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Quizzes > Quizzes for Business > Environment

Take the Illicit Discharge Detection & Elimination Quiz

Challenge Your Stormwater Pollution Detection Skills

Difficulty: Moderate
Questions: 20
Learning OutcomesStudy Material
Colorful paper art promoting Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination Quiz

Ready to tackle a stormwater pollution quiz? This Illicit Discharge Detection & Elimination Quiz offers 15 multiple-choice questions designed to challenge and educate environmental professionals and students alike. Each question hones your ability to identify pollutant sources and apply elimination tactics. Feel free to customize this interactive quiz in our editor to match training objectives. Explore similar engaging assessments like the Fraud Detection Training Quiz or the Game Show Elimination Quiz , and browse more quizzes for comprehensive learning.

Which of the following is an example of an illicit stormwater discharge?
Rainwater runoff from a street
Drinking water flushed into a toilet
Household graywater entering a sanitary sewer
Motor oil spilled into a storm drain
Motor oil in a storm drain is a non-stormwater pollutant and qualifies as an illicit discharge. The other options describe permitted flows or stormwater itself.
Illicit discharge detection primarily aims to identify what?
Industrial wastewater treated at a plant
Groundwater infiltration during rain events
Unauthorized non-stormwater entering the stormwater system
Any rainwater flowing through pipes
Illicit discharge programs target non-stormwater flows entering storm drains without authorization. Rainwater, treated plant effluent, and groundwater infiltration are either permitted or separate processes.
Which of the following is a common source of illicit discharge to stormwater systems?
Car wash wastewater flowing to a storm drain
Natural spring water entering surface water
Septic system properly connected to sanitary sewer
Treated drinking water distribution
Car wash wastewater often contains detergents and oils that pollute storm drains, making it a common illicit discharge. The other options are either permitted or natural flows.
A visible oil sheen on a water surface is an indicator of what?
Elevated pH due to alkaline substances
Sediment increase from erosion
Hydrocarbon pollution from an illicit discharge
High levels of dissolved oxygen
An oil sheen indicates hydrocarbons are present, commonly from illicit spills or discharges. Sediment, oxygen, or pH issues do not produce a slick sheen.
Which tool is commonly used in the field to measure pH of a discharge sample?
Spectrophotometer
Turbidity tube
Gas chromatograph
Portable pH meter
A portable pH meter provides immediate, accurate readings of acidity or alkalinity in the field. The other instruments are used for turbidity, lab”based colorimetry, or organic compound analysis.
High biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) in a stormwater sample typically indicates what type of pollution?
Organic contamination from substances like sewage or food waste
Heavy metal contamination like lead or mercury
Increased sediment load from erosion
Elevated nutrient levels like phosphates and nitrates
Elevated BOD results from organic matter consuming oxygen during decomposition, common in sewage or food waste discharges. Metals, sediments, and nutrients affect other parameters.
What is the primary purpose of chain-of-custody documentation during sample collection?
To record weather conditions at all times
To label personal protective equipment used
To estimate pollutant concentrations in real time
To maintain integrity and traceability of the sample
Chain-of-custody ensures samples remain uncontaminated and traceable from collection to analysis. Weather notes and PPE labeling are supportive, not custodial, activities.
Total suspended solids (TSS) in stormwater are most accurately measured by:
Using a pH indicator strip
Measuring color intensity with a colorimeter
Filtering a known volume through a pre-weighed filter and then drying and weighing
Reading turbidity values with a Secchi disk
TSS is determined by gravimetric analysis: filtering, drying, and weighing solids. Colorimetry, Secchi depth, and pH strips measure different properties.
Which best management practice (BMP) helps reduce illicit discharges of hydrocarbons?
Installing oil-water separators in drainage systems
Adding chlorine tablets to standing water
Constructing concrete channels for runoff
Planting grass on stream banks
Oil-water separators remove petroleum products before discharge. Vegetation, chlorine, or concrete channels address other issues like erosion or disinfection.
Elevated conductivity readings in stormwater sampling often indicate:
Larger particle sizes in suspension
Increased bacterial contamination
High levels of organic matter
Presence of dissolved salts or ions
Conductivity measures the ability of water to conduct electricity, which increases with dissolved ions. Organics, bacteria, and particulates have minimal direct effect on conductivity.
A dye test is used in illicit discharge investigations primarily to:
Determine pH fluctuations
Assess biological oxygen demand
Measure turbidity in runoff
Trace the flow path of hidden connections
Dye tracing reveals where illicit connections discharge by visually following colored water. Turbidity, pH, and BOD require separate analytical methods.
For inspecting underground pipes to locate illicit connections, which method is most appropriate?
Visual observation from a bridge
Aerial drone infrared imaging
Ground-penetrating radar
Closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera inspection
CCTV allows direct interior inspection of pipes to locate unauthorized connections. The other methods are not practical for direct pipe evaluation.
If field measurements show a sample pH of 3.2 in a stormwater drain, this suggests:
Normal rainwater pH
Acidic discharge likely from a chemical spill
Excessive sedimentation
High nutrient loading
A pH of 3.2 is highly acidic and points to a chemical input. Typical rainwater is near neutral; nutrients and sediments do not drive pH so low.
When documenting an illicit discharge observation in the field, which detail is least important?
Operator's lunch break schedule
Exact location and time of observation
Weather conditions at the time
Description of pollutants observed
Lunch breaks have no bearing on the technical assessment of an illicit discharge. Location, pollutant description, and weather are critical data points.
Which sample container is preferred for analyzing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in stormwater?
Polyethylene bottles with screw caps
Amber glass vials with Teflon-lined septa
Paper sampling bags
Stainless steel cans with lids
Amber glass vials with inert septa prevent loss of VOCs and protect against light. Plastic, steel, or paper containers allow volatility or contamination issues.
During an illicit discharge investigation, you detect an oil sheen, elevated turbidity, and pH of 8.6. What is the most appropriate immediate action?
Isolate the source and collect composite samples for lab analysis
Seal the storm drain permanently
Notify local residents to avoid the area
Flush the drain with clean water to dilute the pollutants
Isolating the source and collecting samples ensures accurate analysis and prevents further spread. Dilution, public notices, or sealing drains are not immediate investigative steps.
Which combination of strategies is most effective for eliminating municipal illicit discharges of grease?
Increasing chlorine dosing plus covering drains
Planting riparian buffers plus installing sediment basins
Public education campaign plus installation of grease traps
Constructing concrete channels plus aeration
Grease traps capture fats at the source, and public education reduces improper dumping. The other strategies do not directly address grease discharges.
Reviewing field logs reveals turbidity spikes after heavy rain events but low conductivity levels. What is the likely source?
Saltwater intrusion
Oil spills from nearby roadways
Erosion from bare soil areas
Dry-weather sanitary sewer overflows
Turbidity spikes with low conductivity suggest sediment-laden runoff from erosion. Saltwater or sewage increases conductivity, and oil does not cause high turbidity.
Under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II regulations, which entity is primarily responsible for detecting illicit discharges?
Homeowner in the watershed
Industrial facility owner
Municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) operator
Local fire department
MS4 operators are required by NPDES Phase II to monitor and detect illicit discharges. Fire departments, facility owners, or homeowners are not assigned this regulatory role.
A pressure washing business is found to be discharging cleaning wastewater into a storm drain. Which corrective action sequence is most appropriate?
Ignore the discharge, assuming dilution will mitigate impact
Issue a notice of violation, require connection to sanitary sewer, and implement on-site pretreatment
Recommend they reuse wastewater for irrigation only
Advise them to install rain barrels for stormwater collection
Formal violation notices enforce regulations, and pretreatment or sewer connection stops illicit discharge at the source. The other suggestions do not meet regulatory standards or protect water quality.
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Learning Outcomes

  1. Identify common sources of illicit stormwater discharges
  2. Analyze discharge samples to detect pollutants
  3. Evaluate field data for contamination indicators
  4. Apply elimination strategies for illicit discharges
  5. Demonstrate proper inspection and reporting techniques

Cheat Sheet

  1. Understand the definition of illicit discharges - Illicit discharges are any non-stormwater flows - like soap suds, car wash rinse, or chemical spills - sneaking into the storm drain system, except when authorized activities (like firefighting) occur. Mastering this definition is your first step to becoming a stormwater superhero! EPA Stormwater BMP Menu
  2. Recognize common sources of illicit discharges - From sanitary wastewater overflows to septic tank leaks, car wash runoff, and improper oil dumping, these everyday sources can wreak havoc on local waterways. Learning to spot them means you're one step closer to cleaner streams and rivers. BGKY Stormwater Program
  3. Learn to identify visual and sensory clues - Unusual odors, murky discoloration, oily sheens, and floating debris are red flags that something fishy is flowing through the drains. Train your senses like a detective's - your nose and eyes can be your best field tools! UML IDDE Detection Guide
  4. Practice field screening techniques - Grab your test strips, sample bottles, and a keen eye for visual inspections to check pH, oil sheen, or conductivity in stormwater. These simple, quick tests help you catch pollutants before they escape into the wild. UNC Field Screening Methods
  5. Map your storm sewer system - A detailed map of pipes, inlets, and outfalls is like a treasure map for tracking illicit connections. When you know exactly where the drains go, you can pinpoint problem areas and plan targeted inspections. EPA Storm Sewer Mapping
  6. Conduct dye testing to trace sources - Injecting non-toxic dye into suspected lines helps you watch the colorful trail through pipes and outfalls. It's a fun, hands-on technique that turns the invisible visible! UNC Dye Testing Procedures
  7. Review best management practices (BMPs) - From public education campaigns to catch-basin stenciling and strict regulatory controls, BMPs are your toolkit for preventing and eliminating illicit discharges. Think of them as the training montages in your environmental superhero origin story. EPA BMPs for Illicit Discharge
  8. Understand the legal framework and ordinances - Municipal codes and state laws lay down the rules for banning unauthorized discharges and enforcing penalties. Knowing the legal playbook means you can back your field findings with the power of regulation. BGKY Illicit Discharge Ordinances
  9. Encourage public reporting and hotlines - Community members spotting strange flows or odors can dial hotlines or submit online reports to flag illicit discharges early. Mobilizing the neighborhood turns everyone into a guardian of clean water! EPA Public Reporting Tools
  10. Explore environmental impacts - Illicit discharges can harm aquatic life, disrupt ecosystems, and contaminate drinking water sources. Understanding these consequences fuels your passion for protecting the planet, one storm drain at a time. Weston IDDE Program
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