CPSWQ Exam Review - Course Outline
All times shown are approximate.
Click here to view the Table of Contents for the CPSWQ Exam Review Study Guide
1. Pollutants in Storm Water Runoff
All times shown are approximate.
Duration: 60 minutes
This module introduces students to the CPSWQ certification program, review course content, and review workbook structure. It includes a discussion of the pollutants of concern during and after construction as well as impacts to receiving waters. Site planning during various phases of construction and after construction will also be covered.
Agenda:
- Introduction
- What can accelerate erosion problems?
- Pollutant export during construction
- Pollutant export after construction
- Pollutants and their sources
- Pollutant impacts
- Why control pollution?
- Why control erosion?
- Stormwater planning for construction
- Planning for storm water quality management
2. Rules and Regulations
Duration: 60 minutes
Rules and regulations are presented from a federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) perspective. Elements of the Clean Water Act (CWA) are outlined and discussed in detail and include emphasis on: Section 401-Water Quality Certification; Section 402 - National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES); and Section 404 - Discharge of dredged or fill material into waters of the United States. This module gives a historical background on municipal activities subject to NPDES under Phase I and Phase II of implementation. The six minimum measures of a Phase II Storm Water Management Plan are emphasized. Water Quality Standards are discussed as well as the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) process as it relates to Section 303(d) of the CWA. General details associated with NPDES enforcement and penalties are also summarized.
Agenda:
- Federal regulations
- State regulations
- Local regulations
- Enforcement and penalties
3. Watershed Hydrology
Duration: 90 minutes
A fundamental understanding of watershed hydrology is crucial in order to develop effective storm water management plans. Students will use the Natural Resource Conservation Service's Technical Release 55 Methodology (Urban Hydrology for Small Watersheds) to predict pre- and post-development runoff volumes and peak flows. Watershed hydrology concepts such as rainfall distribution, time of concentration, hydrologic soil groups, curve numbers, and runoff volume and peak flow prediction are emphasized. Scientific calculators with exponent functions are required for this module.
Agenda:
- Water resources in an urban environment
- Surface flow hydrograph
- Factors affecting runoff
- Sheet flow
- Shallow concentrated flow
- Channel flow
- Runoff curve numbers
- Runoff equation solution
- Water quality stormwater management practices design
- Review problem
4. Quantification
Duration: 90 minutes
Pollutant characterization and quantification is necessary for impact assessment and design of storm water management measures. This module focuses on water quality monitoring principles and simple spreadsheet-based pollutant loading estimation methods. Students will work through several example exercises using these methods. Scientific calculators with exponent functions are required for this module.
Agenda:
- Typical urban runoff quality
- Mode of pollutant transport
- Water quality monitoring
- Variables for urban water quality management
- Spatial characteristics of urban runoff
- Temporal characteristics of urban runoff
- Pollutant concentrations
- Pollutant loadings
- Simple method
- Spreadsheet method
- Water quality models
- Review problem
5. Erosion and Sediment Control Measures
Duration: 60 minutes
Erosion and sediment control measures are necessary for any land-disturbing activity. Erosion control measures keep soil in place and help minimize the amount of sediment-laden runoff. Examples of erosion control measures include runoff controls (e.g., swales and berms) and soil stabilization measures (e.g., temporary and permanent vegetation and rolled erosion control products). Sediment control measures provide containment of sediment-laden runoff prior to discharge from construction sites. Examples include perimeter sediment control features (e.g., silt fence), treatments for interior drop inlets and catch basins, and measures for dewatering or containment of sediment. This module discusses basic design considerations for erosion and sediment control measures and includes an exercise involving the development of a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan for a proposed small commercial construction site.
Agenda:
- Runoff control measures
- Runoff management practices
- Soil stabilization measures
- Sediment control
- Erosion and sediment control problem
6. Water Quality Stormwater Management Practices for Urbanizing Areas
Duration: 60 minutes
This module discusses the various types of storm water management practices (SMPs) used for post-construction runoff control and water quality treatment. Examples include bioretention areas, wet and dry basins, infiltration systems, and vegetated filter strips. Design considerations for each measure will be covered. Source control measures (e.g., public education, street sweeping, land use planning) will also be addressed. Students will work through a summary exercise that brings together elements of site planning, rules and regulations, watershed hydrology, pollutant quantification, and erosion and sediment control.
Agenda:
- Post-construction SMPs
- Source controls
- Physical separation devices
- Filtering systems
- Infiltration systems
- Wetland systems
- Pond systems
- Construction SMP selection criteria
- Post-Construction SMP selection criteria
