CESSWI cheat sheet

Inspection reports record date, time, weather, rainfall measured to 0.01 in, inspector name, BMPs checked, deficiencies, corrective action, and follow-up date.

Photographs are dated and time-stamped, include a scale reference such as a ruler or staff gauge, and are indexed to a plan sheet, station, or map grid so the image can be relocated.

A corrective action log tracks each deficiency from discovery to verified closure, naming the responsible party and both dates.

Rain gauge readings on site document whether an event was large enough to trigger the post-storm inspection, commonly 0.5 in or more within 24 hours of discharge.

As-built drawings record the actual location, dimensions, and elevations of installed BMPs and every deviation from the approved plan.

Sample records include a chain-of-custody form, seal number, collection time, and preservation, commonly 4 degrees C for most parameters.

Site maps show drainage areas, outfalls, BMP locations, and sampling points, and are revised whenever field conditions change.

Permit records are typically retained at least 3 years after coverage terminates, or longer if the permit specifies.

The pre-construction conference covers schedule and phasing, SWPPP roles, inspection frequency, spill response, and the 24-hour contact list.

A verbal instruction about a stormwater deficiency is confirmed in writing or by email within 24 hours to create a dated, traceable record.

Escalation sequence is site superintendent, then contractor or owner, then the permitting authority; each step is documented.

Toolbox talks are documented with topic, date, presenter, and attendee signatures.

In a dispute, cite the specific permit condition or plan sheet number rather than opinion or preference.

Changed field conditions require a written, approved plan revision before work continues in that area.

The inspector documents and reports conditions; directing means and methods remains the contractor's responsibility.

Ticks: use 20 to 30 percent DEET on skin or permethrin-treated clothing, perform a daily full-body tick check, and remove attached ticks with fine tweezers.

Poison ivy, oak, and sumac contain urushiol; wash exposed skin with soap and cool water within 30 minutes and wear barrier clothing in infested areas.

Snakes: never reach under rocks or into brush piles; wear boots and gaiters; for a bite, immobilize the limb and seek medical care.

Hazardous materials: the SDS gives exposure controls and PPE in Section 8 and first-aid measures in Section 4.

Heat: OSHA recommends water, rest, and shade, with acclimatization over 1 to 2 weeks for new or returning workers.

Trenches 5 ft (1.5 m) or deeper require a protective system; at 4 ft a competent person evaluates the excavation and confined-space entry may require a permit.

Work-zone PPE includes Class 2 or Class 3 high-visibility garments consistent with MUTCD temporary traffic control.

For severe sting allergy, carry an epinephrine auto-injector and use a buddy system on remote sites.

RUSLE: A = R x K x LS x C x P; the cover factor C and practice factor P are the ones site controls can change.

Treatment order is erosion control first (cover), sediment control second (capture), runoff control third (convey and slow).

Silt fence is for sheet flow only; it cannot be used to intercept concentrated flow in channels or swales.

Silt fence is buried at least 6 in, posts 6 to 8 ft on center on the downslope side, and the fence is placed on the contour.

Check dams in swales are typically limited to about 2 ft high, keyed into the channel, and spaced so the upstream toe meets the downstream crest.

Sediment basins are commonly sized at 3,600 cubic feet of storage per acre drained, with a skimmer or perforated riser for slow dewatering.

Construction entrances are at least 50 ft of coarse aggregate, with a wash rack added where tracking onto roads persists.

Disturbing 1 acre or more, or less where a TMDL applies, triggers NPDES construction coverage, an NOI, and a SWPPP.

Perimeter controls and stockpiles are kept outside buffers and setbacks, commonly 25 to 50 ft from waters of the U.S.

Secondary containment holds 110 percent of the largest container or 10 percent of total volume, whichever is greater, plus rainfall allowance.

Concrete washout is contained and never discharged; wash water is highly alkaline and toxic to aquatic life.

Final stabilization means all soil disturbance is complete and disturbed areas carry uniform perennial vegetation or equivalent cover, commonly 70 percent.

The NOI starts permit coverage; the NOT ends it and may be submitted only after final stabilization is achieved.

Post-construction BMPs such as detention, bioretention, and infiltration require an O&M plan and scheduled long-term inspections.

Dry-weather flow at an outfall is a primary indicator of an illicit connection or failing BMP and must be traced and reported.

Dewatering of trenches or basins must not discharge sediment-laden water; use settling, filter bags, or weirs.

Inspection frequency is typically every 7 days and within 24 hours of a qualifying rain event that produces a discharge.