CPSWQ EXAM 2025 QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
Cornerstone Fundamental Principles - ANS Integrity, Objectivity, Confidentiality,
Competence, Professionalism
Establishment of Phase II and Permits - ANS Phase II established in 1999, permits began in
2003
6 Minimum Control Measures - ANS SWMPs for Stormwater Management Programs: Public
Outreach, Public Involvement, Illicit Discharge Detection, Construction Runoff Control, Post
Construction Management, Pollution Prevention
Federal Water Pollution Control Act - ANS Established in 1948 as framework for CWA,
amended in 1972
Purpose of NPDES - ANS Control discharges of pollutants from point sources
POTW Definition - ANS Publicly Owned Treatment Works
NURP and Discoveries - ANS National Urban Runoff Program (1978-1983) characterized
stormwater pollutants from residential, commercial, and light industrial areas, discovered
common pollutants
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, Section 402 Categories - ANS Facilities under NPDES permit, Facilities with industrial activity,
Large MS4 Systems, Medium MS4 Systems, Facilities contributing to poor water quality
Section 404 Description - ANS Outlines Dredge/Fill permitting
CZARA Meaning - ANS Coastal Zone Act Reauthorization Amendments - States with coastal
zone jurisdiction must develop non-point pollution control plan
Stormwater Discharges - ANS Any conveyance like a pipe, ditch, or channel where pollutants
are discharged.
Waters of the US - ANS -Waters used for commerce, interstate waters, wetlands, intrastate
waters, tributaries, Territorial Sea, and wetlands adjacent to US waters.
Exclusions from Waters of the US - ANS Waste treatment systems meeting CWA
requirements.
Construction Activities Requiring NPDES Permit - ANS Disturbing >5 acres (Phase I) or 1-5
acres (Phase II), or construction with heavy equipment impacting water quality.
NPDES Permit Application - ANS Operator of construction site (owner if operator not
identified).
Phase II Coverage - ANS Commercial, retail, light industrial, institutional facilities,
construction <5 acres, and MS4 systems <100k population.
Phase II Exemptions - ANS Oil and Gas Operators, Silviculture, Agriculture (crop production
only).
2 Copyright ©2025 SIRJOEL ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
ANSWERS
Cornerstone Fundamental Principles - ANS Integrity, Objectivity, Confidentiality,
Competence, Professionalism
Establishment of Phase II and Permits - ANS Phase II established in 1999, permits began in
2003
6 Minimum Control Measures - ANS SWMPs for Stormwater Management Programs: Public
Outreach, Public Involvement, Illicit Discharge Detection, Construction Runoff Control, Post
Construction Management, Pollution Prevention
Federal Water Pollution Control Act - ANS Established in 1948 as framework for CWA,
amended in 1972
Purpose of NPDES - ANS Control discharges of pollutants from point sources
POTW Definition - ANS Publicly Owned Treatment Works
NURP and Discoveries - ANS National Urban Runoff Program (1978-1983) characterized
stormwater pollutants from residential, commercial, and light industrial areas, discovered
common pollutants
1 Copyright ©2025 SIRJOEL ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
, Section 402 Categories - ANS Facilities under NPDES permit, Facilities with industrial activity,
Large MS4 Systems, Medium MS4 Systems, Facilities contributing to poor water quality
Section 404 Description - ANS Outlines Dredge/Fill permitting
CZARA Meaning - ANS Coastal Zone Act Reauthorization Amendments - States with coastal
zone jurisdiction must develop non-point pollution control plan
Stormwater Discharges - ANS Any conveyance like a pipe, ditch, or channel where pollutants
are discharged.
Waters of the US - ANS -Waters used for commerce, interstate waters, wetlands, intrastate
waters, tributaries, Territorial Sea, and wetlands adjacent to US waters.
Exclusions from Waters of the US - ANS Waste treatment systems meeting CWA
requirements.
Construction Activities Requiring NPDES Permit - ANS Disturbing >5 acres (Phase I) or 1-5
acres (Phase II), or construction with heavy equipment impacting water quality.
NPDES Permit Application - ANS Operator of construction site (owner if operator not
identified).
Phase II Coverage - ANS Commercial, retail, light industrial, institutional facilities,
construction <5 acres, and MS4 systems <100k population.
Phase II Exemptions - ANS Oil and Gas Operators, Silviculture, Agriculture (crop production
only).
2 Copyright ©2025 SIRJOEL ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
