VA DEQ SWM Inspector Exam
Question & Answers 2025/2026
What element is targeted by water quality criteria? - CORRECT
ANSWERS ✔✔Phosphorous, it indicates pollution by bonding with
other pollutants.
At what % impervious cover are streams substantially affected? -
CORRECT ANSWERS ✔✔25%
what is the site-based load limit for water quality? - CORRECT
ANSWERS ✔✔0.41 lbs/acre/yr total phosphorous
Virginia Runoff Reduction Method- method of load calculations -
CORRECT ANSWERS ✔✔load calculations based on land cover type
and soil type.
what must happen to potentially harmful sheet flow runoff? - CORRECT
ANSWERS ✔✔Must be diverted to stormwater conveyance system.
SWM ponds must be able to convey water safely up to what level storm
event? - CORRECT ANSWERS ✔✔must be able to safely convey up
to a 100 yr storm.
Define LDA - CORRECT ANSWERS ✔✔Land disturbing activity; any
man-made change to the land surface that potentially changes its
runoff characteristics; includes clearing, grading, and excavation.
, VA DEQ SWM Inspector Exam
Question & Answers 2025/2026
What size LDA must comply with stormwater management regulation?
in CPBA areas? - CORRECT 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? - CORRECT
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? -
CORRECT ANSWERS ✔✔consent order, which replaces penalties
with fines.
how long does VSMP authority have to review SWM plan? - CORRECT
ANSWERS ✔✔15 days to review and determine approval, and
notify applicant.
How often must a VSMP authority inspect an LDA? - CORRECT
ANSWERS ✔✔Periodically.
all SWPPP requirements may be met by - CORRECT ANSWERS
✔✔incorporating other plans into reference, or by developing
missing elements.
Question & Answers 2025/2026
What element is targeted by water quality criteria? - CORRECT
ANSWERS ✔✔Phosphorous, it indicates pollution by bonding with
other pollutants.
At what % impervious cover are streams substantially affected? -
CORRECT ANSWERS ✔✔25%
what is the site-based load limit for water quality? - CORRECT
ANSWERS ✔✔0.41 lbs/acre/yr total phosphorous
Virginia Runoff Reduction Method- method of load calculations -
CORRECT ANSWERS ✔✔load calculations based on land cover type
and soil type.
what must happen to potentially harmful sheet flow runoff? - CORRECT
ANSWERS ✔✔Must be diverted to stormwater conveyance system.
SWM ponds must be able to convey water safely up to what level storm
event? - CORRECT ANSWERS ✔✔must be able to safely convey up
to a 100 yr storm.
Define LDA - CORRECT ANSWERS ✔✔Land disturbing activity; any
man-made change to the land surface that potentially changes its
runoff characteristics; includes clearing, grading, and excavation.
, VA DEQ SWM Inspector Exam
Question & Answers 2025/2026
What size LDA must comply with stormwater management regulation?
in CPBA areas? - CORRECT 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? - CORRECT
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? -
CORRECT ANSWERS ✔✔consent order, which replaces penalties
with fines.
how long does VSMP authority have to review SWM plan? - CORRECT
ANSWERS ✔✔15 days to review and determine approval, and
notify applicant.
How often must a VSMP authority inspect an LDA? - CORRECT
ANSWERS ✔✔Periodically.
all SWPPP requirements may be met by - CORRECT ANSWERS
✔✔incorporating other plans into reference, or by developing
missing elements.
