SWM DEQ STUDY GUIDE PAPER 2026
QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS GRADED A+
●● 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
QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS GRADED A+
●● 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
