Questions and
Correct Answers | A+ Verified
• what is the site-based load limit for water quality? -✓✓ 0.41 lbs/acre/yr total
phosphorous
• Virginia Runoff Reduction Method- method of load calculations -✓✓ load
calculations based on land cover type and soil type.
• what must happen to potentially harmful sheet flow runoff? -✓✓ Must be
diverted to stormwater conveyance system.
• SWM ponds must be able to convey water safely up to what level storm event?
-✓✓ must be able to safely convey up to a 100 yr storm.
• Define LDA -✓✓ 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? -✓✓ 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? -✓✓ 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? -✓✓ consent
order, which replaces penalties with fines.
• how long does VSMP authority have to review SWM plan? -✓✓ 15 days to
review and determine approval, and notify applicant.
• How often must a VSMP authority inspect an LDA? -✓✓ Periodically.
• all SWPPP requirements may be met by -✓✓ incorporating other plans into
reference, or by developing missing elements.
• What must the DEQ issue to an operator before an LDA? -✓✓ a construction GP
• How soon after final grade of a site must vegetation be put in place? -✓✓ within
7 days.
• How long must operator keep routine inspection reports? -✓✓ 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? -✓✓ 7
days for operator to make changes, 60 days for authority to review changes.
(2026/2027) | Updated Questions and
Correct Answers | A+ Verified
• what is the site-based load limit for water quality? -✓✓ 0.41 lbs/acre/yr total
phosphorous
• Virginia Runoff Reduction Method- method of load calculations -✓✓ load
calculations based on land cover type and soil type.
• what must happen to potentially harmful sheet flow runoff? -✓✓ Must be
diverted to stormwater conveyance system.
• SWM ponds must be able to convey water safely up to what level storm event?
-✓✓ must be able to safely convey up to a 100 yr storm.
• Define LDA -✓✓ 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? -✓✓ 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? -✓✓ 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? -✓✓ consent
order, which replaces penalties with fines.
• how long does VSMP authority have to review SWM plan? -✓✓ 15 days to
review and determine approval, and notify applicant.
• How often must a VSMP authority inspect an LDA? -✓✓ Periodically.
• all SWPPP requirements may be met by -✓✓ incorporating other plans into
reference, or by developing missing elements.
• What must the DEQ issue to an operator before an LDA? -✓✓ a construction GP
• How soon after final grade of a site must vegetation be put in place? -✓✓ within
7 days.
• How long must operator keep routine inspection reports? -✓✓ 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? -✓✓ 7
days for operator to make changes, 60 days for authority to review changes.
