OSSF
A proposed OSSF site has a soil profile showing a restrictive horizon at 18 inches. According to TAC 285, which system type(s) remain permissible without a variance?
A. Standard subsurface systems
B. Low‑pressure dosing systems
C. Aerobic treatment with surface application
D. Aerobic treatment with subsurface drip
C. Aerobic treatment with surface application
D. Aerobic treatment with subsurface drip
Under Chapter 285, when must an OSSF design be stamped by a Professional Engineer rather than a Registered Sanitarian?
A. Always, regardless of design type
B. Only when installing non‑standard
C. Only when the daily design flow exceeds 500 gallons per day
D. When required by local Authorized Agent policy
B. Only when installing non‑standard
During an inspection you observe a newly added stockpile, but the SWPPP still shows the original site map without the new storage area. Under TXR150000, this is:
A. Compliant if BMPs are functioning
B. A violation because the SWPPP must be updated when site conditions change
C. Acceptable if the stockpile is temporary
D. Acceptable if a contractor verbally notified the operator
B. A violation because the SWPPP must be updated when site conditions change
A SWPPP identifies stabilized construction entrances at two locations, but only one is installed. The operator says the second entrance is “optional.” Under TXR150000, this is:
A. Allowed if vehicles mostly use the stabilized entrance
B. Not compliant; all SWPPP‑listed BMPs must be installed
C. Acceptable during dry weather
D. Allowed if the MS4 agrees
B. Not compliant; all SWPPP‑listed BMPs must be installed
Which of the following is the largest source of freshwater available for human use?
A. Oceans
B. Groundwater
C. Atmospheric water vapor
D. Glaciers
B. Groundwater
A homeowner wants to increase their house from 3 to 6 bedrooms with no change in lot size. Under Chapter 285, which factor determines whether the current OSSF can remain compliant?
A. Number of bathrooms only
B. Soil type alone
C. Total daily hydraulic loading and system sizing
D. Age of the existing system
C. Total daily hydraulic loading and system sizing
A maintenance provider for an aerobic treatment unit fails to submit required inspection reports. Which entity has enforcement authority to issue penalties?
A. TCEQ directly
B. Local Authorized Agent (county or municipality)
C. Texas Water Development Board
D. The homeowner
B. Local Authorized Agent (county or municipality)
2. A SWPPP lists three specific inlet protection devices, but only one has been installed. The operator says the other two will be added “next week.” Under TXR150000, this is:
A. Compliant for phased construction
B. Non‑compliant; BMPs listed in the SWPPP must be implemented
C. Acceptable if rainfall has been low
D. Acceptable if the missing BMPs are minor
B. Non‑compliant; BMPs listed in the SWPPP must be implemented
During an inspection, you notice that the site map doesn’t identify outfalls and drainage patterns clearly. Under TXR150000, the SWPPP must include:
A. Outfalls, drainage paths, and runoff direction arrows
B. Only labeled project boundaries
C. Soil type only
D. Outfalls but not drainage paths
A. Outfalls, drainage paths, and runoff direction arrows
What is the primary purpose of a watershed?
A. To generate electricity
B. To collect and drain water from a specific land area
C. To measure rainfall
B. To collect and drain water from a specific land area
According to TAC 285, effluent disposal fields must maintain minimum separation distances from water wells. What is the minimum horizontal separation distance for a private water well from an aerobic surface‑spray application area?
A. 50 feet
B. 100 feet
C. 150 feet
D. 300 feet
B. 100 feet
Under Chapter 285, which condition automatically classifies an OSSF as a “failing system”?
A. Age exceeding 20 years
B. Biological oxygen demand exceeding limits
C. Surfacing sewage or contamination of groundwater
D. Septic tank requiring pumping
C. Surfacing sewage or contamination of groundwater
A site uses the “14‑day or 0.5‑inch rain event” inspection schedule. The operator performs inspections every 7 days instead. Under TXR150000, this practice is:
A. A violation because it doesn’t match the SWPPP frequency
B. Acceptable because inspections exceed the minimum frequency
C. Allowed only if documented in the NOI
D. Required only during active grading
B. Acceptable because inspections exceed the minimum frequency
The SWPPP includes a list of BMPs but no details such as dimensions, quantities, or installation locations. Under TXR150000, this SWPPP is:
A. Compliant for small sites
B. Non‑compliant; BMPs must be site‑specific and clearly defined
C. Acceptable if BMPs exist on‑site
D. Acceptable if inspections occur weekly
B. Non‑compliant; BMPs must be site‑specific and clearly defined
Which pollutant is most commonly associated with stormwater runoff from urban areas?
A. Radioactive waste
B. Nutrients and hydrocarbons
C. Thermal pollution
D. Airborne mercury
B. Nutrients and hydrocarbons
A site investigation reveals a groundwater table at 24 inches during wet‑season inspection. What is the minimum vertical separation required between the bottom of a drip line and groundwater?
A. 6 inches
B. 12 inches
C. 24 inches
D. 48 inches
B. 12 inches
A septic tank is proposed 45 feet from a property owner’s drinking water well. Under TAC 285, what is the minimum allowed separation distance between a septic tank and a private water well?
50 feet
75 feet
100 feet
150 feet
A. 50 feet
The SWPPP is stored at a corporate office 30 miles away. The operator states they can bring it to the site “later today.” Under TXR150000, the SWPPP must be:
A. Available on‑site or immediately accessible
B. Kept only at the NOI mailing address
C. Stored with the MS4
D. Provided only during official audits
A. Available on‑site or immediately accessible
A contractor performing weekly inspections fails to sign the inspection form. Under TXR150000, inspection forms must be:
A. Signed by a qualified person
B. Signed only if deficiencies are identified
C. Stored unsigned in the SWPPP
D. Signed only at project completion
A. Signed by a qualified person
Which process naturally purifies groundwater?
A. Evaporation
B. Filtration through soil layers
C. Boiling
D. Photosynthesis
B. Filtration through soil layers
Under TAC 285, when conducting a soil profile, what is the minimum depth to which the investigation must be performed for most standard OSSF designs?
A. 12 inches
B. 24 inches or until a restrictive horizon is encountered
C. To at least 36 inches or until a restrictive horizon is encountered
D. To at least 60 inches
B. 24 inches or until a restrictive horizon is encountered
An OSSF drip field is planned 8 feet from a property line. Under TAC 285, the minimum separation distance between a disposal field and a property line is:
A. 5 feet
B. 10 feet
C. 15 feet
D. None of the above
A. 5 feet
You observe dewatering into a vegetated area not identified in the SWPPP. The operator claims the discharge is clean. Under TXR150000, this condition:
A. Is compliant if water appears clear
B. Is non‑compliant because dewatering practices must be included in the SWPPP
C. Only requires documentation if turbid
D. Requires a permit amendment
B. Is non‑compliant because dewatering practices must be included in the SWPPP
Which agency is primarily responsible for enforcing the Clean Water Act in the United States?
A. CDC
B. NOAA
C. EPA
D. NASA
C. EPA
What is one major environmental impact of excessive groundwater pumping?
A. Increased rainfall
B. Land subsidence
C. Higher river flow rates
D. Improved soil fertility
B. Land subsidence