VA DEQ SWM Inspector Exam – 2025/2026 Test Questions &
Correct Answers | Updated Study Guide | 100% Pass
Guarantee
What two plans in the SWPPP must be approved? - correct answerErosion and
sediment control plans and stormwater management plans must be approved.
Does the stormwater management plan address runoff during construction or after? -
correct answerThe stormwater management plan addresses post-construction
stormwater runoff.
What impact does impervious cover have on water quality? - correct answerThe volume
and velocity of stormwater runoff increases as natural vegetation is replaced with roads,
buildings, parking areas and other impervious surfaces. The increase in stormwater
runoff leads to an increase in pollutants, such as sediment and phosphorus that are
carried to waterways, which has a negative effect on water quality.
What is the target pollutant in the water quality criteria ? - correct answerPhosphorus
What is the lower limit of the range of imperviousness that scan result in stream
degradation? - correct answer10%
The SWM regulation ensures water quantity is considered in stormwater management
planning to protect against which two destructive forces? - correct answerChannel
erosion and flooding.
Discuss how the rate of runoff changes after development. - correct answerThe rate of
runoff increase after development because of the replacement of vegetation with
impervious surfaces. A larger volume of water will travel more quickly through a stream
channel, potentially causing erosion and flooding.
A locality VSMP must be at least as stringent as what state permit? - correct
answerConstruction GP (9VAC25-870-106).
What plans must a locality's ordinance require to be submitted and approved? - correct
answerESC plan and SWM plan (9VAC25-870-148)
List three violations for which a penalty may be imposed. - correct answer(9VAC25-870-
116)
*No registration date
*No SWPPP
*Incomplete SWPPP
, *SWPPP not available for review
*No approves ESC plan
*Failure to install stormwater management BMPs or ESCs
*Stormwater BMP or erosion and sediment controls improperly installed or maintained
*Operational deficiencies
*Failure to conduct required inspections
Incomplete, improper, or missed inspections
What is the maximum penalty a locality can impose under the stormwater act? - correct
answer$32,500
How long must a locality VSMP authority hold on to a registration statement? - correct
answerAll registration statements must be documented and retained for at least three
years from the date of project completion or state permit termination.
How often must DEQ conduct program reviews? - correct answerDEQ is required to
conduct a program review once every five years.
How frequently must a VSMP authority inspect a construction site? - correct
answerPeriodically
1. Compliance with approved ESC plan
2. Compliance with approved SWM plan
3. Development, updating, and implementation of a pollution prevention plan.
4. Development and implementation of any additional control measures necessary to
address a TMDL.
What are the two locations where the notice of coverage letter must be posted? -
correct answer1. Near the main entrance of construction activity
2.In the general information section of SWPPP
What two options does the operator have for making the SWPPP available to the
public? - correct answer1. Electronic format
2. Hard copy- public access may be arranged upon request at a time and at publicly
accessible location convenient to the operator.
What must be included in the SWPPP as general information? - correct answer1.
Signed copy of the registration statement (if required)
2. Copy of the notice of coverage letter
3. Copy of the Construction GP
Correct Answers | Updated Study Guide | 100% Pass
Guarantee
What two plans in the SWPPP must be approved? - correct answerErosion and
sediment control plans and stormwater management plans must be approved.
Does the stormwater management plan address runoff during construction or after? -
correct answerThe stormwater management plan addresses post-construction
stormwater runoff.
What impact does impervious cover have on water quality? - correct answerThe volume
and velocity of stormwater runoff increases as natural vegetation is replaced with roads,
buildings, parking areas and other impervious surfaces. The increase in stormwater
runoff leads to an increase in pollutants, such as sediment and phosphorus that are
carried to waterways, which has a negative effect on water quality.
What is the target pollutant in the water quality criteria ? - correct answerPhosphorus
What is the lower limit of the range of imperviousness that scan result in stream
degradation? - correct answer10%
The SWM regulation ensures water quantity is considered in stormwater management
planning to protect against which two destructive forces? - correct answerChannel
erosion and flooding.
Discuss how the rate of runoff changes after development. - correct answerThe rate of
runoff increase after development because of the replacement of vegetation with
impervious surfaces. A larger volume of water will travel more quickly through a stream
channel, potentially causing erosion and flooding.
A locality VSMP must be at least as stringent as what state permit? - correct
answerConstruction GP (9VAC25-870-106).
What plans must a locality's ordinance require to be submitted and approved? - correct
answerESC plan and SWM plan (9VAC25-870-148)
List three violations for which a penalty may be imposed. - correct answer(9VAC25-870-
116)
*No registration date
*No SWPPP
*Incomplete SWPPP
, *SWPPP not available for review
*No approves ESC plan
*Failure to install stormwater management BMPs or ESCs
*Stormwater BMP or erosion and sediment controls improperly installed or maintained
*Operational deficiencies
*Failure to conduct required inspections
Incomplete, improper, or missed inspections
What is the maximum penalty a locality can impose under the stormwater act? - correct
answer$32,500
How long must a locality VSMP authority hold on to a registration statement? - correct
answerAll registration statements must be documented and retained for at least three
years from the date of project completion or state permit termination.
How often must DEQ conduct program reviews? - correct answerDEQ is required to
conduct a program review once every five years.
How frequently must a VSMP authority inspect a construction site? - correct
answerPeriodically
1. Compliance with approved ESC plan
2. Compliance with approved SWM plan
3. Development, updating, and implementation of a pollution prevention plan.
4. Development and implementation of any additional control measures necessary to
address a TMDL.
What are the two locations where the notice of coverage letter must be posted? -
correct answer1. Near the main entrance of construction activity
2.In the general information section of SWPPP
What two options does the operator have for making the SWPPP available to the
public? - correct answer1. Electronic format
2. Hard copy- public access may be arranged upon request at a time and at publicly
accessible location convenient to the operator.
What must be included in the SWPPP as general information? - correct answer1.
Signed copy of the registration statement (if required)
2. Copy of the notice of coverage letter
3. Copy of the Construction GP
