CESSWI Site Inspection Procedures — Questions and Answers

Question 1: What is the primary goal of a site inspection?

Check for graffiti
Measure noise levels
Verify BMPs and compliance (Correct answer)
Trim grass

Correct answer: Verify BMPs and compliance

The primary goal of a stormwater site inspection is to verify that Best Management Practices (BMPs) are correctly installed, maintained, and functioning as intended. Inspectors also ensure that the site is in compliance with all applicable stormwater permits and regulations. This proactive approach helps prevent pollution and protect water quality.

Question 2: When should site inspections typically occur?

Only after a complaint
Once a year
Before, during, and after rain events (Correct answer)
Every weekend

Correct answer: Before, during, and after rain events

Site inspections for stormwater management should ideally occur before, during, and after rain events to provide a comprehensive assessment. Inspecting before a storm ensures BMPs are ready, during a storm allows observation of their performance under actual flow, and after a storm helps identify any damage or needed repairs. This timing ensures continuous effectiveness of erosion and sediment controls.

Question 3: What tool is commonly used during inspections?

Paint brush
Sprinkler system
Inspection checklist (Correct answer)
Fire extinguisher

Correct answer: Inspection checklist

An inspection checklist is a commonly used tool during stormwater inspections because it provides a structured and systematic approach. It ensures that all required elements, Best Management Practices (BMPs), and potential compliance issues are thoroughly reviewed and documented. This helps maintain consistency across inspections and ensures adherence to permit requirements.

Question 4: Why take photographs during inspection?

For decoration
To post online
To document compliance or violations (Correct answer)
To compare landscaping

Correct answer: To document compliance or violations

Taking photographs during a stormwater inspection is crucial for documenting site conditions, Best Management Practices (BMPs), and any observed compliance or violations. These visual records provide objective evidence that can support inspection findings, illustrate the need for corrective actions, and serve as proof of resolution during follow-up assessments or audits.

Question 5: What should inspectors check for in BMPs?

Label tags
Shade patterns
Installation and maintenance status (Correct answer)
Paint color

Correct answer: Installation and maintenance status

Inspectors must check the installation and maintenance status of Best Management Practices (BMPs) to ensure their effectiveness in preventing stormwater pollution. Proper installation guarantees BMPs are built according to design specifications, while consistent maintenance ensures they remain functional and capable of controlling erosion and sediment over time. Both aspects are critical for compliance and environmental protection.

Question 6: What action is required if a violation is found?

Ignore it
Postpone inspection
Issue correction notice and follow up (Correct answer)
Add mulch

Correct answer: Issue correction notice and follow up

If a violation is found during a stormwater inspection, the required action is to issue a correction notice and follow up to ensure the deficiency is resolved. The correction notice formally communicates the non-compliance, outlining necessary actions and a timeline for completion. Subsequent follow-up inspections verify that the corrective measures have been effectively implemented, restoring compliance.

Question 7: Why inspect during storm events?

Check umbrella use
Measure wind speed
Assess runoff and erosion controls (Correct answer)
Watch plant growth

Correct answer: Assess runoff and erosion controls

Inspecting during storm events is critical because it allows inspectors to directly observe how stormwater flows across the site and how effectively erosion and sediment controls perform under active conditions. This real-time assessment helps identify failures in Best Management Practices (BMPs), areas of concentrated runoff, and potential pollutant discharges that might not be evident during dry weather. It provides invaluable insight into the true functionality of the stormwater management plan.

Question 8: What is an inspection log used for?

Design floorplans
Make artwork
Track inspection details (Correct answer)
Store receipts

Correct answer: Track inspection details

An inspection log is a vital record-keeping tool used to systematically track all details related to stormwater inspections. It documents dates, findings, observations, identified deficiencies, corrective actions taken, and follow-up dates. This log provides a chronological history of site conditions and compliance efforts, demonstrating due diligence and aiding in identifying recurring issues.

Question 9: Who can perform a stormwater site inspection?

The building owner
An untrained worker
A certified or trained inspector (Correct answer)
A neighbor

Correct answer: A certified or trained inspector

Stormwater site inspections must be performed by a certified or trained inspector because these individuals possess the specialized knowledge required to accurately assess compliance. They understand stormwater regulations, Best Management Practices (BMPs), and potential environmental impacts. Their expertise ensures proper identification of deficiencies and effective recommendations for corrective actions, upholding environmental standards.

CESSWI Site Inspection Procedures

What is the primary goal of a site inspection?