VA DEQ SWM INSPECTOR EXAM /
COMPREHENSIVE QUESTIONS & VERIFIED
ANSWERS / ACTUAL EXAM PREPARATION /
2026 TEST UPDATE / FREQUENTLY TESTED
QUESTIONS & DETAILED SOLUTIONS /
COMPLETE EXAM REVIEW / ALREADY
GRADED / A+ PREPARATION / 100%
GUARANTEED PASS / NEWEST 2026 EXAM
UPDATE / COMPLETE STUDY GUIDE.
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?
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, 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.
How long does operator have to notify DEQ of an unauthorized discharge? How long does operator have
to make a written report of this?
within 24 hours of discovery for notification, within 5 days for written acknowledgement.
What constitutes a measurable rain event according to GP?
0.25 in. or more over 24 hours.
Co-located practices
During construction, a facility functions for ESC, and is later constructed into a stormwater BMP.
During construction, when should inspector make sure a BMP is not installed?
BMP should not be installed before contirbuting drainage area has been stabilized.
Notice of Termination forms, to terminate construction permits, must be sent after how many days once
conditions are met?
30 days
When is ground considered stabilized?
when vegetation is uniform, mature enough to survive, and will inhibit erosion.
How long must VSMP authority keep construction record drawings?
Until the relevant SWM facility is removed.
2|Page
COMPREHENSIVE QUESTIONS & VERIFIED
ANSWERS / ACTUAL EXAM PREPARATION /
2026 TEST UPDATE / FREQUENTLY TESTED
QUESTIONS & DETAILED SOLUTIONS /
COMPLETE EXAM REVIEW / ALREADY
GRADED / A+ PREPARATION / 100%
GUARANTEED PASS / NEWEST 2026 EXAM
UPDATE / COMPLETE STUDY GUIDE.
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?
1|Page
, 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.
How long does operator have to notify DEQ of an unauthorized discharge? How long does operator have
to make a written report of this?
within 24 hours of discovery for notification, within 5 days for written acknowledgement.
What constitutes a measurable rain event according to GP?
0.25 in. or more over 24 hours.
Co-located practices
During construction, a facility functions for ESC, and is later constructed into a stormwater BMP.
During construction, when should inspector make sure a BMP is not installed?
BMP should not be installed before contirbuting drainage area has been stabilized.
Notice of Termination forms, to terminate construction permits, must be sent after how many days once
conditions are met?
30 days
When is ground considered stabilized?
when vegetation is uniform, mature enough to survive, and will inhibit erosion.
How long must VSMP authority keep construction record drawings?
Until the relevant SWM facility is removed.
2|Page
