CESSWI - Certified Erosion, Sediment, and Storm Water Inspector Documentation and Reporting Questions and Answers

Question 1

An inspector observes minor sediment tracking from the construction exit onto a public road.
While the inspector is on-site, the contractor immediately dispatches a sweeper to clean the road.
How should the inspector document this in the inspection report?

Accepted Answer

Note the deficiency and the immediate corrective action taken in the same report.

Answer

Do not record the deficiency, as it was corrected on the spot.

Answer

Only document the deficiency and create a separate corrective action report for the contractor to sign.

Answer

Inform the site superintendent verbally but omit it from the formal written report to save time.

Question 2

What is the primary purpose of including dated photographs in a construction stormwater inspection report?

Accepted Answer

To provide a clear, time-stamped visual record of site conditions and BMP performance.

Answer

To provide a visual substitute for all written descriptions of BMPs.

Answer

To help the inspector remember site conditions for the next inspection.

Answer

To create marketing materials for the construction company's environmental stewardship.

Question 3

A CESSWI is reviewing site records to prepare for a regulatory audit. Which of the following documents is MOST critical for demonstrating ongoing compliance with the inspection and maintenance requirements of the NPDES Construction General Permit?

Accepted Answer

A complete file of all signed and certified inspection reports and the corrective action log.

Answer

The original Notice of Intent (NOI) submitted for the project.

Answer

Subcontractor agreements outlining their responsibilities for BMP installation.

Answer

The material safety data sheets (MSDS) for all products stored on site.

Question 4

During a site inspection, a 15-gallon drum of hydraulic fluid is tipped over, and the entire contents spill onto a gravel staging area. The spill is quickly contained with absorbent materials. According to typical SWPPP requirements, what is the inspector's most important documentation responsibility?

Accepted Answer

Ensure the incident is recorded in the SWPPP's spill log with details on the substance, volume, location, and cleanup measures.

Answer

Estimate the cost of the spilled material for the project manager.

Answer

Take a sample of the contaminated gravel for laboratory analysis.

Answer

Interview the equipment operator who caused the spill and include their statement in the report.

Question 5

Which of the following scenarios BEST illustrates a situation that requires documentation in a Corrective Action Log, as opposed to being handled as routine maintenance?

Accepted Answer

A storm event causes a large washout, undermining a significant portion of a perimeter silt fence, requiring a complete redesign and replacement.

Answer

A single sandbag in a check dam has split open and needs to be replaced.

Answer

Accumulated sediment has reached one-third of the height of a silt fence.

Answer

Trash has blown into a vegetated buffer and needs to be picked up.

Question 6

When an inspector completes a report, it must be signed and certified. According to the EPA's Construction General Permit, who is considered an authorized signatory?

Accepted Answer

A responsible corporate officer or a duly authorized representative.

Answer

Any subcontractor working on the site.

Answer

The lead equipment operator for the primary contractor.

Answer

The third-party CESSWI inspector who performed the site walk.