SWPPP WALMART - STORMWATER EXAM QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS VERIFIED BY EXPERT | LATEST UPDATE 2025
Question 1
Which federal law, enacted in the 1970s, established the basic structure for regulating discharges
of pollutants into the waters of the United States and gave the EPA the authority to implement
pollution control programs?
A) The Safe Drinking Water Act
B) The Clean Air Act
C) The Clean Water Act
D) The National Environmental Policy Act
Correct Answer: C) The Clean Water Act
Rationale: The Clean Water Act (CWA) is the cornerstone of surface water quality
protection in the United States. It was established in 1972 and put in place the regulation of
pollutants, including those found in stormwater runoff from construction sites.
Question 2
The NPDES Construction General Permit sets forth the requirements for managing stormwater
activity on a construction site. What does NPDES stand for?
A) National Pollution Discharge Elimination System
B) New Pollutant Discharge Elimination Standard
C) National Program for Discharge & Effluent Systems
D) Non-Point Discharge Elimination System
Correct Answer: A) National Pollution Discharge Elimination System
Rationale: NPDES stands for National Pollution Discharge Elimination System. It is the
program under the Clean Water Act that requires permits for any facility, including
construction sites, that discharges pollutants from a point source into waters of the United
States.
Question 3
Under what conditions can the Notice of Termination (NOT) be filed to end permit coverage for
a construction site?
A) When all interior construction work is complete.
B) When the project is 70% complete and landscaping has begun.
C) When all construction activity is complete and permanent stabilization has been verified as
adequate.
D) When the General Contractor hands the site over to the property owner.
Correct Answer: C) When all construction activity is complete and permanent stabilization
has been verified as adequate.
Rationale: The NOT can only be filed when all soil-disturbing activities are finished and a
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uniform, permanent vegetative cover with a density of 70% of the native background has
been established, or equivalent permanent stabilization measures are in place. This ensures
the site will no longer be a significant source of sediment pollution.
Question 4
All of the following must occur before the start of construction, except:
A) Prepare the SWPPP
B) Determine the Operator(s)
C) Submit the Notice of Intent (NOI)
D) Submit the Notice of Termination (NOT)
Correct Answer: D) Submit the Notice of Termination (NOT)
Rationale: The Notice of Termination (NOT) is the final step in the permitting process. It is
submitted only after all construction and soil-disturbing activities are complete and the site
has been permanently stabilized. All other steps (preparing the SWPPP, identifying
operators, and submitting the NOI) must be completed before any construction begins.
Question 5
Which of the following is NOT considered a beneficial use of water that the Clean Water Act
aims to protect?
A) Swimming and recreation
B) Drinking water supply
C) Flushing a spill down a storm drain
D) Industrial and agricultural water supply
Correct Answer: C) Flushing a spill down a storm drain.
Rationale: Beneficial uses of water are the various ways water can be used for the benefit of
people and the environment, such as for drinking, recreation, and industry. Flushing a spill
down a storm drain is an act of pollution that contaminates the water, harms aquatic life,
and prevents the water from being used for beneficial purposes.
Question 6
When installing and maintaining a check dam in a drainage channel, what is the most critical
design feature?
A) Stormwater should be directed around the check dam.
B) The sides of the check dam must be higher than the middle.
C) The check dam should be constructed from solid, non-porous materials.
D) The check dam should be completely removed after every storm event.
Correct Answer: B) The sides of the check dam must be higher than the middle.
Rationale: A check dam is designed to slow the flow of water and trap sediment. It is crucial
that the center of the dam is lower than the sides. This ensures that water flows over the
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middle of the dam, preventing it from eroding the channel banks around the sides of the
structure (a process called undercutting).
Question 7
What is the best method to reduce the possibility of undercutting and erosion in newly
constructed stormwater channels and diversions?
A) Stabilize diversions and swales within 21 days of construction.
B) Add loose mulch and straw into the channel.
C) Install filter fabric under rock and similar materials placed within the stormwater conveyance.
D) Never install a Best Management Practice (BMP) in a stormwater conveyance.
Correct Answer: C) Install filter fabric under rock and similar materials placed within the
stormwater conveyance.
Rationale: When rock (riprap) or other materials are used to line a channel, the force of the
water can erode the soil underneath, causing the rock to sink and the channel to fail.
Placing a layer of geotextile filter fabric under the rock separates the rock from the
underlying soil, preventing this erosion and ensuring the long-term stability of the channel
lining.
Question 8
The Good Housekeeping section of the SWPPP must include procedures for all of the following
EXCEPT:
A) Hazardous Waste Management and Disposal
B) Solid Waste Management and Disposal
C) Sanitary Waste Management and Disposal
D) Post-Construction Stormwater Management
Correct Answer: D) Post-Construction Stormwater Management
Rationale: The Good Housekeeping section focuses on preventing pollution from materials
and waste generated during the active construction phase. This includes solid waste (trash),
sanitary waste (portable toilets), and hazardous waste. Post-construction stormwater
management deals with the permanent features designed to handle stormwater after the
project is complete and is a separate section of the SWPPP.
Question 9
Runoff Controls are Best Management Practices designed to safely convey concentrated
stormwater flow. These include all of the following EXCEPT:
A) Rolled Erosion Control Products (RECPs)
B) Diversions
C) Check Dams
D) Slope Drains
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Correct Answer: A) Rolled Erosion Control Products (RECPs)
Rationale: Diversions, check dams, and slope drains are all runoff controls designed to
manage the flow of water. Rolled Erosion Control Products (RECPs), such as erosion
control blankets and turf reinforcement mats, are erosion controls. They are placed directly
on the soil surface to prevent soil particles from detaching in the first place.
Question 10
When must the stormwater Notice of Intent (NOI) be submitted?
A) After the SWPPP is prepared and before starting construction.
B) Within 14 days of starting construction.
C) At the same time the Notice of Termination (NOT) is filed.
D) Only after the first phase of grading is complete.
Correct Answer: A) After the SWPPP is prepared and before starting construction.
Rationale: The Notice of Intent (NOI) is the formal application for coverage under the
Construction General Permit. It must be submitted to the regulatory agency (e.g., EPA or
state agency) after the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) has been fully
developed but before any construction or soil-disturbing activities begin.
Question 11
Potential pollutant sources commonly stored on a construction site may include:
A) Petroleum storage tanks
B) Soil amendments (e.g., fertilizer, lime)
C) Masonry materials
D) All of the above
Correct Answer: D) All of the above
Rationale: A construction site contains numerous potential pollutants. Petroleum products
(A) can cause hydrocarbon pollution. Fertilizers and lime (B) can alter pH and cause
nutrient pollution. Masonry materials (C), including concrete washout and mortar, can
cause pH pollution and increase turbidity. The SWPPP must identify all such sources and
plan for their proper management.
Question 12
Under what circumstances may the SWPPP implementation sequence be modified?
A) At any time, at the discretion of the site superintendent.
B) Only if the project is behind schedule and needs to make up time.
C) After consulting with the project SWPPP designer and receiving written approval.
D) It can never be modified once the NOI has been submitted.
Correct Answer: C) After consulting with the project SWPPP designer and receiving written
approval.
Rationale: The SWPPP is a formal, legally required document. The implementation
ANSWERS VERIFIED BY EXPERT | LATEST UPDATE 2025
Question 1
Which federal law, enacted in the 1970s, established the basic structure for regulating discharges
of pollutants into the waters of the United States and gave the EPA the authority to implement
pollution control programs?
A) The Safe Drinking Water Act
B) The Clean Air Act
C) The Clean Water Act
D) The National Environmental Policy Act
Correct Answer: C) The Clean Water Act
Rationale: The Clean Water Act (CWA) is the cornerstone of surface water quality
protection in the United States. It was established in 1972 and put in place the regulation of
pollutants, including those found in stormwater runoff from construction sites.
Question 2
The NPDES Construction General Permit sets forth the requirements for managing stormwater
activity on a construction site. What does NPDES stand for?
A) National Pollution Discharge Elimination System
B) New Pollutant Discharge Elimination Standard
C) National Program for Discharge & Effluent Systems
D) Non-Point Discharge Elimination System
Correct Answer: A) National Pollution Discharge Elimination System
Rationale: NPDES stands for National Pollution Discharge Elimination System. It is the
program under the Clean Water Act that requires permits for any facility, including
construction sites, that discharges pollutants from a point source into waters of the United
States.
Question 3
Under what conditions can the Notice of Termination (NOT) be filed to end permit coverage for
a construction site?
A) When all interior construction work is complete.
B) When the project is 70% complete and landscaping has begun.
C) When all construction activity is complete and permanent stabilization has been verified as
adequate.
D) When the General Contractor hands the site over to the property owner.
Correct Answer: C) When all construction activity is complete and permanent stabilization
has been verified as adequate.
Rationale: The NOT can only be filed when all soil-disturbing activities are finished and a
,[Type here]
uniform, permanent vegetative cover with a density of 70% of the native background has
been established, or equivalent permanent stabilization measures are in place. This ensures
the site will no longer be a significant source of sediment pollution.
Question 4
All of the following must occur before the start of construction, except:
A) Prepare the SWPPP
B) Determine the Operator(s)
C) Submit the Notice of Intent (NOI)
D) Submit the Notice of Termination (NOT)
Correct Answer: D) Submit the Notice of Termination (NOT)
Rationale: The Notice of Termination (NOT) is the final step in the permitting process. It is
submitted only after all construction and soil-disturbing activities are complete and the site
has been permanently stabilized. All other steps (preparing the SWPPP, identifying
operators, and submitting the NOI) must be completed before any construction begins.
Question 5
Which of the following is NOT considered a beneficial use of water that the Clean Water Act
aims to protect?
A) Swimming and recreation
B) Drinking water supply
C) Flushing a spill down a storm drain
D) Industrial and agricultural water supply
Correct Answer: C) Flushing a spill down a storm drain.
Rationale: Beneficial uses of water are the various ways water can be used for the benefit of
people and the environment, such as for drinking, recreation, and industry. Flushing a spill
down a storm drain is an act of pollution that contaminates the water, harms aquatic life,
and prevents the water from being used for beneficial purposes.
Question 6
When installing and maintaining a check dam in a drainage channel, what is the most critical
design feature?
A) Stormwater should be directed around the check dam.
B) The sides of the check dam must be higher than the middle.
C) The check dam should be constructed from solid, non-porous materials.
D) The check dam should be completely removed after every storm event.
Correct Answer: B) The sides of the check dam must be higher than the middle.
Rationale: A check dam is designed to slow the flow of water and trap sediment. It is crucial
that the center of the dam is lower than the sides. This ensures that water flows over the
,[Type here]
middle of the dam, preventing it from eroding the channel banks around the sides of the
structure (a process called undercutting).
Question 7
What is the best method to reduce the possibility of undercutting and erosion in newly
constructed stormwater channels and diversions?
A) Stabilize diversions and swales within 21 days of construction.
B) Add loose mulch and straw into the channel.
C) Install filter fabric under rock and similar materials placed within the stormwater conveyance.
D) Never install a Best Management Practice (BMP) in a stormwater conveyance.
Correct Answer: C) Install filter fabric under rock and similar materials placed within the
stormwater conveyance.
Rationale: When rock (riprap) or other materials are used to line a channel, the force of the
water can erode the soil underneath, causing the rock to sink and the channel to fail.
Placing a layer of geotextile filter fabric under the rock separates the rock from the
underlying soil, preventing this erosion and ensuring the long-term stability of the channel
lining.
Question 8
The Good Housekeeping section of the SWPPP must include procedures for all of the following
EXCEPT:
A) Hazardous Waste Management and Disposal
B) Solid Waste Management and Disposal
C) Sanitary Waste Management and Disposal
D) Post-Construction Stormwater Management
Correct Answer: D) Post-Construction Stormwater Management
Rationale: The Good Housekeeping section focuses on preventing pollution from materials
and waste generated during the active construction phase. This includes solid waste (trash),
sanitary waste (portable toilets), and hazardous waste. Post-construction stormwater
management deals with the permanent features designed to handle stormwater after the
project is complete and is a separate section of the SWPPP.
Question 9
Runoff Controls are Best Management Practices designed to safely convey concentrated
stormwater flow. These include all of the following EXCEPT:
A) Rolled Erosion Control Products (RECPs)
B) Diversions
C) Check Dams
D) Slope Drains
, [Type here]
Correct Answer: A) Rolled Erosion Control Products (RECPs)
Rationale: Diversions, check dams, and slope drains are all runoff controls designed to
manage the flow of water. Rolled Erosion Control Products (RECPs), such as erosion
control blankets and turf reinforcement mats, are erosion controls. They are placed directly
on the soil surface to prevent soil particles from detaching in the first place.
Question 10
When must the stormwater Notice of Intent (NOI) be submitted?
A) After the SWPPP is prepared and before starting construction.
B) Within 14 days of starting construction.
C) At the same time the Notice of Termination (NOT) is filed.
D) Only after the first phase of grading is complete.
Correct Answer: A) After the SWPPP is prepared and before starting construction.
Rationale: The Notice of Intent (NOI) is the formal application for coverage under the
Construction General Permit. It must be submitted to the regulatory agency (e.g., EPA or
state agency) after the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) has been fully
developed but before any construction or soil-disturbing activities begin.
Question 11
Potential pollutant sources commonly stored on a construction site may include:
A) Petroleum storage tanks
B) Soil amendments (e.g., fertilizer, lime)
C) Masonry materials
D) All of the above
Correct Answer: D) All of the above
Rationale: A construction site contains numerous potential pollutants. Petroleum products
(A) can cause hydrocarbon pollution. Fertilizers and lime (B) can alter pH and cause
nutrient pollution. Masonry materials (C), including concrete washout and mortar, can
cause pH pollution and increase turbidity. The SWPPP must identify all such sources and
plan for their proper management.
Question 12
Under what circumstances may the SWPPP implementation sequence be modified?
A) At any time, at the discretion of the site superintendent.
B) Only if the project is behind schedule and needs to make up time.
C) After consulting with the project SWPPP designer and receiving written approval.
D) It can never be modified once the NOI has been submitted.
Correct Answer: C) After consulting with the project SWPPP designer and receiving written
approval.
Rationale: The SWPPP is a formal, legally required document. The implementation
