Latest 2026/ 2027 Update | Grade A (100% Cor
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rect) Verified Elaborations bn bn
CESSWI Practice Exam bn bn
1. What is the primary purpose of a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP)?
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A) To eliminate all sediment from leaving a construction site
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B) To identify potential sources of pollution and describe practices to reduce pollutants in stor
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mwater discharges bn
C) To provide a landscaping plan for the final site
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D) To calculate the 100-year storm event runoff volume
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Correct Answer: B bn bn
2. Which federal regulation is the foundation for the CESSWI program and stormwater p
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ermitting for construction activities?
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A) Clean Air Act (CAA)
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B) Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)
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C) Clean Water Act (CWA) – NPDES program
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D) Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
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Correct Answer: C bn bn
3. A silt fence is properly installed when:
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A) The fabric is attached to stakes on the downhill side.
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B) The bottom of the fabric is trenched into the ground and backfilled.
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C) It is placed parallel to the slope contours.
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D) The posts are spaced 20 feet apart on steep slopes.
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Correct Answer: B bn bn
4. Which of the following best describes a "BMP" in stormwater management?
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A) Basic Monitoring Protocol
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B) Best Management Practice
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,C) Buffer Management Plan
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D) Biological Mitigation Procedure
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Correct Answer: B bn bn
5. When should temporary stabilization (e.g., seeding and mulching) be applied on distu
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rbed areas that will remain inactive?
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A) Within 7 days
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B) Within 14 days
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C) Within 30 days
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D) Only before the rainy season
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Correct Answer: B (Note: Many permits require 7–
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14 days; CESSWI typically follows 14 days for temporary stabilization unless otherwise specified b
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y local permit.)
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6. What is the main function of a sediment basin?
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A) To divert clean water around the site
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B) To settle out sediment from stormwater runoff before discharge
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C) To store hazardous materials
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D) To provide a water source for dust control
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Correct Answer: B bn bn
7. Which of the following is NOT an effective erosion control practice?
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A) Mulching
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B) Rolled erosion control products (RECPs)
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C) Silt fence placed at the toe of a slope
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D) Rapidly establishing vegetation
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Correct Answer: C (Silt fence is a sediment control (traps sediment), not an erosion control (prev
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ents soil detachment).)
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8. During an inspection, you notice turbid water discharging from a site. What should yo
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u do first?
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A) Immediately issue a fine
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B) Notify the local newspaper
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C) Trace the discharge back to its source and implement corrective action
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D) Close the entire construction site
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, Correct Answer: C bn bn
9. What does "TSS" stand for in stormwater monitoring?
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A) Total Sediment Standard
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B) Total Suspended Solids
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C) Turbidity Sampling Schedule
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D) Time-Stabilized Sediment
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Correct Answer: B bn bn
10. When can clean water diversions (e.g., dikes, swales, or berms) be deactivated?
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A) After final grading is complete
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B) Only after all permanent vegetation is established
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C) When the upslope drainage area is fully stabilized and no longer contributes sediment
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D) Never; they are permanent structures
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Correct Answer: C bn bn
11. Which type of inlet protection is best suited for catch basins that receive sheet flow f
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rom a large disturbed area?
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A) Silt fence around the inlet
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B) Straw bales around the inlet
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C) Gravel or stone diaphragm wrapped in filter fabric
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D) A solid plywood cover
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Correct Answer: C bn bn
12. What is the minimum frequency for SWPPP inspections on an active construction sit
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e under most general permits?
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A) Once per month
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B) Every 7 days (weekly) OR within 24 hours of a storm event of 0.5 inches or more
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C) Once per season
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D) Daily
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Correct Answer: B bn bn
13. Which of the following is considered a "good housekeeping" BMP?
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A) Concrete washout in a designated leak-proof container
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