VA DEQ SWM Inspector Exam Questions and Answers | Latest Update
2026/2027 | Graded A+.
1. What element is targeted by water quality criteria? Phosphorous, it indicates pollu-
tion by bonding with
other pollutants.
2. At what % impervious cover are streams substan- 25% tially affected?
3. what is the site-based load limit for water quality? 0.41 lbs/acre/yr total
phosphorous
4. Virginia Runoff Reduction Method- method of load load calculations based
calculations on land cover type and
soil type.
5. Must be diverted to
what must happen to potentially harmful sheet flow
stormwater conveyance
runoff?
system.
6. must be able to safely
SWM ponds must be able to convey water safely up to
convey up to a 100 yr
what level storm event?
storm.
7. Define LDA Land disturbing activity;
any man-made change to
the land surface that
potentially changes its
runoff characteristics;
includes clearing,
grading, and excavation.
8. What size LDA must
comply with stormwater
man- anything of 1 acre
or more, or agement
regulation? in CPBA
, VA DEQ SWM Inspector Exam Questions and Answers | Latest Update
2026/2027 | Graded A+.
areas? 2500 ft^2 in
CPBA areas; may be
more stringent locally.
9. what are some activities
exempt from SWM regu-
mining, agriculture,
sewer dislations?
charges, local
reclamation pro-
grams, routine maintenance of
preexisting operations,
public emergency
activity
10. how long does VSMP
authority have to review
15 days to review
and determine
SWM plan? approval, and notify applicant.
11. How often must a VSMP
authority inspect an
LDA? Periodically.
12. all SWPPP requirements
may be met by
incorporating other
plans into
reference, or by
developing missing
elements.
2026/2027 | Graded A+.
1. What element is targeted by water quality criteria? Phosphorous, it indicates pollu-
tion by bonding with
other pollutants.
2. At what % impervious cover are streams substan- 25% tially affected?
3. what is the site-based load limit for water quality? 0.41 lbs/acre/yr total
phosphorous
4. Virginia Runoff Reduction Method- method of load load calculations based
calculations on land cover type and
soil type.
5. Must be diverted to
what must happen to potentially harmful sheet flow
stormwater conveyance
runoff?
system.
6. must be able to safely
SWM ponds must be able to convey water safely up to
convey up to a 100 yr
what level storm event?
storm.
7. Define LDA Land disturbing activity;
any man-made change to
the land surface that
potentially changes its
runoff characteristics;
includes clearing,
grading, and excavation.
8. What size LDA must
comply with stormwater
man- anything of 1 acre
or more, or agement
regulation? in CPBA
, VA DEQ SWM Inspector Exam Questions and Answers | Latest Update
2026/2027 | Graded A+.
areas? 2500 ft^2 in
CPBA areas; may be
more stringent locally.
9. what are some activities
exempt from SWM regu-
mining, agriculture,
sewer dislations?
charges, local
reclamation pro-
grams, routine maintenance of
preexisting operations,
public emergency
activity
10. how long does VSMP
authority have to review
15 days to review
and determine
SWM plan? approval, and notify applicant.
11. How often must a VSMP
authority inspect an
LDA? Periodically.
12. all SWPPP requirements
may be met by
incorporating other
plans into
reference, or by
developing missing
elements.
