Certified Storm Water Operator Practice Exam

What must be reported to the MDEQ for sites disturbing the designated minimum area?

1. Environmental assessments

2. Floodplain management plans

3. Stormwater management measures

4. Site evaluations and compliance checks

The correct answer is: Stormwater management measures

The requirement to report stormwater management measures to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (MDEQ) for sites disturbing a designated minimum area is crucial because these measures are designed to control the quantity and quality of stormwater runoff generated from disturbed sites. Reporting these measures ensures compliance with local and state regulations, which aim to prevent harmful pollutants from entering waterways and to manage the impacts of increased runoff caused by land disturbances. Stormwater management measures include practices such as erosion control, sediment management, and the design and implementation of Best Management Practices (BMPs) that help mitigate the effects of development on the hydrologic cycle. By documenting these measures, operators help agencies like the MDEQ monitor compliance with environmental laws and contribute to the overall management of water resources in the area. While the other options may involve relevant activities or documentation, they are not specifically mandated for reporting in conjunction with sites that disturb a minimum area. Environmental assessments, floodplain management plans, and site evaluations, while important in various contexts, do not hold the same direct regulatory requirement concerning stormwater management in this scenario. This focus on stormwater measures is critical for achieving the goals of reducing pollution and enhancing water quality in stormwater runoff from construction sites.