Inspection Procedures and Duties Flashcards
7 cards from real CESSWI practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Inspection Procedures and Duties flashcards as text
During a CESSWI inspection, which document should the inspector review FIRST before visiting the site?
Answer: The SWPPP and approved site plans
Reviewing the SWPPP and approved site plans before arriving ensures the inspector knows what controls are required and can assess compliance effectively.
A CESSWI inspector notices that a silt fence has been installed but the bottom has not been trenched and backfilled. What is the most appropriate action?
Answer: Require immediate correction as the fence provides no protection without trenching
Silt fence effectiveness depends on proper trenching and backfilling to prevent underflow; without it the BMP is non-functional and must be corrected immediately.
How frequently must routine inspections typically be conducted on an active construction site under most NPDES permit requirements?
Answer: At least every 14 calendar days and within 24 hours after a 0.5-inch or greater rainfall event
Most NPDES construction general permits require inspections every 14 days and within 24 hours of qualifying storm events to catch problems promptly.
When documenting inspection findings, which information is LEAST critical to include in the inspection report?
Answer: Names of all workers observed on site that day
Worker rosters are not a required component of inspection reports; the critical elements are inspector identity, site conditions, BMP status, and corrective actions.
An inspector finds that a sediment basin is more than 50% full of accumulated sediment. What action should be taken?
Answer: Require sediment removal to restore design capacity before the next storm event
When a sediment basin reaches 50% capacity its storage volume and residence time are significantly reduced, requiring cleanout to maintain design effectiveness.
Which of the following best describes the inspector's role when a contractor disputes a cited violation?
Answer: Maintain the documented finding and direct the contractor to follow the agency's appeal process
Inspectors must maintain objective, documented findings and refer disputes to established regulatory or agency appeal procedures rather than unilaterally changing records.
A construction site discharges visibly turbid stormwater to an adjacent stream during a rain event. What is the inspector's immediate priority?
Answer: Document the discharge, photograph it, and notify the appropriate regulatory authority
An active discharge of turbid water is a potential permit violation requiring immediate documentation, photographic evidence, and regulatory notification.