CEPSCI Site Assessment and Planning 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the purpose of delineating drainage areas on a site plan?
- To divide the site for crew assignments
- To determine the volume of runoff each BMP must handle (Correct answer)
- To mark areas for landscaping
- To identify parking locations
Correct answer: To determine the volume of runoff each BMP must handle
Delineating drainage areas allows designers to calculate runoff volumes so that BMPs can be appropriately sized to manage the stormwater from each contributing area.
Question 2: A soil's NRCS Hydrologic Soil Group classification affects site planning because it indicates:
- The nutrient content of the soil
- The soil's runoff potential and infiltration rate (Correct answer)
- The soil's color and appearance
- The soil's compaction resistance
Correct answer: The soil's runoff potential and infiltration rate
NRCS Hydrologic Soil Groups (A through D) classify soils by their runoff potential and infiltration rates, which are critical for calculating stormwater volumes and selecting appropriate BMPs.
Question 3: Which site feature should be identified on a site plan as a receiving water?
- The contractor's equipment yard
- Any stream, lake, wetland, or storm drain that receives runoff from the site (Correct answer)
- The topsoil stockpile area
- The site office trailer location
Correct answer: Any stream, lake, wetland, or storm drain that receives runoff from the site
Receiving waters are the streams, lakes, wetlands, or storm drains that ultimately receive runoff from the construction site, and their location determines BMP placement and level of protection required.
Question 4: The term 'disturbed area' on a construction site refers to:
- Areas where workers have disagreements
- Any land area where vegetation, topsoil, or surface has been removed or altered (Correct answer)
- Areas where equipment is stored overnight
- Sections of the site with poor drainage
Correct answer: Any land area where vegetation, topsoil, or surface has been removed or altered
Disturbed area refers to any land where the vegetative cover, topsoil, or ground surface has been removed or altered, exposing soil to erosion.
Question 5: What is a 'critical area' in erosion and sediment control planning?
- The most expensive part of the project
- A location with high erosion potential such as steep slopes, stream banks, or inlet areas (Correct answer)
- The center of the construction site
- Areas designated for breaks
Correct answer: A location with high erosion potential such as steep slopes, stream banks, or inlet areas
Critical areas are locations with heightened erosion potential such as steep slopes, erodible soils, stream banks, or concentrated flow paths, requiring enhanced or priority BMP installation.
Question 6: How does impervious surface coverage affect stormwater runoff on a site?
- It decreases runoff by allowing more infiltration
- It increases runoff volume and velocity by preventing infiltration (Correct answer)
- It has no effect on runoff characteristics
- It only affects runoff during light rainfall events
Correct answer: It increases runoff volume and velocity by preventing infiltration
Impervious surfaces prevent rainfall from infiltrating into the soil, resulting in greater runoff volumes and faster flow velocities that can increase erosive potential.
CEPSCI Site Assessment and Planning 3
What is the purpose of delineating drainage areas on a site plan?