SWM Exam 2026 Questions and Answers
List 3 violations for which penalty may be imposed - Correct answer-no state CGP;
no SWPPP; SWPPP not available for review; SW BMPs or ESC measure
improperly installed/maintained; Incomplete, improper or missed inspections
What is the maximum penalty a locality can impose under the stormwater act? -
Correct answer-32,500
How long must a locality VSMP authority hold on to a registration statement? -
Correct answer-Documented and retained for at least 3 years from the date of
project completion or state permit termination
how often must DEQ conduct program reviews? - Correct answer-DEQ is required
to conduct a program review once every 5 years
How frequently must a VSMP authority inspect construction site? - Correct
answer-periodically
what are the two locations where the notice of coverage letter must be posted? -
Correct answer-Main Construction entrance, general info section of SWPPP
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,What two options does the operator have for making the SWPPP available to the
public? - Correct answer-Electronic or hard copy
What is the qualified personnel's inspection frequency for areas that have been
temporarily stabilized? - Correct answer-once per month
What must be included in the SWPPP as general information - Correct answer-
Signed copy of Registration Statement, copy of the notice of coverage letter, copy
of the construction general permit, narrative, legible site plan
How long does the contractor have to fix an erosion and sediment control practice?
- Correct answer-as soon as practical, but no later than 7 days after discovery
When must temp. stabilization be applied to bare areas that may not be at final
grade but will remain dormant for longer than 14 days? - Correct answer-within 7
days
when must permanent or temporary soil stabilization be applied to bare areas that
are at final grade? - Correct answer-within 7 days after final grade is reached.
What are the three requirements for concrete wash water? - Correct answer-must
be directed into a leak proof container, container or basin cannot overflow,
hardened and liquid waste must be removed and properly disposed of.
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, Does the SWPPP have to contain control measure for support activity areas? -
Correct answer-yes, if they are covered under the CGP.
How long must a VSMP authority keep inspection records? - Correct answer-
retained by the VSMP authority for three years after permit termination
Examples of Infiltration BMPs - Correct answer-permeable pavement, infiltration
practices, bioretention, dry swales
Define infiltration - Correct answer-stormwater infiltrates into soil and filters out
sediment
settling - Correct answer-sediment settles out; decantering
vegetative uptake or filtering - Correct answer-plants uptake the water leaving
contaminants
Geotextile vs Filter Fabric - Correct answer-Geotextile is a permeable material
used to increase soil/structural stability, provide erosion control, or aid in drainage.
Filter fabric is used to contain/filter small soil particles.
What is an N.O.T. - Correct answer-Notice of termination
When must the operator submit an NOT? - Correct answer-within 30 days of
meeting one of the following: final stabilization, responsibility transfer, permit
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 3
List 3 violations for which penalty may be imposed - Correct answer-no state CGP;
no SWPPP; SWPPP not available for review; SW BMPs or ESC measure
improperly installed/maintained; Incomplete, improper or missed inspections
What is the maximum penalty a locality can impose under the stormwater act? -
Correct answer-32,500
How long must a locality VSMP authority hold on to a registration statement? -
Correct answer-Documented and retained for at least 3 years from the date of
project completion or state permit termination
how often must DEQ conduct program reviews? - Correct answer-DEQ is required
to conduct a program review once every 5 years
How frequently must a VSMP authority inspect construction site? - Correct
answer-periodically
what are the two locations where the notice of coverage letter must be posted? -
Correct answer-Main Construction entrance, general info section of SWPPP
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 1
,What two options does the operator have for making the SWPPP available to the
public? - Correct answer-Electronic or hard copy
What is the qualified personnel's inspection frequency for areas that have been
temporarily stabilized? - Correct answer-once per month
What must be included in the SWPPP as general information - Correct answer-
Signed copy of Registration Statement, copy of the notice of coverage letter, copy
of the construction general permit, narrative, legible site plan
How long does the contractor have to fix an erosion and sediment control practice?
- Correct answer-as soon as practical, but no later than 7 days after discovery
When must temp. stabilization be applied to bare areas that may not be at final
grade but will remain dormant for longer than 14 days? - Correct answer-within 7
days
when must permanent or temporary soil stabilization be applied to bare areas that
are at final grade? - Correct answer-within 7 days after final grade is reached.
What are the three requirements for concrete wash water? - Correct answer-must
be directed into a leak proof container, container or basin cannot overflow,
hardened and liquid waste must be removed and properly disposed of.
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2
, Does the SWPPP have to contain control measure for support activity areas? -
Correct answer-yes, if they are covered under the CGP.
How long must a VSMP authority keep inspection records? - Correct answer-
retained by the VSMP authority for three years after permit termination
Examples of Infiltration BMPs - Correct answer-permeable pavement, infiltration
practices, bioretention, dry swales
Define infiltration - Correct answer-stormwater infiltrates into soil and filters out
sediment
settling - Correct answer-sediment settles out; decantering
vegetative uptake or filtering - Correct answer-plants uptake the water leaving
contaminants
Geotextile vs Filter Fabric - Correct answer-Geotextile is a permeable material
used to increase soil/structural stability, provide erosion control, or aid in drainage.
Filter fabric is used to contain/filter small soil particles.
What is an N.O.T. - Correct answer-Notice of termination
When must the operator submit an NOT? - Correct answer-within 30 days of
meeting one of the following: final stabilization, responsibility transfer, permit
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 3