VA DEQ SWM INSPECTOR EXAM
CORRECT QUESTIONS & ANSWERS||
2025 LATEST UPDATE!!
What element is targeted by water quality criteria? - ANSWER Phosphorous, it indicates
pollution by bonding with other pollutants.
At what % impervious cover are streams substantially affected? - ANSWER 25%
what is the site-based load limit for water quality? - ANSWER 0.41 lbs/acre/yr total
phosphorous
Virginia Runoff Reduction Method- method of load calculations - ANSWER load
calculations based on land cover type and soil type.
what must happen to potentially harmful sheet flow runoff? - ANSWER Must be diverted
to stormwater conveyance system.
SWM ponds must be able to convey water safely up to what level storm event? -
ANSWER must be able to safely convey up to a 100 yr storm.
Define LDA - ANSWER Land disturbing activity; any man-made change to the land
surface that potentially changes its runoff characteristics; includes clearing, grading, and
excavation.
What size LDA must comply with stormwater management regulation? in CPBA areas?
- ANSWER anything of 1 acre or more, or 2500 ft^2 in CPBA areas; may be more
stringent locally.
what are some activities exempt from SWM regulations? - ANSWER mining, agriculture,
sewer discharges, local reclamation programs, routine maintenance of preexisting
operations, public emergency activity
what term basically means a plea deal for stormwater offenders? - ANSWER consent
order, which replaces penalties with fines.
how long does VSMP authority have to review SWM plan? - ANSWER 15 days to
review and determine approval, and notify applicant.
How often must a VSMP authority inspect an LDA? - ANSWER Periodically.
all SWPPP requirements may be met by - ANSWER incorporating other plans into
reference, or by developing missing elements.
, What must the DEQ issue to an operator before an LDA? - ANSWER a construction GP
How soon after final grade of a site must vegetation be put in place? - ANSWER within
7 days.
How many days does DEQ have to complete review of real or potential inter-
jurisdicitonal impacts upon request? - ANSWER 90 days
Who is required to maintain a certificate of competency by the Stormwater Management
Act? - ANSWER staff of a stormwater program, anyone contracted by a VSMP
authority, and all standard and specification holders
A SWM Plan must be approved by who prior to land disturbance? - ANSWER the
VSMP Program Authority
What is the TP limit for a site? - ANSWER 0.41 lbs/ac/yr
The phosphorus load limit uses what % impervious cover? - ANSWER 10%
Part II B and II C water quantity criteria addresses: - ANSWER channel protection and
flood protection
Of all the plans included in the SWPPP, which two must be approved? - ANSWER the
SWM and ESC Plans
Does a SWM plan address runoff during or after construction? - ANSWER post-
construction
What is the lower limit of imperviousness which could result in stream degradation? -
ANSWER 10%
If land disturbance occurs as a result of emergency work, what is the timeline for
advising the VSMP authority of the disturbance? - ANSWER within 7 days of
commencing the LDA and a permit application must be submitted within 30 days
DEQ is responsible for enforcing the ______ while locality _______ are responsible for
enforcing local ordinances. - ANSWER Construction GP, VSMP
BMPs use these three mechanisms to control pollution: - ANSWER Infiltration, settling,
and vegetative uptake
How long does a locality VSMP authority have to determine the completeness of a
SWM plan? - ANSWER 15 days
CORRECT QUESTIONS & ANSWERS||
2025 LATEST UPDATE!!
What element is targeted by water quality criteria? - ANSWER Phosphorous, it indicates
pollution by bonding with other pollutants.
At what % impervious cover are streams substantially affected? - ANSWER 25%
what is the site-based load limit for water quality? - ANSWER 0.41 lbs/acre/yr total
phosphorous
Virginia Runoff Reduction Method- method of load calculations - ANSWER load
calculations based on land cover type and soil type.
what must happen to potentially harmful sheet flow runoff? - ANSWER Must be diverted
to stormwater conveyance system.
SWM ponds must be able to convey water safely up to what level storm event? -
ANSWER must be able to safely convey up to a 100 yr storm.
Define LDA - ANSWER Land disturbing activity; any man-made change to the land
surface that potentially changes its runoff characteristics; includes clearing, grading, and
excavation.
What size LDA must comply with stormwater management regulation? in CPBA areas?
- ANSWER anything of 1 acre or more, or 2500 ft^2 in CPBA areas; may be more
stringent locally.
what are some activities exempt from SWM regulations? - ANSWER mining, agriculture,
sewer discharges, local reclamation programs, routine maintenance of preexisting
operations, public emergency activity
what term basically means a plea deal for stormwater offenders? - ANSWER consent
order, which replaces penalties with fines.
how long does VSMP authority have to review SWM plan? - ANSWER 15 days to
review and determine approval, and notify applicant.
How often must a VSMP authority inspect an LDA? - ANSWER Periodically.
all SWPPP requirements may be met by - ANSWER incorporating other plans into
reference, or by developing missing elements.
, What must the DEQ issue to an operator before an LDA? - ANSWER a construction GP
How soon after final grade of a site must vegetation be put in place? - ANSWER within
7 days.
How many days does DEQ have to complete review of real or potential inter-
jurisdicitonal impacts upon request? - ANSWER 90 days
Who is required to maintain a certificate of competency by the Stormwater Management
Act? - ANSWER staff of a stormwater program, anyone contracted by a VSMP
authority, and all standard and specification holders
A SWM Plan must be approved by who prior to land disturbance? - ANSWER the
VSMP Program Authority
What is the TP limit for a site? - ANSWER 0.41 lbs/ac/yr
The phosphorus load limit uses what % impervious cover? - ANSWER 10%
Part II B and II C water quantity criteria addresses: - ANSWER channel protection and
flood protection
Of all the plans included in the SWPPP, which two must be approved? - ANSWER the
SWM and ESC Plans
Does a SWM plan address runoff during or after construction? - ANSWER post-
construction
What is the lower limit of imperviousness which could result in stream degradation? -
ANSWER 10%
If land disturbance occurs as a result of emergency work, what is the timeline for
advising the VSMP authority of the disturbance? - ANSWER within 7 days of
commencing the LDA and a permit application must be submitted within 30 days
DEQ is responsible for enforcing the ______ while locality _______ are responsible for
enforcing local ordinances. - ANSWER Construction GP, VSMP
BMPs use these three mechanisms to control pollution: - ANSWER Infiltration, settling,
and vegetative uptake
How long does a locality VSMP authority have to determine the completeness of a
SWM plan? - ANSWER 15 days
