Certified Storm Water Operator Practice Exam

What federal requirements prompted the MDNRE to develop administrative rules for storm water?

1. Permit-by-Rule

2. Water Quality Standards

3. Clean Water Act

4. State Environmental Regulations

The correct answer is: Clean Water Act

The Clean Water Act is a significant piece of federal legislation that set the foundation for various water quality regulations in the United States. This Act aims to restore and maintain the integrity of the nation's waters by preventing point source and non-point source pollution, ensuring that surface waters are fishable and swimmable. One of the key provisions under the Clean Water Act is the requirement for states to develop and implement programs to regulate stormwater discharges. This includes the establishment of National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits for urban areas where stormwater runoff can significantly impact water quality. Consequently, states and their agencies, like the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment (MDNRE), are compelled to create administrative rules that align with the federal requirements established by the Clean Water Act. By developing these rules, they ensure compliance with the Act's standards while addressing the specific stormwater management challenges faced within the state. In this context, while the other options (such as permit-by-rule, water quality standards, and state environmental regulations) all relate to water management and quality, they are generally responses or specific frameworks influenced by the overarching requirements established by the Clean Water Act. Therefore, the alignment of state rules with the Clean Water Act