What should be included in an outfall inspection report?

• A. Outfall location, current condition, observed flow or discharge.
• B. Outfall location, current condition, observed flow or discharge, BMPs in place or failing, photos, and recommended corrective actions.
• C. Only GPS coordinates.
• D. Only the permit number.

Answer: (B)

A complete outfall inspection report should document the full picture of what’s at the site and how it’s performing. Include the outfall’s location, the current physical condition, and what you observed about any flow or discharge. It’s also important to note any BMPs (best management practices) that are in place or failing, because this shows whether controls are working and where issues may lie. Adding photos provides concrete evidence of conditions and supports future verification. Finally, include recommended corrective actions to address any problems found, giving a clear path for follow-up and improvement. This combination makes the report actionable and useful for compliance, maintenance planning, and future comparisons. Merely listing GPS coordinates or a permit number doesn’t convey the site’s condition or the effectiveness of controls, so those alone aren’t sufficient.