CESSWI Exam Part 1 & 2 Review| Questions
& correct Answers| Latest 2026/ 2027 Update
| Grade A (100% Correct) Verified
Elaborations
Water Quality Standards
State or tribal requirements that define the water quality goals of a water body by designating the
beneficial uses and setting criteria to protect those uses
CWA Section 401
Regulates water quality impacts and state certification programs. Required for any permit or
license issues by a federal agency for any activity that may result in a discharge to waters of the
U.S.
CWA Section 402
Established NPDES in 1972 to control discharges from defined point sources. 1987 amendments
included requirements for stormwater runoff.
CWA Section 404
Regulates impacts to waters of the U.S./ discharges of dredged or fill materials.
Key goals for NPDES Program Implementation
Reduce the discharge of pollutants to "maximum extent practicable"; protect water quality;
satisfy requirements of CWA
, CESSWI Exam Part 1 & 2 Review| Questions
& correct Answers| Latest 2026/ 2027 Update
| Grade A (100% Correct) Verified
Elaborations
Administrative Orders
-Class I Maximum is $16,000 per day with maximum of $37,500.
-Class II Maximum is $11,000 per day with a maximum of $177,500.
Civil Penalties
Maximum penalty is $37,500 per violation per day with no upper limit.
Criminal Penalties
-Negligent Violations: $2,500 to $25,000 per day per violation and/or 1 year in prison.
-Knowing Violations: $5,000 to $50,000 per day per violation and/or 3 years in prison.
-Knowing Engagement: $250,000 maximum and/or 15 years in prison.
NOV Common Causes
Inadequate inspection reports; failure to implement SWPPP/BMPs; corrective actions not
implemented; sediment-laden or pollutant discharges.
Good Communications
Professional, courteous, impartial, consistent, honest and accurate
, CESSWI Exam Part 1 & 2 Review| Questions
& correct Answers| Latest 2026/ 2027 Update
| Grade A (100% Correct) Verified
Elaborations
Precon Meeting Objectives
Clarify stormwater objectives; designate contact person; determine if SWPPP works with
schedule/activities; ensure everyone reviews SWPPP; remind that BMPS could change; conduct
meeting onsite; verify schedules; maintenance requirements for controls in SWPPP;
containment, storage, and spill procedures of on-site pollutants; establish open communication.
What to do when Dealing with Difficult People
Act like a professional; clarify the issue; handle the problem immediately; allow the person to be
part of the solution; agree on a solution; walk away if needed.
Note Taking Practices
-Be specific (facts not opinions)
-Identify proper personnel
-Avoid vague terminology
-Record critical data
-Initial and date all changes
-Use ink and marker, not pencil
-Store documentation in central location
Reporting Practices
& correct Answers| Latest 2026/ 2027 Update
| Grade A (100% Correct) Verified
Elaborations
Water Quality Standards
State or tribal requirements that define the water quality goals of a water body by designating the
beneficial uses and setting criteria to protect those uses
CWA Section 401
Regulates water quality impacts and state certification programs. Required for any permit or
license issues by a federal agency for any activity that may result in a discharge to waters of the
U.S.
CWA Section 402
Established NPDES in 1972 to control discharges from defined point sources. 1987 amendments
included requirements for stormwater runoff.
CWA Section 404
Regulates impacts to waters of the U.S./ discharges of dredged or fill materials.
Key goals for NPDES Program Implementation
Reduce the discharge of pollutants to "maximum extent practicable"; protect water quality;
satisfy requirements of CWA
, CESSWI Exam Part 1 & 2 Review| Questions
& correct Answers| Latest 2026/ 2027 Update
| Grade A (100% Correct) Verified
Elaborations
Administrative Orders
-Class I Maximum is $16,000 per day with maximum of $37,500.
-Class II Maximum is $11,000 per day with a maximum of $177,500.
Civil Penalties
Maximum penalty is $37,500 per violation per day with no upper limit.
Criminal Penalties
-Negligent Violations: $2,500 to $25,000 per day per violation and/or 1 year in prison.
-Knowing Violations: $5,000 to $50,000 per day per violation and/or 3 years in prison.
-Knowing Engagement: $250,000 maximum and/or 15 years in prison.
NOV Common Causes
Inadequate inspection reports; failure to implement SWPPP/BMPs; corrective actions not
implemented; sediment-laden or pollutant discharges.
Good Communications
Professional, courteous, impartial, consistent, honest and accurate
, CESSWI Exam Part 1 & 2 Review| Questions
& correct Answers| Latest 2026/ 2027 Update
| Grade A (100% Correct) Verified
Elaborations
Precon Meeting Objectives
Clarify stormwater objectives; designate contact person; determine if SWPPP works with
schedule/activities; ensure everyone reviews SWPPP; remind that BMPS could change; conduct
meeting onsite; verify schedules; maintenance requirements for controls in SWPPP;
containment, storage, and spill procedures of on-site pollutants; establish open communication.
What to do when Dealing with Difficult People
Act like a professional; clarify the issue; handle the problem immediately; allow the person to be
part of the solution; agree on a solution; walk away if needed.
Note Taking Practices
-Be specific (facts not opinions)
-Identify proper personnel
-Avoid vague terminology
-Record critical data
-Initial and date all changes
-Use ink and marker, not pencil
-Store documentation in central location
Reporting Practices
