Certified Storm Water Operator Practice Exam

What is the governing authority that oversees stormwater management permits?

1. EPA

2. FEMA

3. MDEQ

4. USDA

The correct answer is: MDEQ

The governing authority that oversees stormwater management permits is the state-managed agency known as the MDEQ, or the Department of Environmental Quality. This agency is responsible for regulating environmental practices within the state, including the implementation and oversight of stormwater management programs to ensure compliance with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits. The MDEQ works closely with local governments and other stakeholders to develop and enforce regulations that protect water quality by managing stormwater runoff. This includes issuing permits that dictate how stormwater should be handled, ensuring that practices are in place to mitigate the effects of stormwater on the environment. In contrast, while the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) sets federal standards and provides guidance for stormwater management, the actual permitting and regulatory responsibilities are often delegated to state agencies like MDEQ. FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) primarily deals with disaster response and recovery, and the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) focuses on agricultural issues rather than directly managing stormwater permits. Thus, the MDEQ plays a crucial role in stormwater management at the state level, making it the correct governing authority for this function.