CESSWI, PART 1 PRACTICE EXAM 2024
Water Quality Standards - ANSWER State or tribal requirements
that define the water quality goals of a water body by designating the
beneficial uses and setting criteria to protect those uses
CWA Section 401 - ANSWER Regulates water quality impacts and
state certification programs. Required for any permit or license
issues by a federal agency for any activity that may result in a
discharge to waters of the U.S.
CWA Section 402 - ANSWER Established NPDES in 1972 to control
discharges from defined point sources. 1987 amendments included
requirements for stormwater runoff.
CWA Section 404 - ANSWER Regulates impacts to waters of the
U.S./ discharges of dredged or fill materials.
Key goals for NPDES Program Implementation - ANSWER Reduce
the discharge of pollutants to "maximum extent practicable"; protect
water quality; satisfy requirements of CWA
Administrative Orders - ANSWER -Class I Maximum is $16,000 per
day with maximum of $37,500.
-Class II Maximum is $11,000 per day with a maximum of $177,500.
Civil Penalties - ANSWER Maximum penalty is $37,500 per violation
per day with no upper limit.
Criminal Penalties - ANSWER -Negligent Violations: $2,500 to
$25,000 per day per violation and/or 1 year in prison.
-Knowing Violations: $5,000 to $50,000 per day per violation and/or 3
years in prison.
-Knowing Engagement: $250,000 maximum and/or 15 years in prison.
NOV Common Causes - ANSWER Inadequate inspection reports;
, failure to implement SWPPP/BMPs; corrective actions not
implemented; sediment-laden or pollutant discharges.
Good Communications - ANSWER Professional, courteous,
impartial, consistent, honest and accurate
Precon Meeting Objectives - ANSWER Clarify stormwater
objectives; designate contact person; determine if SWPPP works
with schedule/activities; ensure everyone reviews SWPPP; remind
that BMPS could change; conduct meeting onsite; verify schedules;
maintenance requirements for controls in SWPPP; containment,
storage, and spill procedures of on-site pollutants; establish open
communication.
What to do when Dealing with Difficult People - ANSWER Act like a
professional; clarify the issue; handle the problem immediately; allow
the person to be part of the solution; agree on a solution; walk away if
needed.
Note Taking Practices - ANSWER -Be specific (facts not opinions)
-Identify proper personnel
-Avoid vague terminology
-Record critical data
-Initial and date all changes
-Use ink and marker, not pencil
-Store documentation in central location
Reporting Practices - ANSWER -Complete and factual records
-Support potential enforcement action
-Communicate with others
-Document what you see (do not assume)
Water Quality Standards - ANSWER State or tribal requirements
that define the water quality goals of a water body by designating the
beneficial uses and setting criteria to protect those uses
CWA Section 401 - ANSWER Regulates water quality impacts and
state certification programs. Required for any permit or license
issues by a federal agency for any activity that may result in a
discharge to waters of the U.S.
CWA Section 402 - ANSWER Established NPDES in 1972 to control
discharges from defined point sources. 1987 amendments included
requirements for stormwater runoff.
CWA Section 404 - ANSWER Regulates impacts to waters of the
U.S./ discharges of dredged or fill materials.
Key goals for NPDES Program Implementation - ANSWER Reduce
the discharge of pollutants to "maximum extent practicable"; protect
water quality; satisfy requirements of CWA
Administrative Orders - ANSWER -Class I Maximum is $16,000 per
day with maximum of $37,500.
-Class II Maximum is $11,000 per day with a maximum of $177,500.
Civil Penalties - ANSWER Maximum penalty is $37,500 per violation
per day with no upper limit.
Criminal Penalties - ANSWER -Negligent Violations: $2,500 to
$25,000 per day per violation and/or 1 year in prison.
-Knowing Violations: $5,000 to $50,000 per day per violation and/or 3
years in prison.
-Knowing Engagement: $250,000 maximum and/or 15 years in prison.
NOV Common Causes - ANSWER Inadequate inspection reports;
, failure to implement SWPPP/BMPs; corrective actions not
implemented; sediment-laden or pollutant discharges.
Good Communications - ANSWER Professional, courteous,
impartial, consistent, honest and accurate
Precon Meeting Objectives - ANSWER Clarify stormwater
objectives; designate contact person; determine if SWPPP works
with schedule/activities; ensure everyone reviews SWPPP; remind
that BMPS could change; conduct meeting onsite; verify schedules;
maintenance requirements for controls in SWPPP; containment,
storage, and spill procedures of on-site pollutants; establish open
communication.
What to do when Dealing with Difficult People - ANSWER Act like a
professional; clarify the issue; handle the problem immediately; allow
the person to be part of the solution; agree on a solution; walk away if
needed.
Note Taking Practices - ANSWER -Be specific (facts not opinions)
-Identify proper personnel
-Avoid vague terminology
-Record critical data
-Initial and date all changes
-Use ink and marker, not pencil
-Store documentation in central location
Reporting Practices - ANSWER -Complete and factual records
-Support potential enforcement action
-Communicate with others
-Document what you see (do not assume)
