SWM DEQ ACTUAL EXAM PAPER 2026
QUESTIONS WITH SOLUTIONS GRADED A+
◉ Does the stormwater management plan address runoff during
construction or after? Answer: The stormwater management plan
addresses post-construction stormwater runoff.
◉ What impact does impervious cover have on water quality? Answer:
The 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? Answer:
Phosphorus
◉ What is the lower limit of the range of imperviousness that can result
in stream degradation? Answer: 10%
◉ The SWM regulation ensures water quality in considered in
stormwater management planning to protect against which two
destructive forces? Answer: Channel erosion and flooding
, ◉ Discuss how the rate of runoff changes after development: Answer:
The rate of runoff increases 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 as stringent as what state permit? Answer:
The Construction GP
◉ What plans must a locality's ordinance require to be submitted and
approved? Answer: ESC plan and SWM plan
◉ List 3 violations for which a penalty may be imposed. Answer: Any of
the following: No state registration statement; no SWPPP; incomplete
SWPPP; SWPPP not available for review; no approved ESC plan;
failure to install stormwater management BMPs or ESCs; stormwater
BMPs or erosion and sediment controls improperly installed or
maintained; operational deficiencies; failure to conduct required
inspections; incomplete, improper, or missed inspections.
◉ What is the max penalty a locality can impose under the stormwater
act? Answer: $32,500
◉ How long must a locality VSMP hold on to a registration statement?
Answer: All registration statements must be documented and retained for
QUESTIONS WITH SOLUTIONS GRADED A+
◉ Does the stormwater management plan address runoff during
construction or after? Answer: The stormwater management plan
addresses post-construction stormwater runoff.
◉ What impact does impervious cover have on water quality? Answer:
The 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? Answer:
Phosphorus
◉ What is the lower limit of the range of imperviousness that can result
in stream degradation? Answer: 10%
◉ The SWM regulation ensures water quality in considered in
stormwater management planning to protect against which two
destructive forces? Answer: Channel erosion and flooding
, ◉ Discuss how the rate of runoff changes after development: Answer:
The rate of runoff increases 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 as stringent as what state permit? Answer:
The Construction GP
◉ What plans must a locality's ordinance require to be submitted and
approved? Answer: ESC plan and SWM plan
◉ List 3 violations for which a penalty may be imposed. Answer: Any of
the following: No state registration statement; no SWPPP; incomplete
SWPPP; SWPPP not available for review; no approved ESC plan;
failure to install stormwater management BMPs or ESCs; stormwater
BMPs or erosion and sediment controls improperly installed or
maintained; operational deficiencies; failure to conduct required
inspections; incomplete, improper, or missed inspections.
◉ What is the max penalty a locality can impose under the stormwater
act? Answer: $32,500
◉ How long must a locality VSMP hold on to a registration statement?
Answer: All registration statements must be documented and retained for
