Role of the Inspection Program

Question 1

What is considered a “measurable storm event”?

Answer 1

A rainfall event producing 0.25 inches of rain or greater over 24 hours.

(Module 1 / Page 5)

Question 2

Describe the application process for the Construction General Permit (GP) in three steps.

Answer 2

• Operator completes the SWPPP
• Operator submits SWM plan and ESC plan to local VSMP authority and VESCP authority for review and approval.
• After both plans are approved and all application components are in place, state permit coverage is issued by DEQ

(Module 1 / Page 2)

Question 3

Why would an operator need to apply for a VSMP authority permit?

Answer 3

If the authority has adopted an ordinance that requires a project less that one acre to have a permit or if the project is 2,500 sq. ft. or more and less than once acre in an area of a jurisdiction that is subject to the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act.

(Module 1 / Page 3)

Question 4

What three types of groups will be conducting post-construction inspections for installed BMPs?

Answer 4

• VSMP authority
• Property owner
• State agency

(Module 1 / Page 8)

Question 5

What is the expected frequency of inspections by an operator if a site is stabilized or the LDA is suspended due to continuously frozen ground and stormwater discharges are unlikely?

Answer 5

Once a month

Module 1 / Page 6

Question 6

Based on VSMP Regulation, when should the VSMP authority conduct inspections during construction?

Answer 6

-Periodically or in response to a complaint
or to asses a non-permitted site

(Module 1 / Page 6 and Page 9)

Question 7

What is the expected frequency of inspections by an operator during normal working conditions?

Answer 7

-At least once every 5 business days
OR
-At least once every 10 business days and no later than 48 hours following a measurable storm event.

(Module 1 / Page 7)

Question 8

What is the expected frequency of inspection by the DEQ based on the VSMP Regulations during construction.

Answer 8

-Randomly or in response to a complaint

Module 1 / Page 7

Question 9

Why do the VSMP Regulations state that inspections should be completed periodically?

Answer 9

To provide VSMP inspectors with the flexibility to determine when to inspect a particular site. This allows the inspector to prioritize visits based on the site activities.

(Module 1 / Page 9)

Question 10

What is the inspection criteria for the operator based on Construction General Permit Regulations during construction?

Answer 10

• Proper implementation and effectiveness of approved ESC and P2 plan
• Completion of stabilization activities
• Identification and documentation of any evidence of the discharge of pollutants prohibited by permit

(Module 1 / Page 6)

Question 11

What is the inspection criteria for the VESCP authority based on ESC Regulation during construction?

Answer 11

Compliance with approved ESC plan

Module 1 / Page 6

Question 12

What is the expected inspection frequency for the VESCP authority based on ESC Regulations during construction?

Answer 12

• During or immediately following initial installation of ES controls
• At least once in every 2 week period
• Within 48 hours following any runoff producing storm event
• Completion of project before release of performance bonds.

(Module 1 / Page 6)

Question 13

What is the inspection criteria for the VSMP authority based on VSMP Regulations during construction?

Answer 13

• Approved ESC plan and Approved SWM plan
• Implementation of P2 plan
• Implementation of additional control measures to address TMDL
• Construction of BMPs in accordance with design specifications

(Module 1 / Page 6)

Question 14

What is the expected frequency of post-construction BMP inspections for the VSMP authority?

Answer 14

At least once every 5 years

Module 1 / Page 8

Question 15

Where can you find the expected frequency of post construction inspections for the property owner?

Answer 15

The long-term maintenance agreement

Module 1 / Page 8

Question 16

What is the expected frequency of post-construction BMP inspections for the state agency?

Answer 16

-Annually and after any storm which causes the capacity of the facility principle spillway to be exceeded

(Module 1 / Page 8)

Question 17

What is the inspection criteria for a post-construction BMP inspection for the VSMP authority and the property owner?

Answer 17

-Whether BMPs are being adequately maintained as designed and any inspection criteria listed on the BMP Clearinghouse (IIB criteria) or the 1999 Stormwater Management Handbook (IIC) criteria.

(Module 1 / Page 8)

Question 18

Who is an acceptable inspector to conduct post-construction inspections for a VSMP authority?

Answer 18

• Licensed professional engineer, architect, landscape architect or surveyor
• Person working under the direction of a licensed professional
• Person holding inspector certificate of competence from the Board

(Module 1 / Page 8)

Question 19

During the construction process what two types of inspections must take place?

Answer 19

• Regulatory compliance inspections under the VSMP and ESC Regulations
• Self-Inspections by qualified personnel as designated by the permittee or operator under the Construction GP

(Module 1 / Page 9)

Question 20

What is the definition of “qualified personnel” according to VSMP Regulation?

Answer 20

A person knowledgeable in the principles and practices of erosion and sediment controls who possesses the skills to assess conditions at the construction site for the operator that could impact stormwater quality and quantity and to asses the effectiveness of any sediment and erosion control measures or stormwater management facilities selected to control the quality and quantity of stormwater discharges from the construction activity…”
(Module 1 / Page 10)

Question 21

Why should the VSMP inspector review self-inspection reports completed by the operator?

Answer 21

To verify inspections are being carried out, and if needed, corrective measures are in place and effective.

(Module 1 / Page 10)

Question 22

How long must the VSMP authority retain as-built drawings for permanent stormwater management facilites?

Answer 22

Until the facility is removed

Module 1 / Page 11

Question 23

True or False: The VSMP authority may allow for the use of the owner’s inspection reports if the inspection is conducted by a a person who is licensed as a professional engineer, architect, landscape architect, or land surveyor, or person who works under the direction of a licensed professional.

Answer 23

True

Module 1 / Page 11

Question 24

What terms must be included in a long-term maintenance agreement?

Answer 24

• Stated to run with the land
• Provide for necessary access to the property for regulatory inspections
• Be enforceable by all appropriate government parties
• Provide for inspections and maintenance and the submission of inspection and maintenance reports to the VSMP authority.

(Module 1 / Page 12)

Question 25

Why is inspection documentation a major component of any inspection program?

Answer 25

If a site has a compliance issue, inspection reports detail and document the compliance issues, and make recommendation to bring the site back into compliance.
They are legal documents that can prove or support inspector’s claims.

(Module 1 / Page 13)

Question 26

How long must construction inspection reports be retained by the VSMP authority?

Answer 26

For three years after permit termination.

Module 1 / Page 13

Question 27

How long must post-construction inspection reports be retained by the VSMP authority?

Answer 27

For five years

Module 1 / Page 13

Question 28

How long must Construction General Permit registration statements be retained for from the date of project completion?

Answer 28

For at least three years after project completion

Module 1 / Page 13