Certified Storm Water Operator Practice Exam

What is the key purpose of stormwater management permits?

1. To assist in land development

2. To control surface water runoff

3. To reduce construction costs

4. To facilitate compliance with building codes

The correct answer is: To control surface water runoff

The key purpose of stormwater management permits is to control surface water runoff. These permits are designed to regulate how stormwater is managed to minimize the negative impacts of runoff on the environment and human infrastructure. Excessive or poorly managed runoff can lead to issues such as erosion, water pollution, and flooding. By requiring permits, regulatory agencies ensure that proper measures are taken to manage stormwater, such as the implementation of best management practices (BMPs) that mitigate the quantity and quality of runoff. This includes strategies like creating retention ponds, green roofs, and permeable pavements that help absorb rainwater and reduce the volume of runoff reaching waterways. The other options, while somewhat related to the broader context of land use and development, do not encapsulate the primary goal of stormwater management permits, which is fundamentally about controlling runoff to protect water quality and the environment.