CEPSCI Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CEPSCI facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which particle size is the most difficult to remove in a sediment basin? → Clay and fine silt particles
2. Which soil textural class is generally considered most erodible by water? → Silt and fine sand
3. PAM is a chemical that is added to turbulent runoff primarily to achieve the following. → Cause flocculation that reduces sediment transport.
4. During site assessment, a CEPSCI inspector should evaluate the site's proximity to: → Water bodies, wetlands, and sensitive receiving waters
5. Why should the embankment of a temporary sediment basin be inspected after every significant storm? → To identify signs of seepage, settlement, or erosion that could lead to embankment failure
6. Which of the following is a source control BMP rather than a treatment BMP? → Phased construction limiting the area of disturbance
7. If a state regulatory inspector visits a construction site and the SWPPP is not available, the likely consequence is: → A notice of violation that may result in fines for failure to maintain required records
8. What is the recommended inspection frequency for erosion and sediment controls after construction begins? → At least once a week or within 24 hours of the end of a storm event >0.5 inches.
9. A grab sample collected for turbidity monitoring at a construction site should ideally be taken: → During a storm event when discharge is actively occurring
10. What is the typical acceptable turbidity benchmark for construction site discharges under many state NPDES permits before further action is required? → 250 NTU
11. To whom are NPDES permits typically issued? → Operators or companies responsible for a specific discharge.
12. A construction inspector observes that discharge turbidity is 320 NTU and the benchmark is 250 NTU. What is the required response under the EPA CGP? → Document the exceedance and immediately review and modify the SWPPP and BMPs
13. Where are sediment tubes typically installed to reduce soil erosion and retain sediment? → In drainage conveyance swales as ditch checks.
14. A bioswale differs from a conventional drainage swale primarily because it: → Uses engineered soil and vegetation to filter and infiltrate runoff while conveying it
15. Final site stabilization is achieved when the percent vegetative cover on all disturbed areas is at least the following. → 70 percent
16. The wet storage volume in a sediment basin is designed to: → Hold the accumulated sediment load between cleanout events
17. Which factor is NOT typically evaluated during a site's pre-construction erosion control assessment? → Adjacent property owner's personal finances
18. Why is it important to minimize runoff velocity on a construction site? → Lower velocity reduces the erosive energy that detaches and transports soil particles
19. The principal spillway of a sediment basin should be sized to pass the: → Design storm flow while maintaining water quality treatment in the basin
20. The main benefit of using mulches and ECBs is that they: → Provide instant cover
21. A pipe slope drain is used to: → Convey runoff down a steep slope in a controlled manner without causing erosion
22. What is the recommended aggregate size for a stabilized construction entrance? → Coarse aggregate 1.5 to 3 inches in diameter
23. How does impervious surface coverage affect stormwater runoff on a site? → It increases runoff volume and velocity by preventing infiltration
24. After construction is complete, what triggers the requirement to remove temporary BMPs such as silt fences? → Achievement of final stabilization of all disturbed areas and formal permit termination
25. The emergency spillway of a sediment basin is designed to: → Safely pass flows from storms exceeding the design storm without causing basin failure
26. What is a rip rap channel typically used for? → Preventing soil movement with erosion-resistant stone lining.
27. What is a 'construction entrance' or 'stabilized pad' BMP designed to do? → Remove mud and dirt from vehicle tires before they exit the site onto public roads
28. What soil amendment is most commonly applied before seeding to improve germination on disturbed sites? → Lime and fertilizer based on soil test results
29. A soil's NRCS Hydrologic Soil Group classification affects site planning because it indicates: → The soil's runoff potential and infiltration rate
30. A site drainage map is used during site assessment to: → Identify natural drainage patterns and flow paths that may concentrate runoff