CPESC Section 1 & 2 Exam Questions
And Answers
What does the acronym NPDES stand for? - ANS National Pollutant Discharge Elimination
System
True / False: The NPDES requirements apply only to discharges of storm-water either directly or
through a municipal separate storm drain system, to waters of the US. - ANS 2.1.1.6
True
What does the acronym TMDL stand for? Define it? - ANS 2.1.1.10
Total Maximum Daily Load. The amount of a particular pollutant that a water body can
assimilate on a daily basis without violating applicable water quality standards.
Define TMDL - ANS 2.1.1.10
The TMDL defines the amount of a particular pollutant that a water body can assimilate on a
daily basis without violating applicable water quality standards. (Water quality standards usually
predetermined by the state.)
What are the two types of storm-water permits issued under the NPDES Program? - ANS
2.2.1
1. The Construction General Permit (CGP).
2. The individual permit designed to fit the specific requirements of a particular applicant, facility,
or activity.
If deficiencies are found during a SWPPP inspection, how quickly do they need to be corrected?
- ANS No later than seven days after the inspection.
List three types of pollutants. - ANS 2.1
Nutrients,pathogens, heavy metals, toxics, sediment, salts, detergents, hydro-carbons,oxygen
absorbing substances.
List three examples of 'Waters of the United States'. - ANS 2.1.1.6
Lakes,rivers, streams, mudflats, sand flats, wetlands, sloughs, prairie potholes, wet meadows,
playa lakes, natural ponds.
When does the SWPPP need to be completed? - ANS 2.3.6.4
Prior to submitting the NOI.
, When does the EPA's construction permit require inspections? - ANS Every 7 days, or
within 24 hrs of a storm of 0.5 inches or move in depth.
What does CPESC stand for? - ANS Certified Professional in Erosion & Sediment Control
What are the two types of Storm Water Permits? - ANS 2.2.1
1. General: provides umbrella coverage to a large number of applicants.
2. Individual: designed to fit the specific requirements of a particular applicant, facility, or
activity.
True/False: A site initially disturbing 1/2 acre, that is part of a 3.5 acre future development is not
required to obtain a permit for the 1/2 acre. - ANS 2.1.1.8
False, If it as part of a larger plan of development >1 acre, a permit is required.
Name 3 of the 5 types of Phase I facilities under section 402 of the CWA as of 1987. - ANS
2.1.1.2
-Facilities already covered by a permit
-Facilities that engage in industrial activity
-Large (>250K pop) MS4s
-Medium (100K250K) MS4s
-Facilities that EPA admin deems "significant contributors" of pollutants to WOTUS
Who is responsible for applying for the Storm water permit for a construction site? - ANS
2.3.1
The operator of the site, however a owner can apply if the operator has not been identified.
What is an NOI? - ANS 2.2.4
"Notice of Intent" to be covered by a general permit in the state in which the facility is located.
List the 6 major phases of a SWPPP for construction activities? - ANS 2.3.6
-Site Evaluation/design development (site plan)
-Assessment (site area/runoff calc)
-Control selection and plan design (BMPs)
-Certification/notification (NOI)
-Construction/implementation (install/maintenance)
-Final stabilization/termination (NOT)
What score do you need to pass each section of the test? - ANS 70%
What is the deadline to stabilize a site that wont be redisturbed? - ANS 2.3.6.3
14 days
And Answers
What does the acronym NPDES stand for? - ANS National Pollutant Discharge Elimination
System
True / False: The NPDES requirements apply only to discharges of storm-water either directly or
through a municipal separate storm drain system, to waters of the US. - ANS 2.1.1.6
True
What does the acronym TMDL stand for? Define it? - ANS 2.1.1.10
Total Maximum Daily Load. The amount of a particular pollutant that a water body can
assimilate on a daily basis without violating applicable water quality standards.
Define TMDL - ANS 2.1.1.10
The TMDL defines the amount of a particular pollutant that a water body can assimilate on a
daily basis without violating applicable water quality standards. (Water quality standards usually
predetermined by the state.)
What are the two types of storm-water permits issued under the NPDES Program? - ANS
2.2.1
1. The Construction General Permit (CGP).
2. The individual permit designed to fit the specific requirements of a particular applicant, facility,
or activity.
If deficiencies are found during a SWPPP inspection, how quickly do they need to be corrected?
- ANS No later than seven days after the inspection.
List three types of pollutants. - ANS 2.1
Nutrients,pathogens, heavy metals, toxics, sediment, salts, detergents, hydro-carbons,oxygen
absorbing substances.
List three examples of 'Waters of the United States'. - ANS 2.1.1.6
Lakes,rivers, streams, mudflats, sand flats, wetlands, sloughs, prairie potholes, wet meadows,
playa lakes, natural ponds.
When does the SWPPP need to be completed? - ANS 2.3.6.4
Prior to submitting the NOI.
, When does the EPA's construction permit require inspections? - ANS Every 7 days, or
within 24 hrs of a storm of 0.5 inches or move in depth.
What does CPESC stand for? - ANS Certified Professional in Erosion & Sediment Control
What are the two types of Storm Water Permits? - ANS 2.2.1
1. General: provides umbrella coverage to a large number of applicants.
2. Individual: designed to fit the specific requirements of a particular applicant, facility, or
activity.
True/False: A site initially disturbing 1/2 acre, that is part of a 3.5 acre future development is not
required to obtain a permit for the 1/2 acre. - ANS 2.1.1.8
False, If it as part of a larger plan of development >1 acre, a permit is required.
Name 3 of the 5 types of Phase I facilities under section 402 of the CWA as of 1987. - ANS
2.1.1.2
-Facilities already covered by a permit
-Facilities that engage in industrial activity
-Large (>250K pop) MS4s
-Medium (100K250K) MS4s
-Facilities that EPA admin deems "significant contributors" of pollutants to WOTUS
Who is responsible for applying for the Storm water permit for a construction site? - ANS
2.3.1
The operator of the site, however a owner can apply if the operator has not been identified.
What is an NOI? - ANS 2.2.4
"Notice of Intent" to be covered by a general permit in the state in which the facility is located.
List the 6 major phases of a SWPPP for construction activities? - ANS 2.3.6
-Site Evaluation/design development (site plan)
-Assessment (site area/runoff calc)
-Control selection and plan design (BMPs)
-Certification/notification (NOI)
-Construction/implementation (install/maintenance)
-Final stabilization/termination (NOT)
What score do you need to pass each section of the test? - ANS 70%
What is the deadline to stabilize a site that wont be redisturbed? - ANS 2.3.6.3
14 days
