DEQ STORMWATER MANAGEMENT
INSPECTOR EXAMINATION SCRIPT 2026
COMPLETE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
● At what % impervious cover are streams substantially affected?
Answer: 25%
● what is the site-based load limit for water quality? Answer: 0.41
lbs/acre/yr total phosphorous
● Virginia Runoff Reduction Method- method of load calculations
Answer: load calculations based on land cover type and soil type.
● what must happen to potentially harmful sheet flow runoff? Answer:
Must be diverted to stormwater conveyance system.
● SWM ponds must be able to convey water safely up to what level
storm event? Answer: must be able to safely convey up to a 100 yr
storm.
, ● Define LDA Answer: Land disturbing activity; any man-made change
to the land surface that potentially changes its runoff characteristics;
includes clearing, grading, and excavation.
● What size LDA must comply with stormwater management
regulation? in CPBA areas? Answer: anything of 1 acre or more, or 2500
ft^2 in CPBA areas; may be more stringent locally.
● what are some activities exempt from SWM regulations? Answer:
mining, agriculture, sewer discharges, local reclamation programs,
routine maintenance of preexisting operations, public emergency activity
● what term basically means a plea deal for stormwater offenders?
Answer: consent order, which replaces penalties with fines.
● how long does VSMP authority have to review SWM plan? Answer:
15 days to review and determine approval, and notify applicant.
● How often must a VSMP authority inspect an LDA? Answer:
Periodically.
● all SWPPP requirements may be met by Answer: incorporating other
plans into reference, or by developing missing elements.
INSPECTOR EXAMINATION SCRIPT 2026
COMPLETE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
● At what % impervious cover are streams substantially affected?
Answer: 25%
● what is the site-based load limit for water quality? Answer: 0.41
lbs/acre/yr total phosphorous
● Virginia Runoff Reduction Method- method of load calculations
Answer: load calculations based on land cover type and soil type.
● what must happen to potentially harmful sheet flow runoff? Answer:
Must be diverted to stormwater conveyance system.
● SWM ponds must be able to convey water safely up to what level
storm event? Answer: must be able to safely convey up to a 100 yr
storm.
, ● Define LDA Answer: Land disturbing activity; any man-made change
to the land surface that potentially changes its runoff characteristics;
includes clearing, grading, and excavation.
● What size LDA must comply with stormwater management
regulation? in CPBA areas? Answer: anything of 1 acre or more, or 2500
ft^2 in CPBA areas; may be more stringent locally.
● what are some activities exempt from SWM regulations? Answer:
mining, agriculture, sewer discharges, local reclamation programs,
routine maintenance of preexisting operations, public emergency activity
● what term basically means a plea deal for stormwater offenders?
Answer: consent order, which replaces penalties with fines.
● how long does VSMP authority have to review SWM plan? Answer:
15 days to review and determine approval, and notify applicant.
● How often must a VSMP authority inspect an LDA? Answer:
Periodically.
● all SWPPP requirements may be met by Answer: incorporating other
plans into reference, or by developing missing elements.
