CESSWI SWPPP and Plan Management 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Who is ultimately responsible for ensuring a SWPPP is properly implemented on a construction site?
- The local municipality
- The land owner or operator (Correct answer)
- The erosion control contractor
- The state environmental agency
Correct answer: The land owner or operator
Under NPDES permit requirements, the land owner or operator bears ultimate responsibility for SWPPP implementation and compliance.
Question 2: When must a SWPPP amendment be completed after a construction site boundary is expanded?
- Within 30 days after expansion
- Before or concurrent with any land disturbance in the new area (Correct answer)
- Within 7 days after expansion
- Only at the next scheduled inspection
Correct answer: Before or concurrent with any land disturbance in the new area
The SWPPP must be amended prior to or concurrent with disturbing any newly added area so BMPs are planned before disturbance begins.
Question 3: Which section of a SWPPP typically documents the name and contact information of the qualified personnel responsible for inspections?
- Site description
- BMP implementation schedule
- Personnel and training section (Correct answer)
- Post-construction controls section
Correct answer: Personnel and training section
The personnel and training section of the SWPPP identifies responsible parties, their qualifications, and contact information for inspections.
Question 4: A SWPPP for a site disturbing 5 acres in a CGP state must be submitted to the regulatory agency before land disturbance begins. This statement is:
- Always true under the federal CGP
- True only if the site drains to a 303(d) listed water body
- Generally false — the SWPPP is kept on site, not submitted unless requested (Correct answer)
- True only for sites over 10 acres
Correct answer: Generally false — the SWPPP is kept on site, not submitted unless requested
Under the EPA Construction General Permit, the SWPPP is prepared and kept on site; it is not submitted to EPA unless specifically requested during an inspection.
Question 5: A SWPPP log shows that a required BMP repair was identified but not completed within the required timeframe. This is best described as:
- A minor administrative deficiency
- A permit violation that could trigger enforcement (Correct answer)
- An acceptable variance if weather was the cause
- Normal practice if the next inspection is imminent
Correct answer: A permit violation that could trigger enforcement
Failure to complete required BMP repairs within the permit-specified timeframe constitutes a permit violation subject to enforcement action.
Question 6: Which of the following is a required element of a site map included in most SWPPPs?
- Property tax parcel numbers
- Locations of all drainage patterns and receiving waters (Correct answer)
- Names of adjacent landowners
- Utility easement dimensions
Correct answer: Locations of all drainage patterns and receiving waters
SWPPP site maps must show drainage patterns, flow directions, and the location of nearby receiving waters to identify pollutant discharge pathways.
Question 7: Under the EPA Construction General Permit, how long must a permittee retain SWPPP records after permit termination?
- 1 year
- 3 years (Correct answer)
- 5 years
- 10 years
Correct answer: 3 years
The EPA CGP requires retention of SWPPP documents and inspection records for at least 3 years after permit termination or coverage expiration.
CESSWI SWPPP and Plan Management 2
Who is ultimately responsible for ensuring a SWPPP is properly implemented on a construction site?