Certified Stormwater Inspector (CSI)
Practice Examination Questions And
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
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1. What is the primary purpose of a Stormwater Pollution Prevention
Plan (SWPPP)?
A. To manage groundwater recharge
B. To prevent pollutants from entering stormwater runoff
C. To regulate potable water use
D. To control indoor wastewater
Answer: B
Rationale: A SWPPP identifies potential pollutant sources and outlines best
management practices (BMPs) to prevent contaminants from entering
stormwater runoff.
, 2. Which federal law establishes the basis for stormwater regulation in
the United States?
A. Safe Drinking Water Act
B. Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
C. Clean Water Act
D. National Environmental Policy Act
Answer: C
Rationale: The Clean Water Act authorizes the NPDES program, which
regulates stormwater discharges to waters of the United States.
3. What permit typically regulates construction site stormwater
discharges?
A. Individual Industrial Permit
B. Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System Permit
C. Construction General Permit (CGP)
D. Underground Injection Control Permit
Answer: C
Rationale: The CGP applies to construction activities disturbing one acre or
more and sets stormwater compliance requirements.
4. Which of the following is a point source discharge?
A. Sheet flow over pavement
, B. Overland flow from a field
C. Outfall pipe discharging to a stream
D. Infiltration into soil
Answer: C
Rationale: A point source is a discrete conveyance such as a pipe or ditch
that discharges pollutants.
5. What is the minimum disturbed area that typically triggers
construction stormwater permitting?
A. 0.25 acre
B. 0.5 acre
C. 1 acre
D. 5 acres
Answer: C
Rationale: Federal regulations generally require permits for construction
disturbing one acre or more, or smaller sites part of a common plan.
6. Which BMP is considered a structural control?
A. Employee training
B. Spill response planning
C. Sediment basin
D. Good housekeeping
, Answer: C
Rationale: Structural BMPs are physical installations designed to control
stormwater runoff and pollutants.
7. What pollutant is most commonly associated with construction site
runoff?
A. Chlorine
B. Sediment
C. Mercury
D. Pathogens
Answer: B
Rationale: Sediment is the primary pollutant from construction activities
and can degrade water quality and habitats.
8. How often must construction site inspections typically be conducted
under a CGP?
A. Monthly
B. Quarterly
C. At least once every 7 days or 14 days with rainfall trigger
D. Annually
Practice Examination Questions And
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
Download Pdf
1. What is the primary purpose of a Stormwater Pollution Prevention
Plan (SWPPP)?
A. To manage groundwater recharge
B. To prevent pollutants from entering stormwater runoff
C. To regulate potable water use
D. To control indoor wastewater
Answer: B
Rationale: A SWPPP identifies potential pollutant sources and outlines best
management practices (BMPs) to prevent contaminants from entering
stormwater runoff.
, 2. Which federal law establishes the basis for stormwater regulation in
the United States?
A. Safe Drinking Water Act
B. Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
C. Clean Water Act
D. National Environmental Policy Act
Answer: C
Rationale: The Clean Water Act authorizes the NPDES program, which
regulates stormwater discharges to waters of the United States.
3. What permit typically regulates construction site stormwater
discharges?
A. Individual Industrial Permit
B. Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System Permit
C. Construction General Permit (CGP)
D. Underground Injection Control Permit
Answer: C
Rationale: The CGP applies to construction activities disturbing one acre or
more and sets stormwater compliance requirements.
4. Which of the following is a point source discharge?
A. Sheet flow over pavement
, B. Overland flow from a field
C. Outfall pipe discharging to a stream
D. Infiltration into soil
Answer: C
Rationale: A point source is a discrete conveyance such as a pipe or ditch
that discharges pollutants.
5. What is the minimum disturbed area that typically triggers
construction stormwater permitting?
A. 0.25 acre
B. 0.5 acre
C. 1 acre
D. 5 acres
Answer: C
Rationale: Federal regulations generally require permits for construction
disturbing one acre or more, or smaller sites part of a common plan.
6. Which BMP is considered a structural control?
A. Employee training
B. Spill response planning
C. Sediment basin
D. Good housekeeping
, Answer: C
Rationale: Structural BMPs are physical installations designed to control
stormwater runoff and pollutants.
7. What pollutant is most commonly associated with construction site
runoff?
A. Chlorine
B. Sediment
C. Mercury
D. Pathogens
Answer: B
Rationale: Sediment is the primary pollutant from construction activities
and can degrade water quality and habitats.
8. How often must construction site inspections typically be conducted
under a CGP?
A. Monthly
B. Quarterly
C. At least once every 7 days or 14 days with rainfall trigger
D. Annually
