SWM Exam Comprehensive
Questions (Frequently Tested)
with Verified Answers
List 3 violations for which penalty may be imposed - Answer: no state CGP; no SWPPP; SWPPP not
available for review; SW BMPs or ESC measure improperly installed/maintained; Incomplete, improper
or missed inspections
What is the maximum penalty a locality can impose under the stormwater act? - Answer: 32,500
How long must a locality VSMP authority hold on to a registration statement? - Answer: Documented
and retained for at least 3 years from the date of project completion or state permit termination
how often must DEQ conduct program reviews? - Answer: DEQ is required to conduct a program review
once every 5 years
How frequently must a VSMP authority inspect construction site? - Answer: periodically
what are the two locations where the notice of coverage letter must be posted? - Answer: Main
Construction entrance, general info section of SWPPP
What two options does the operator have for making the SWPPP available to the public? - Answer:
Electronic or hard copy
What is the qualified personnel's inspection frequency for areas that have been temporarily stabilized? -
Answer: once per month
What must be included in the SWPPP as general information - Answer: Signed copy of Registration
Statement, copy of the notice of coverage letter, copy of the construction general permit, narrative,
legible site plan
, How long does the contractor have to fix an erosion and sediment control practice? - Answer: as soon as
practical, but no later than 7 days after discovery
When must temp. stabilization be applied to bare areas that may not be at final grade but will remain
dormant for longer than 14 days? - Answer: within 7 days
when must permanent or temporary soil stabilization be applied to bare areas that are at final grade? -
Answer: within 7 days after final grade is reached.
What are the three requirements for concrete wash water? - Answer: must be directed into a leak proof
container, container or basin cannot overflow, hardened and liquid waste must be removed and
properly disposed of.
Does the SWPPP have to contain control measure for support activity areas? - Answer: yes, if they are
covered under the CGP.
How long must a VSMP authority keep inspection records? - Answer: retained by the VSMP authority for
three years after permit termination
Examples of Infiltration BMPs - Answer: permeable pavement, infiltration practices, bioretention, dry
swales
Define infiltration - Answer: stormwater infiltrates into soil and filters out sediment
settling - Answer: sediment settles out; decantering
vegetative uptake or filtering - Answer: plants uptake the water leaving contaminants
Geotextile vs Filter Fabric - Answer: Geotextile is a permeable material used to increase soil/structural
stability, provide erosion control, or aid in drainage. Filter fabric is used to contain/filter small soil
particles.
Questions (Frequently Tested)
with Verified Answers
List 3 violations for which penalty may be imposed - Answer: no state CGP; no SWPPP; SWPPP not
available for review; SW BMPs or ESC measure improperly installed/maintained; Incomplete, improper
or missed inspections
What is the maximum penalty a locality can impose under the stormwater act? - Answer: 32,500
How long must a locality VSMP authority hold on to a registration statement? - Answer: Documented
and retained for at least 3 years from the date of project completion or state permit termination
how often must DEQ conduct program reviews? - Answer: DEQ is required to conduct a program review
once every 5 years
How frequently must a VSMP authority inspect construction site? - Answer: periodically
what are the two locations where the notice of coverage letter must be posted? - Answer: Main
Construction entrance, general info section of SWPPP
What two options does the operator have for making the SWPPP available to the public? - Answer:
Electronic or hard copy
What is the qualified personnel's inspection frequency for areas that have been temporarily stabilized? -
Answer: once per month
What must be included in the SWPPP as general information - Answer: Signed copy of Registration
Statement, copy of the notice of coverage letter, copy of the construction general permit, narrative,
legible site plan
, How long does the contractor have to fix an erosion and sediment control practice? - Answer: as soon as
practical, but no later than 7 days after discovery
When must temp. stabilization be applied to bare areas that may not be at final grade but will remain
dormant for longer than 14 days? - Answer: within 7 days
when must permanent or temporary soil stabilization be applied to bare areas that are at final grade? -
Answer: within 7 days after final grade is reached.
What are the three requirements for concrete wash water? - Answer: must be directed into a leak proof
container, container or basin cannot overflow, hardened and liquid waste must be removed and
properly disposed of.
Does the SWPPP have to contain control measure for support activity areas? - Answer: yes, if they are
covered under the CGP.
How long must a VSMP authority keep inspection records? - Answer: retained by the VSMP authority for
three years after permit termination
Examples of Infiltration BMPs - Answer: permeable pavement, infiltration practices, bioretention, dry
swales
Define infiltration - Answer: stormwater infiltrates into soil and filters out sediment
settling - Answer: sediment settles out; decantering
vegetative uptake or filtering - Answer: plants uptake the water leaving contaminants
Geotextile vs Filter Fabric - Answer: Geotextile is a permeable material used to increase soil/structural
stability, provide erosion control, or aid in drainage. Filter fabric is used to contain/filter small soil
particles.
