VA DEQ SWM Inspector Exam Questions and Correct Answers Latest Update 2024
What element is targeted by water quality criteria? - Answers Phosphorous, it indicates pollution by
bonding with other pollutants.
At what % impervious cover are streams substantially affected? - Answers 25%
what is the site-based load limit for water quality? - Answers 0.41 lbs/acre/yr total phosphorous
Virginia Runoff Reduction Method- method of load calculations - Answers load calculations based on
land cover type and soil type.
what must happen to potentially harmful sheet flow runoff? - Answers Must be diverted to stormwater
conveyance system.
SWM ponds must be able to convey water safely up to what level storm event? - Answers must be able
to safely convey up to a 100 yr storm.
Define LDA - Answers 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? - Answers
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? - Answers 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? - Answers consent order, which
replaces penalties with fines.
how long does VSMP authority have to review SWM plan? - Answers 15 days to review and determine
approval, and notify applicant.
How often must a VSMP authority inspect an LDA? - Answers Periodically.
all SWPPP requirements may be met by - Answers incorporating other plans into reference, or by
developing missing elements.
What must the DEQ issue to an operator before an LDA? - Answers a construction GP
How soon after final grade of a site must vegetation be put in place? - Answers within 7 days.
How long must operator keep routine inspection reports? - Answers At least 3 years after the GP
expires/terminates.
, How long does operator have to revise SWPPP if authority deems it necessary? How long does local
authority have to review any modifications to SWPPP? - Answers 7 days for operator to make changes,
60 days for authority to review changes.
How long does operator have to notify DEQ of an unauthorized discharge? How long does operator have
to make a written report of this? - Answers within 24 hours of discovery for notification, within 5 days
for written acknowledgement.
What constitutes a measurable rain event according to GP? - Answers 0.25 in. or more over 24 hours.
Co-located practices - Answers During construction, a facility functions for ESC, and is later constructed
into a stormwater BMP.
During construction, when should inspector make sure a BMP is not installed? - Answers BMP should
not be installed before contirbuting drainage area has been stabilized.
Notice of Termination forms, to terminate construction permits, must be sent after how many days once
conditions are met? - Answers 30 days
When is ground considered stabilized? - Answers when vegetation is uniform, mature enough to survive,
and will inhibit erosion.
How long must VSMP authority keep construction record drawings? - Answers Until the relevant SWM
facility is removed.
How soon after meeting permit requirements must the VSMP authority return any bonds or securities to
operator? - Answers within 60 days.
VSMP authorities must ensure that SWM facilities, post-construction, are inspected at least once every
___ years, unless: - Answers at least once every 5 years unless a certified personnel provides inspection
reports at least once a year.
What legislation authorizes the VA SWM Program? - Answers The Virginia Stormwater Management Act
What regulation administers the VA SWM Program? - Answers The Virginia Stormwater Management
Program Regulation
The Stormwater Management act requires the State Water Control Board to do what? - Answers permit,
regulate, and control stormwater runoff
How many days does DEQ have to complete review of real or potential inter-jurisdicitonal impacts upon
request? - Answers 90 days
Who is required to maintain a certificate of competency by the Stormwater Management Act? - Answers
staff of a stormwater program, anyone contracted by a VSMP authority, and all standard and
specification holders
What element is targeted by water quality criteria? - Answers Phosphorous, it indicates pollution by
bonding with other pollutants.
At what % impervious cover are streams substantially affected? - Answers 25%
what is the site-based load limit for water quality? - Answers 0.41 lbs/acre/yr total phosphorous
Virginia Runoff Reduction Method- method of load calculations - Answers load calculations based on
land cover type and soil type.
what must happen to potentially harmful sheet flow runoff? - Answers Must be diverted to stormwater
conveyance system.
SWM ponds must be able to convey water safely up to what level storm event? - Answers must be able
to safely convey up to a 100 yr storm.
Define LDA - Answers 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? - Answers
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? - Answers 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? - Answers consent order, which
replaces penalties with fines.
how long does VSMP authority have to review SWM plan? - Answers 15 days to review and determine
approval, and notify applicant.
How often must a VSMP authority inspect an LDA? - Answers Periodically.
all SWPPP requirements may be met by - Answers incorporating other plans into reference, or by
developing missing elements.
What must the DEQ issue to an operator before an LDA? - Answers a construction GP
How soon after final grade of a site must vegetation be put in place? - Answers within 7 days.
How long must operator keep routine inspection reports? - Answers At least 3 years after the GP
expires/terminates.
, How long does operator have to revise SWPPP if authority deems it necessary? How long does local
authority have to review any modifications to SWPPP? - Answers 7 days for operator to make changes,
60 days for authority to review changes.
How long does operator have to notify DEQ of an unauthorized discharge? How long does operator have
to make a written report of this? - Answers within 24 hours of discovery for notification, within 5 days
for written acknowledgement.
What constitutes a measurable rain event according to GP? - Answers 0.25 in. or more over 24 hours.
Co-located practices - Answers During construction, a facility functions for ESC, and is later constructed
into a stormwater BMP.
During construction, when should inspector make sure a BMP is not installed? - Answers BMP should
not be installed before contirbuting drainage area has been stabilized.
Notice of Termination forms, to terminate construction permits, must be sent after how many days once
conditions are met? - Answers 30 days
When is ground considered stabilized? - Answers when vegetation is uniform, mature enough to survive,
and will inhibit erosion.
How long must VSMP authority keep construction record drawings? - Answers Until the relevant SWM
facility is removed.
How soon after meeting permit requirements must the VSMP authority return any bonds or securities to
operator? - Answers within 60 days.
VSMP authorities must ensure that SWM facilities, post-construction, are inspected at least once every
___ years, unless: - Answers at least once every 5 years unless a certified personnel provides inspection
reports at least once a year.
What legislation authorizes the VA SWM Program? - Answers The Virginia Stormwater Management Act
What regulation administers the VA SWM Program? - Answers The Virginia Stormwater Management
Program Regulation
The Stormwater Management act requires the State Water Control Board to do what? - Answers permit,
regulate, and control stormwater runoff
How many days does DEQ have to complete review of real or potential inter-jurisdicitonal impacts upon
request? - Answers 90 days
Who is required to maintain a certificate of competency by the Stormwater Management Act? - Answers
staff of a stormwater program, anyone contracted by a VSMP authority, and all standard and
specification holders
