SWM DEQ ELITE REVIEW STUDY GUIDE
SUMMARY WITH SOLVED QUESTIONS AND
DETAILED VERIFIED ANSWERS FOR 2026
SUCCESS
◉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.
SUMMARY WITH SOLVED QUESTIONS AND
DETAILED VERIFIED ANSWERS FOR 2026
SUCCESS
◉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.
