CEPSCI CERTIFICATION EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2026
VERIFIED.
Why erosion prevention and sediment control are important? - ANS 1. Stormwater runoff is
leading cause of impaired water in SC. 2. Protect downstream surface water and aquatic
habitats
Erosion - ANS Process by which land surface is worn away by action of water, wind, ice and
gravity.
Natural erosion - ANS aka Geologic erosion. 1. relative slow 2. most rapid along shorelines
and stream channels 3. produces about 30% of eroded sediment in US
Accelerated erosion - ANS 1. erosion at elevated rate bc of human activity 2. agriculture,
timber harvesting and construction are primary contributors 3. accounts for remaining 70% of
eroded sediment in US
Factors influencing erosion - ANS 1. climate (frequency, intensity and duration of rainfall for a
region) 2. season (more intense storms in summer) 3. vegetative cover 4. topography 5. soil
characteristics (texture, percentage of organic content, structure, and permeability)
Sedimentation - ANS Process by which eroded material is transported and deposited.
, Negative impacts of sedimentation - ANS 1. screens out sunlight/reduces water clarity. 2. fills
channels and reduces capacity. 3. pollutants attached to sediment particles can impact
downstream water quality.
NPDES - ANS aka National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System. Created by the 1972 Clean
Water Act.
1987 - ANS Amendment to CWA called Water Quality Act required EPA to develop program to
regulate storm discharges under NPDES program.
Point source pollution - ANS Discharges from readily identifiable sources such as wastewater
treatment plants or industrial facilities.
Nonpoint source pollution - ANS Discharges that are less easily identifiable such as runoff
from urbanized or agricultural areas.
DHEC - ANS aka Department of Health and Environmental Control. This regulation
administers NPDES regulations, but EPA has authority to exert jurisdiction in SC.
CGP - ANS aka Construction General Permit. One of several NPDES permits administered by
DHEC.
Who must obtain NPDES coverage? - ANS 1. land disturbing activities greater than or equal to
1 acre. 2. land disturbance less than 1 acre within half a mile of a receiving water body in SC
Coastal Zone. 3. Exception: SFR development NOT part of larger common plan of development.
Who is permitted? - ANS NPDES permits are always issued to operator (person or company)
for a particular discharge. NOT issued to parcel or project.
Authorization of Discharges - ANS To receive coverage under permit, appropriate Notice of
Intent (NOI) form must be completed and submitted. There are 3 types of NOIs and dependent
on the Operator Category (refer to chart).
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2026
VERIFIED.
Why erosion prevention and sediment control are important? - ANS 1. Stormwater runoff is
leading cause of impaired water in SC. 2. Protect downstream surface water and aquatic
habitats
Erosion - ANS Process by which land surface is worn away by action of water, wind, ice and
gravity.
Natural erosion - ANS aka Geologic erosion. 1. relative slow 2. most rapid along shorelines
and stream channels 3. produces about 30% of eroded sediment in US
Accelerated erosion - ANS 1. erosion at elevated rate bc of human activity 2. agriculture,
timber harvesting and construction are primary contributors 3. accounts for remaining 70% of
eroded sediment in US
Factors influencing erosion - ANS 1. climate (frequency, intensity and duration of rainfall for a
region) 2. season (more intense storms in summer) 3. vegetative cover 4. topography 5. soil
characteristics (texture, percentage of organic content, structure, and permeability)
Sedimentation - ANS Process by which eroded material is transported and deposited.
, Negative impacts of sedimentation - ANS 1. screens out sunlight/reduces water clarity. 2. fills
channels and reduces capacity. 3. pollutants attached to sediment particles can impact
downstream water quality.
NPDES - ANS aka National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System. Created by the 1972 Clean
Water Act.
1987 - ANS Amendment to CWA called Water Quality Act required EPA to develop program to
regulate storm discharges under NPDES program.
Point source pollution - ANS Discharges from readily identifiable sources such as wastewater
treatment plants or industrial facilities.
Nonpoint source pollution - ANS Discharges that are less easily identifiable such as runoff
from urbanized or agricultural areas.
DHEC - ANS aka Department of Health and Environmental Control. This regulation
administers NPDES regulations, but EPA has authority to exert jurisdiction in SC.
CGP - ANS aka Construction General Permit. One of several NPDES permits administered by
DHEC.
Who must obtain NPDES coverage? - ANS 1. land disturbing activities greater than or equal to
1 acre. 2. land disturbance less than 1 acre within half a mile of a receiving water body in SC
Coastal Zone. 3. Exception: SFR development NOT part of larger common plan of development.
Who is permitted? - ANS NPDES permits are always issued to operator (person or company)
for a particular discharge. NOT issued to parcel or project.
Authorization of Discharges - ANS To receive coverage under permit, appropriate Notice of
Intent (NOI) form must be completed and submitted. There are 3 types of NOIs and dependent
on the Operator Category (refer to chart).
