Permit Requirements Flashcards
7 cards from real CPESC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Permit Requirements flashcards as text
Which entity typically administers the NPDES Construction General Permit in states with EPA-authorized programs?
Answer: The state environmental agency
In states with EPA-authorized programs, the state environmental agency administers and issues NPDES permits, including the Construction General Permit.
What does 'final stabilization' mean in the context of NPDES permit termination?
Answer: All soil-disturbing activities are complete and uniform vegetative cover of at least 70% has been established
Final stabilization requires that all soil-disturbing activities are complete and a uniform vegetative cover of at least 70% density (or equivalent permanent stabilization) has been established.
Under most state NPDES programs, how frequently must construction sites be inspected by a qualified inspector?
Answer: After every storm event and at least every 7 or 14 days
Most NPDES Construction General Permits require inspections after storm events and at routine intervals of 7 or 14 days depending on site conditions.
What information must be documented following each NPDES-required site inspection?
Answer: Inspector qualifications, date, observations, BMP conditions, and corrective actions needed
Inspection reports must document the date, inspector's name/qualifications, observations about BMPs, stormwater discharges, and any corrective actions required.
A construction project discharges sediment-laden stormwater into a stream. Under the Clean Water Act, this constitutes a violation of which permit condition?
Answer: The effluent limitations and/or BMP implementation requirements of the NPDES permit
Discharging sediment-laden stormwater without adequate BMP controls violates NPDES permit effluent limitations and stormwater management requirements.
Which of the following projects would most likely be exempt from NPDES stormwater permit requirements?
Answer: Agricultural land disturbance for plowing and tilling
Agricultural activities such as plowing and tilling are generally exempt from NPDES stormwater construction permit requirements under federal rules.
What is the consequence of failing to submit an NOI before beginning land disturbance on a project requiring NPDES permit coverage?
Answer: The operator may face civil penalties for unpermitted discharge
Discharging stormwater without permit coverage (unpermitted discharge) can result in significant civil penalties under the Clean Water Act.