Exam Practice Questions And Correct

Ohio Stormwater Inspector Certification Exam Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2025|2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• What is the primary purpose of a stormwater management program?
• To increase construction site efficiency
• To reduce pollutants in stormwater runoff
• To improve soil fertility
• To promote groundwater extraction

Rationale: The primary purpose of stormwater management programs is

to reduce pollutants in runoff, preventing water quality degradation and protecting aquatic ecosystems.

• Which federal law primarily governs stormwater discharges in the

United States? 1 / 4

• Clean Air Act
• Safe Drinking Water Act
• Clean Water Act
• Resource Conservation and Recovery Act

Rationale: The Clean Water Act regulates the discharge of pollutants into

U.S. waters, including stormwater from construction sites and municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s).

• What does NPDES stand for?
• National Pollution Disposal and Enforcement System
• National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
• National Program for Drainage and Environmental Safety
• National Pollution Detection and Evaluation Standard

Rationale: NPDES permits control water pollution by regulating point

sources of pollutant discharge into waters of the U.S., including stormwater.

• Which of the following is a structural best management practice (BMP)

for stormwater control?

• Employee training programs
• Detention basins 2 / 4

• Street sweeping
• Erosion control education

Rationale: Structural BMPs physically manage stormwater flow and

quality, such as detention basins, retention ponds, and sediment traps.

• Sediment runoff from construction sites is primarily a problem because

it:

• Improves soil fertility downstream
• Reduces stormwater volume
• Clogs waterways and harms aquatic habitats
• Increases air pollution

Rationale: Sediment runoff can degrade water quality, fill streams,

smother aquatic habitats, and carry attached pollutants.

• During inspections, which of the following is the most important to

document?

• Nearby traffic conditions
• BMP installation and maintenance status
• Employee work schedules
• Air quality readings

Rationale: Inspectors must document the condition and effectiveness of

BMPs to ensure compliance with permits and regulations. 3 / 4

• What is the first step in an effective erosion and sediment control plan?
• Installing storm drains
• Site assessment and planning
• Planting vegetation immediately
• Paving access roads

Rationale: A thorough site assessment helps identify potential sources of

erosion and areas needing protection, guiding BMP placement.

• Which of the following pollutants is commonly associated with

stormwater runoff from construction sites?

• Ozone
• Sediment
• Carbon monoxide
• Chlorofluorocarbons

Rationale: Sediment is the most common pollutant from construction sites,

resulting from disturbed soils.

• What is the primary function of silt fences?
• Divert large floodwaters
• Increase soil compaction
• / 4