NPDES Test Questions and Answers
MS4s - Answer-Municipal separate stormwater systems
What are the objectives of the storm water regulations for small MS4s? - Answer-purpose of this
portion of the storm water program is to designate additional sources that need to be regulated to
protect water quality and to establish a comprehensive storm water program to regulate these sources.
(Because the storm water program is part of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
(NPDES) Program, you should also refer to section 122.1 which addresses the broader purpose of the
NPDES program.)
(c) Storm water runoff continues to harm the nation's waters. Runoff from lands modified by human
activities can harm surface water resources in several ways including changing natural hydrologic
patterns and elevating pollutant concentrations and loadings. Storm water runoff may contain or
mobilize high levels of contaminants, such as sediment, suspended solids, nutrients, heavy metals,
pathogens, toxins, oxygen-demanding substances, and floatables.
(d) EPA and the Department strongly encourage partnerships and the watershed approach as the
management framework for efficiently, effectively, and consistently protecting and restoring aquatic
ecosystems and the public health
NPDES Permit - Answer-Contains limiting on:
Effluent limitations on Pollutants of concern;
Pollutant monitoring frequencies;
MS4s - Answer-Municipal separate stormwater systems
What are the objectives of the storm water regulations for small MS4s? - Answer-purpose of this
portion of the storm water program is to designate additional sources that need to be regulated to
protect water quality and to establish a comprehensive storm water program to regulate these sources.
(Because the storm water program is part of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
(NPDES) Program, you should also refer to section 122.1 which addresses the broader purpose of the
NPDES program.)
(c) Storm water runoff continues to harm the nation's waters. Runoff from lands modified by human
activities can harm surface water resources in several ways including changing natural hydrologic
patterns and elevating pollutant concentrations and loadings. Storm water runoff may contain or
mobilize high levels of contaminants, such as sediment, suspended solids, nutrients, heavy metals,
pathogens, toxins, oxygen-demanding substances, and floatables.
(d) EPA and the Department strongly encourage partnerships and the watershed approach as the
management framework for efficiently, effectively, and consistently protecting and restoring aquatic
ecosystems and the public health
NPDES Permit - Answer-Contains limiting on:
Effluent limitations on Pollutants of concern;
Pollutant monitoring frequencies;
