NPDES Stormwater Inspector
Qualification Exam Practice Questions
And Correct Answers (Verified Answers)
Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
Download Pdf
1. What is the primary purpose of the National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System (NPDES) stormwater program?
A. To increase construction activity without restrictions
B. To regulate discharges of pollutants into waters of the United States
C. To eliminate all storm events from occurring
D. To replace local building codes
Answer: B. To regulate discharges of pollutants into waters of the United
States
Rationale: The NPDES stormwater program is designed to control pollutant
discharges from stormwater runoff and protect receiving waters from
contamination.
, 2. A stormwater inspector’s main responsibility during an inspection is
to:
A. Approve construction designs
B. Identify compliance issues and verify permit requirements are being
followed
C. Manage contractor payroll
D. Replace the site superintendent
Answer: B. Identify compliance issues and verify permit requirements are
being followed
Rationale: Inspectors evaluate whether stormwater controls,
documentation, and practices comply with permit conditions.
3. Which document outlines how a construction site will minimize
stormwater pollution?
A. Emergency Response Plan
B. Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP)
C. Building Permit
D. Employee Handbook
Answer: B. Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP)
Rationale: The SWPPP identifies potential pollution sources and describes
best management practices used to control stormwater impacts.
, 4. The main objective of erosion and sediment control practices is to:
A. Increase soil movement
B. Prevent sediment from leaving disturbed areas
C. Remove vegetation permanently
D. Increase runoff velocity
Answer: B. Prevent sediment from leaving disturbed areas
Rationale: Erosion and sediment controls reduce soil loss and prevent
sediment from entering waterways.
5. Which of the following is considered a Best Management Practice
(BMP)?
A. Silt fence installation
B. Increasing soil disturbance
C. Removing all drainage paths
D. Discharging untreated runoff
Answer: A. Silt fence installation
Rationale: BMPs are practices designed to prevent or reduce stormwater
pollution, and silt fences are commonly used sediment controls.
6. Sediment leaving a construction site is usually caused by:
, A. Proper stabilization
B. Effective inlet protection
C. Uncontrolled erosion
D. Vegetative cover
Answer: C. Uncontrolled erosion
Rationale: Exposed soil can be transported by runoff when erosion controls
are inadequate.
7. What is the purpose of a stabilized construction entrance?
A. To increase mud tracking onto roads
B. To reduce vehicle tracking of sediment onto public streets
C. To replace all other BMPs
D. To store construction materials
Answer: B. To reduce vehicle tracking of sediment onto public streets
Rationale: Stabilized entrances help remove soil from vehicle tires before
vehicles leave the site.
8. During an inspection, the inspector should first review:
A. Worker schedules
B. SWPPP and permit requirements
Qualification Exam Practice Questions
And Correct Answers (Verified Answers)
Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
Download Pdf
1. What is the primary purpose of the National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System (NPDES) stormwater program?
A. To increase construction activity without restrictions
B. To regulate discharges of pollutants into waters of the United States
C. To eliminate all storm events from occurring
D. To replace local building codes
Answer: B. To regulate discharges of pollutants into waters of the United
States
Rationale: The NPDES stormwater program is designed to control pollutant
discharges from stormwater runoff and protect receiving waters from
contamination.
, 2. A stormwater inspector’s main responsibility during an inspection is
to:
A. Approve construction designs
B. Identify compliance issues and verify permit requirements are being
followed
C. Manage contractor payroll
D. Replace the site superintendent
Answer: B. Identify compliance issues and verify permit requirements are
being followed
Rationale: Inspectors evaluate whether stormwater controls,
documentation, and practices comply with permit conditions.
3. Which document outlines how a construction site will minimize
stormwater pollution?
A. Emergency Response Plan
B. Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP)
C. Building Permit
D. Employee Handbook
Answer: B. Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP)
Rationale: The SWPPP identifies potential pollution sources and describes
best management practices used to control stormwater impacts.
, 4. The main objective of erosion and sediment control practices is to:
A. Increase soil movement
B. Prevent sediment from leaving disturbed areas
C. Remove vegetation permanently
D. Increase runoff velocity
Answer: B. Prevent sediment from leaving disturbed areas
Rationale: Erosion and sediment controls reduce soil loss and prevent
sediment from entering waterways.
5. Which of the following is considered a Best Management Practice
(BMP)?
A. Silt fence installation
B. Increasing soil disturbance
C. Removing all drainage paths
D. Discharging untreated runoff
Answer: A. Silt fence installation
Rationale: BMPs are practices designed to prevent or reduce stormwater
pollution, and silt fences are commonly used sediment controls.
6. Sediment leaving a construction site is usually caused by:
, A. Proper stabilization
B. Effective inlet protection
C. Uncontrolled erosion
D. Vegetative cover
Answer: C. Uncontrolled erosion
Rationale: Exposed soil can be transported by runoff when erosion controls
are inadequate.
7. What is the purpose of a stabilized construction entrance?
A. To increase mud tracking onto roads
B. To reduce vehicle tracking of sediment onto public streets
C. To replace all other BMPs
D. To store construction materials
Answer: B. To reduce vehicle tracking of sediment onto public streets
Rationale: Stabilized entrances help remove soil from vehicle tires before
vehicles leave the site.
8. During an inspection, the inspector should first review:
A. Worker schedules
B. SWPPP and permit requirements
