CESSWI Exam Review - Course Outline

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1. Rules and Regulations

Rules and Regulations are presented from a nationwide U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) perspective. Elements of the Clean Water Act (CWA) are outlined and specific sections are discussed in detail, including Section 401-Water Quality Certification; Section 402 - National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES); and Section 404 - Discharge of dredged or fill material into waters of the United States. This module gives a historical background on construction activities subject to NPDES under Phase I of implementation and gives current details on activities subject to Phase II. Water Quality Standards are discussed as well as the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) process as it relates to Section 303(d) of the CWA. The permit application requirements for construction sites are emphasized as well as the various components of the SWPPP. General details associated with NPDES enforcement and penalties are also summarized.

Agenda:

1. Federal Regulations
2. State Regulations
3. Permit Application Requirements for Construction Activity
4. Local Regulations

2. Safety

Safety is discussed from a personal standpoint. Students must be familiar with all governmental requirements for safety, i.e. OSHA Requirements.

Agenda:

1. Insects
2. Animals and Plants
3. Exposure to Elements
4. Physical Hazards
5. Hazardous Material Areas
6. Protective Clothing
7. Communication
8. Federal and Provincial Regulatory Information Sites

3. Communication

A difficult part of an inspector’s job is working with people by providing good communication to the appropriate parties. An inspector must interact with multiple people each of which has a different style of communicating. Understanding how to communicate with different people will determine the degree of success of an inspector.

Agenda:

1. Arrival Introductions
2. Communication Issues
3. Preconstruction Meetings
4. Working with Contractors
5. Dealing with Difficult People

4. Documentation

Discussion in this section will deal with the critical aspects of the inspection process and how to properly document the findings.

Agenda:

1. Objectives
2. Note Taking
3. Photos
4. Reporting
5. Corrective Actions
6. Site Drawing (Map) Management
7. Inspector Support Equipment
8. Enforcement Resolution
9. Compliance Resolution

5. Inspector Duties

The inspector has multiple responsibilities. Because of the crucial nature of the inspector’s role they must understand all of the tasks associated with an Erosion, Sediment Control or Stormwater Compliance site inspection.

Agenda:

1. The Role of the Inspector
2. Pre-Inspection Process
3. Inspection Objectives
4. The Inspection Process
5. Post Inspection Process

6. Plan Management

A Plan is a site specific, dynamic document designed to control the release of pollutants from a site to the environment. Therefore, it is critical that the inspector be able to read and understand the various components of a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan.

Agenda:

1. Overview
2. Plan
3. Summary

7. Best Management Practices

This section provides specific information on individual Best Management Practices, including design requirements, proper uses, how to build, how to design, etc. It could easily be used as an additional resource for field personnel.

Agenda:

1. The Erosion Process
2. Impacts of Sedimentation and Erosion
3. Principles of Erosion and Sediment Control
4. References
5. Best Management Practices