VA DEQ SWM Inspector Exam UPDATED
ACTUAL Exam Questions and CORRECT
Answers
What element is targeted by water quality criteria? - CORRECT ANSWER - Phosphorous,
it indicates pollution by bonding with other pollutants.
At what % impervious cover are streams substantially affected? - CORRECT ANSWER -
25%
what is the site-based load limit for water quality? - CORRECT ANSWER - 0.41
lbs/acre/yr total phosphorous
Virginia Runoff Reduction Method- method of load calculations - CORRECT ANSWER -
load calculations based on land cover type and soil type.
what must happen to potentially harmful sheet flow runoff? - CORRECT ANSWER -
Must be diverted to stormwater conveyance system.
SWM ponds must be able to convey water safely up to what level storm event? - CORRECT
ANSWER - must be able to safely convey up to a 100 yr storm.
Define LDA - CORRECT 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? -
CORRECT 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? - CORRECT 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? - CORRECT ANSWER -
consent order, which replaces penalties with fines.
how long does VSMP authority have to review SWM plan? - CORRECT ANSWER - 15
days to review and determine approval, and notify applicant.
How often must a VSMP authority inspect an LDA? - CORRECT ANSWER -
Periodically.
all SWPPP requirements may be met by - CORRECT ANSWER - incorporating other
plans into reference, or by developing missing elements.
What must the DEQ issue to an operator before an LDA? - CORRECT ANSWER -a
construction GP
How soon after final grade of a site must vegetation be put in place? - CORRECT
ANSWER - within 7 days.
How long must operator keep routine inspection reports? - CORRECT 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? - CORRECT 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? - CORRECT ANSWER - within 24 hours
of discovery for notification, within 5 days for written acknowledgement.
ACTUAL Exam Questions and CORRECT
Answers
What element is targeted by water quality criteria? - CORRECT ANSWER - Phosphorous,
it indicates pollution by bonding with other pollutants.
At what % impervious cover are streams substantially affected? - CORRECT ANSWER -
25%
what is the site-based load limit for water quality? - CORRECT ANSWER - 0.41
lbs/acre/yr total phosphorous
Virginia Runoff Reduction Method- method of load calculations - CORRECT ANSWER -
load calculations based on land cover type and soil type.
what must happen to potentially harmful sheet flow runoff? - CORRECT ANSWER -
Must be diverted to stormwater conveyance system.
SWM ponds must be able to convey water safely up to what level storm event? - CORRECT
ANSWER - must be able to safely convey up to a 100 yr storm.
Define LDA - CORRECT 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? -
CORRECT 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? - CORRECT 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? - CORRECT ANSWER -
consent order, which replaces penalties with fines.
how long does VSMP authority have to review SWM plan? - CORRECT ANSWER - 15
days to review and determine approval, and notify applicant.
How often must a VSMP authority inspect an LDA? - CORRECT ANSWER -
Periodically.
all SWPPP requirements may be met by - CORRECT ANSWER - incorporating other
plans into reference, or by developing missing elements.
What must the DEQ issue to an operator before an LDA? - CORRECT ANSWER -a
construction GP
How soon after final grade of a site must vegetation be put in place? - CORRECT
ANSWER - within 7 days.
How long must operator keep routine inspection reports? - CORRECT 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? - CORRECT 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? - CORRECT ANSWER - within 24 hours
of discovery for notification, within 5 days for written acknowledgement.
