SWM DEQ EXAM QUESTIONS &
ANSWERS (2025/2026)
The Virginia Stormwater Management Program is authorized by the
and administered through the -
CORRECT ANSWER-Virginia Stormwater Management Act,
Virginia Stormwater Management Program Regulation
VPDES Permit/Construction GP authorizes discharge of stormwater from
construction activities that are - CORRECT ANSWER-greater than or equal
to an acre
The Stormwater Management Act requires the State Water Control
Board to - CORRECT ANSWER-permit, regulate, and control
stormwater runoff
DEQ has days to complete review of real or potential inter-jurisdictional
impacts upon request -
CORRECT ANSWER-90
The Stormwater Management Act requires the following individuals to
obtain and maintain a certificate of competency - CORRECT ANSWER-
staff of a stormwater program, anyone contracted by a VSMP authority,
standard and specification holders
The dual certificate will expire three years from - CORRECT ANSWER-the
latest date of the certificates
SWM plan must be approved by before land disturbance - CORRECT
ANSWER-VSMP program authority
, The water quality criteria sets a site-based load limit of of
total phosphorus for new development - CORRECT ANSWER-
0.41 lbs/acre/year
The phosphorus load limit uses the - CORRECT ANSWER-10% impervious
cover
Part II B and II C water quantity criteria addresses - CORRECT ANSWER-
channel protection and flood protection
Which two plans in the SWPPP must be approved? - CORRECT ANSWER-
SWM plan, ESC plan
Does the SWM plan address runoff during or after construction? -
CORRECT ANSWER-post- construction
What is the lower limit of the range of imperviousness that can result in
stream degradation? -
CORRECT ANSWER-10%
What do land disturbing activities consist of? - CORRECT ANSWER-
excavating, clearing, grading
LDA threshold for the SWM Act and Regulation - CORRECT ANSWER-1
acre or 2500 square feet for Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act
In situations where an initial exemption was applicable because LDAs were
related to emergency work, VSMP authority shall be advised of the
disturbance within - CORRECT ANSWER-7 days of commencing the LDA
and shall submit a permit application within 30 days of starting the land-
disturbing activity
ANSWERS (2025/2026)
The Virginia Stormwater Management Program is authorized by the
and administered through the -
CORRECT ANSWER-Virginia Stormwater Management Act,
Virginia Stormwater Management Program Regulation
VPDES Permit/Construction GP authorizes discharge of stormwater from
construction activities that are - CORRECT ANSWER-greater than or equal
to an acre
The Stormwater Management Act requires the State Water Control
Board to - CORRECT ANSWER-permit, regulate, and control
stormwater runoff
DEQ has days to complete review of real or potential inter-jurisdictional
impacts upon request -
CORRECT ANSWER-90
The Stormwater Management Act requires the following individuals to
obtain and maintain a certificate of competency - CORRECT ANSWER-
staff of a stormwater program, anyone contracted by a VSMP authority,
standard and specification holders
The dual certificate will expire three years from - CORRECT ANSWER-the
latest date of the certificates
SWM plan must be approved by before land disturbance - CORRECT
ANSWER-VSMP program authority
, The water quality criteria sets a site-based load limit of of
total phosphorus for new development - CORRECT ANSWER-
0.41 lbs/acre/year
The phosphorus load limit uses the - CORRECT ANSWER-10% impervious
cover
Part II B and II C water quantity criteria addresses - CORRECT ANSWER-
channel protection and flood protection
Which two plans in the SWPPP must be approved? - CORRECT ANSWER-
SWM plan, ESC plan
Does the SWM plan address runoff during or after construction? -
CORRECT ANSWER-post- construction
What is the lower limit of the range of imperviousness that can result in
stream degradation? -
CORRECT ANSWER-10%
What do land disturbing activities consist of? - CORRECT ANSWER-
excavating, clearing, grading
LDA threshold for the SWM Act and Regulation - CORRECT ANSWER-1
acre or 2500 square feet for Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act
In situations where an initial exemption was applicable because LDAs were
related to emergency work, VSMP authority shall be advised of the
disturbance within - CORRECT ANSWER-7 days of commencing the LDA
and shall submit a permit application within 30 days of starting the land-
disturbing activity
