1
VA DEQ SWM Inspector Exam Actual Exam
2027/2028 | Complete Test Bank with Verified Q&A |
Virginia Stormwater Management Inspector
Certification Prep | A+ Graded
SECTION 1: VIRGINIA STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM REGULATIONS
Q1: Under the Virginia Stormwater Management Program (VSMP), what is the minimum land
disturbance threshold that requires VSMP permit coverage?
A. 2,500 square feet in all areas of Virginia
B. 1 acre (43,560 square feet) in all areas of Virginia
C. 1 acre, except in Chesapeake Bay Preservation Areas where the threshold is 2,500 square feet.
[CORRECT]
D. 5 acres statewide
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Under Virginia regulations (9VAC25-870), VSMP permit coverage is required for
land disturbances of 1 acre or more statewide. However, in designated Chesapeake Bay
Preservation Areas, the threshold is reduced to 2,500 square feet due to increased water quality
sensitivity. This dual threshold system reflects the Chesapeake Bay TMDL requirements.
Q2: Which Virginia agency has primary authority to administer the Virginia Stormwater
Management Program (VSMP) statewide?
A. Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT)
B. Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) [CORRECT]
C. Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR)
D. Local Soil and Water Conservation Districts
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is designated as the
VSMP authority under Virginia Code § 62.1-44.15:24. While local governments may be
designated as VSMP authorities for their local programs, DEQ maintains primary statewide
authority and oversight.
,2
Q3: A developer proposes a commercial project in Fairfax County that will disturb 0.8 acres of
land. The site is located within a Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area. Is VSMP permit coverage
required?
A. No, because the disturbance is less than 1 acre
B. Yes, because the site is in a Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area and exceeds 2,500 square feet
[CORRECT]
C. No, because commercial projects are exempt from VSMP requirements
D. Yes, but only if the project includes impervious surfaces
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In Chesapeake Bay Preservation Areas, the VSMP threshold is 2,500 square feet
(approximately 0.057 acres). Since 0.8 acres (34,848 sq ft) significantly exceeds this threshold,
VSMP permit coverage is required regardless of the statewide 1-acre threshold.
Q4: Which of the following land disturbance activities is exempt from VSMP permit
requirements under 9VAC25-870-60?
A. Construction of a new shopping center disturbing 2 acres
B. Agricultural land management activities conducted by the landowner [CORRECT]
C. Residential development disturbing 1.5 acres
D. Road construction by a private developer disturbing 3 acres
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Agricultural land management activities conducted by the landowner or tenant are
exempt from VSMP requirements under 9VAC25-870-60. This exemption recognizes that
agricultural activities are regulated under separate conservation programs. Commercial,
residential, and private road construction activities above threshold sizes require permits.
Q5: Under the VSMP regulations, what is the maximum allowable time period for temporary
stabilization measures to remain in place without being upgraded to permanent stabilization?
A. 7 days
B. 14 days
C. 21 days
D. 30 days [CORRECT]
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Temporary stabilization measures may remain in place for up to 30 days under
VSMP regulations. After this period, permanent stabilization must be established unless the area
,3
is scheduled for additional disturbance within the next 30 days. This prevents prolonged
exposure of soils to erosion forces.
Q6: A VSMP permit applicant must demonstrate compliance with water quality requirements by
achieving what minimum level of Total Suspended Solids (TSS) removal?
A. 50%
B. 70%
C. 80% [CORRECT]
D. 95%
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Virginia's stormwater regulations require new development to achieve 80% removal
of Total Suspended Solids (TSS) over the lifecycle of the development. This standard is based on
the presumptive approach using approved BMPs designed according to Virginia DEQ
Stormwater Design Specifications.
Q7: Which of the following is NOT a component of the "water quality volume" (WQV)
calculation under Virginia stormwater regulations?
A. 1 inch of runoff from impervious surfaces
B. 1 inch of runoff from disturbed open space
C. The first 0.5 inches of runoff from all surfaces
D. Runoff from the first inch of rainfall on newly created impervious areas [CORRECT]
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The water quality volume (WQV) is calculated as the runoff volume from the first 1
inch of rainfall on impervious surfaces and disturbed open space, not the "first inch of rainfall on
newly created impervious areas." Option D incorrectly narrows the scope and misstates the
regulatory requirement.
Q8: Under Virginia Code § 62.1-44.15:34, what is the maximum civil penalty DEQ may assess
per violation per day for VSMP violations?
A. $10,000
B. $25,000
C. $32,500 [CORRECT]
D. $50,000
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Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Virginia Code § 62.1-44.15:34 establishes a maximum civil penalty of $32,500 per
violation per day for violations of the VSMP. This amount is adjusted periodically for inflation
and represents the statutory maximum for administrative penalties without court action.
Q9: A local government has been designated as a VSMP authority. What is the relationship
between the local VSMP program and the state DEQ program?
A. The local program completely replaces the state program within that jurisdiction
B. The local program operates under state oversight and must meet minimum state standards
[CORRECT]
C. The local program only applies to residential projects under 5 acres
D. The local and state programs operate independently with no coordination required
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When a local government is designated as a VSMP authority, it administers the
program locally but remains under DEQ oversight. The local program must meet or exceed
minimum state standards, and DEQ retains enforcement authority and may revoke local
designation for non-compliance.
Q10: Which document serves as the primary regulatory framework for stormwater management
design in Virginia?
A. Virginia Erosion and Sediment Control Handbook
B. Virginia DEQ Stormwater Design Specification No. 1-14 [CORRECT]
C. EPA NPDES Construction General Permit
D. Virginia Stormwater Management Act of 1989
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Virginia DEQ Stormwater Design Specification No. 1-14 provides detailed
design standards, sizing criteria, and performance requirements for stormwater BMPs. These
specifications are incorporated by reference into VSMP regulations and provide the technical
basis for compliance.
Q11: Under VSMP regulations, what is the required frequency for routine compliance
inspections during active construction?
A. Weekly
B. Bi-weekly
C. At least once every 14 days and within 24-48 hours after a 0.5-inch rainfall event
VA DEQ SWM Inspector Exam Actual Exam
2027/2028 | Complete Test Bank with Verified Q&A |
Virginia Stormwater Management Inspector
Certification Prep | A+ Graded
SECTION 1: VIRGINIA STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM REGULATIONS
Q1: Under the Virginia Stormwater Management Program (VSMP), what is the minimum land
disturbance threshold that requires VSMP permit coverage?
A. 2,500 square feet in all areas of Virginia
B. 1 acre (43,560 square feet) in all areas of Virginia
C. 1 acre, except in Chesapeake Bay Preservation Areas where the threshold is 2,500 square feet.
[CORRECT]
D. 5 acres statewide
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Under Virginia regulations (9VAC25-870), VSMP permit coverage is required for
land disturbances of 1 acre or more statewide. However, in designated Chesapeake Bay
Preservation Areas, the threshold is reduced to 2,500 square feet due to increased water quality
sensitivity. This dual threshold system reflects the Chesapeake Bay TMDL requirements.
Q2: Which Virginia agency has primary authority to administer the Virginia Stormwater
Management Program (VSMP) statewide?
A. Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT)
B. Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) [CORRECT]
C. Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR)
D. Local Soil and Water Conservation Districts
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is designated as the
VSMP authority under Virginia Code § 62.1-44.15:24. While local governments may be
designated as VSMP authorities for their local programs, DEQ maintains primary statewide
authority and oversight.
,2
Q3: A developer proposes a commercial project in Fairfax County that will disturb 0.8 acres of
land. The site is located within a Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area. Is VSMP permit coverage
required?
A. No, because the disturbance is less than 1 acre
B. Yes, because the site is in a Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area and exceeds 2,500 square feet
[CORRECT]
C. No, because commercial projects are exempt from VSMP requirements
D. Yes, but only if the project includes impervious surfaces
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In Chesapeake Bay Preservation Areas, the VSMP threshold is 2,500 square feet
(approximately 0.057 acres). Since 0.8 acres (34,848 sq ft) significantly exceeds this threshold,
VSMP permit coverage is required regardless of the statewide 1-acre threshold.
Q4: Which of the following land disturbance activities is exempt from VSMP permit
requirements under 9VAC25-870-60?
A. Construction of a new shopping center disturbing 2 acres
B. Agricultural land management activities conducted by the landowner [CORRECT]
C. Residential development disturbing 1.5 acres
D. Road construction by a private developer disturbing 3 acres
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Agricultural land management activities conducted by the landowner or tenant are
exempt from VSMP requirements under 9VAC25-870-60. This exemption recognizes that
agricultural activities are regulated under separate conservation programs. Commercial,
residential, and private road construction activities above threshold sizes require permits.
Q5: Under the VSMP regulations, what is the maximum allowable time period for temporary
stabilization measures to remain in place without being upgraded to permanent stabilization?
A. 7 days
B. 14 days
C. 21 days
D. 30 days [CORRECT]
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Temporary stabilization measures may remain in place for up to 30 days under
VSMP regulations. After this period, permanent stabilization must be established unless the area
,3
is scheduled for additional disturbance within the next 30 days. This prevents prolonged
exposure of soils to erosion forces.
Q6: A VSMP permit applicant must demonstrate compliance with water quality requirements by
achieving what minimum level of Total Suspended Solids (TSS) removal?
A. 50%
B. 70%
C. 80% [CORRECT]
D. 95%
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Virginia's stormwater regulations require new development to achieve 80% removal
of Total Suspended Solids (TSS) over the lifecycle of the development. This standard is based on
the presumptive approach using approved BMPs designed according to Virginia DEQ
Stormwater Design Specifications.
Q7: Which of the following is NOT a component of the "water quality volume" (WQV)
calculation under Virginia stormwater regulations?
A. 1 inch of runoff from impervious surfaces
B. 1 inch of runoff from disturbed open space
C. The first 0.5 inches of runoff from all surfaces
D. Runoff from the first inch of rainfall on newly created impervious areas [CORRECT]
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The water quality volume (WQV) is calculated as the runoff volume from the first 1
inch of rainfall on impervious surfaces and disturbed open space, not the "first inch of rainfall on
newly created impervious areas." Option D incorrectly narrows the scope and misstates the
regulatory requirement.
Q8: Under Virginia Code § 62.1-44.15:34, what is the maximum civil penalty DEQ may assess
per violation per day for VSMP violations?
A. $10,000
B. $25,000
C. $32,500 [CORRECT]
D. $50,000
, 4
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Virginia Code § 62.1-44.15:34 establishes a maximum civil penalty of $32,500 per
violation per day for violations of the VSMP. This amount is adjusted periodically for inflation
and represents the statutory maximum for administrative penalties without court action.
Q9: A local government has been designated as a VSMP authority. What is the relationship
between the local VSMP program and the state DEQ program?
A. The local program completely replaces the state program within that jurisdiction
B. The local program operates under state oversight and must meet minimum state standards
[CORRECT]
C. The local program only applies to residential projects under 5 acres
D. The local and state programs operate independently with no coordination required
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When a local government is designated as a VSMP authority, it administers the
program locally but remains under DEQ oversight. The local program must meet or exceed
minimum state standards, and DEQ retains enforcement authority and may revoke local
designation for non-compliance.
Q10: Which document serves as the primary regulatory framework for stormwater management
design in Virginia?
A. Virginia Erosion and Sediment Control Handbook
B. Virginia DEQ Stormwater Design Specification No. 1-14 [CORRECT]
C. EPA NPDES Construction General Permit
D. Virginia Stormwater Management Act of 1989
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Virginia DEQ Stormwater Design Specification No. 1-14 provides detailed
design standards, sizing criteria, and performance requirements for stormwater BMPs. These
specifications are incorporated by reference into VSMP regulations and provide the technical
basis for compliance.
Q11: Under VSMP regulations, what is the required frequency for routine compliance
inspections during active construction?
A. Weekly
B. Bi-weekly
C. At least once every 14 days and within 24-48 hours after a 0.5-inch rainfall event
