CPSWQ study guide
CPSWQ · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The CPSWQ® (Certified Professional in StormWater Quality™) is a professional credential offered by EnviroCert International, Inc. (ECI), a non-profit organization. According to ECI, the CPSWQ identifies professionals with a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of stormwater and erosion control regulations, and certified stormwater professionals are recognized by state and federal regulators as qualified professionals in their field. The certification is intended to ensure certificants meet Federal requirements, including the US EPA NPDES definition of "Qualified Personnel," and have the knowledge and experience to ensure projects meet State and local regulatory requirements. Topics on this exam: Construction stormwater program, Municipal stormwater program, and Industrial stormwater program. The CPSWQ study guide has 3 sections and about 1,519 words.
01Construction Stormwater Program
This domain tests how you apply the federal Construction General Permit (CGP) framework: who is an operator, when coverage is required, what the SWPPP must contain, how BMPs are selected and maintained, and when coverage can end. Expect questions on common plans of development, NOI/SWPPP sequencing, stabilization deadlines, inspection triggers, corrective action, and Notice of Termination (NOT) criteria. Coverage applies to construction disturbing 1 acre or more , or less than 1 acre if part of a common plan of development or sale that will disturb 1 acre or more, or if designated. Count total planned disturbance, not only the current parcel or phase.
522 words, about 3 min02Municipal Stormwater Program
This domain tests the NPDES municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) program. You need to know which MS4s are regulated, the six minimum control measures (MCMs), how IDDE and construction/post-construction programs work, and how permits, annual reports, and TMDL wasteload allocations fit together. An MS4 is a conveyance or system of conveyances (roads with drainage, catch basins, curbs, gutters, ditches, man-made channels, pipes) owned by a state or local government, designed for collecting or conveying stormwater, and not a combined sewer. Phase I covers large/medium MS4s (generally populations of 100,000 or more) and designated MS4s.
497 words, about 2 min03Industrial Stormwater Program
This domain tests the EPA Multi-Sector General Permit (MSGP) framework and equivalent state industrial general permits. Expect questions on which facilities need coverage, sector-specific requirements, SWPPP content, no-exposure certifications, benchmark monitoring, inspections, corrective actions, and termination. MSGP coverage applies to stormwater discharges associated with industrial activity at facilities in regulated sectors (Sectors A through AD, e.g., timber, primary metals, scrap recycling, transportation, food processing, drinking water treatment). The facility operator submits an NOI and prepares a SWPPP before coverage begins.
500 words, about 3 min