Practice Test Geeks(CESSWI) Certified Erosion, Sediment, and Storm Water Inspector Practice Test
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Erosion Control BMPs Flashcards

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  1. Under the NPDES Construction General Permit, which condition triggers the requirement to implement 'non-storm water management' erosion controls?

    Answer: Discharge of irrigation water or dewatering effluent from a construction site

    Non-stormwater discharges such as irrigation water or construction dewatering effluent require specific management BMPs because they are not precipitation-generated.

  2. What is the function of a rock riprap apron installed at the outlet of a pipe slope drain?

    Answer: Dissipate flow energy to prevent scour erosion at the discharge point

    Riprap aprons at pipe outlets dissipate the kinetic energy of concentrated discharge, preventing scour holes from forming in the receiving soil.

  3. Which factor makes soil with high sodium content (sodic soil) particularly challenging for erosion control BMP performance?

    Answer: Sodium causes soil particles to disperse, creating highly erodible and poorly draining conditions

    Sodic soils have dispersed, unstable aggregates that break apart easily under rainfall, dramatically increasing erodibility and reducing infiltration rates.

  4. An erosion control inspector is reviewing a SWPPP for a linear project (pipeline installation). Which unique erosion challenge must linear projects address that is less common on area grading projects?

    Answer: Trench backfill settlement creating concentrated flow paths parallel to the installation corridor

    Linear project trenches frequently settle after backfill, creating low-gradient linear channels that concentrate runoff along the corridor and increase erosion risk.

  5. What is the primary reason that seeding alone is NOT considered a stabilization BMP immediately after installation?

    Answer: Vegetation must germinate and achieve sufficient cover before providing meaningful erosion protection

    Seeding requires germination and establishment time (often 2–4+ weeks) before it provides measurable erosion protection, so interim measures are needed during that period.

  6. When evaluating the adequacy of an erosion control plan, an inspector should verify that BMPs are designed to handle what storm event at minimum?

    Answer: A 2-year, 24-hour storm event for temporary BMPs

    Most construction stormwater permits and guidance documents require temporary erosion control BMPs to be designed to handle at least a 2-year, 24-hour storm event.

  7. Which best describes the difference between erosion prevention BMPs and sediment control BMPs in a construction SWPPP?

    Answer: Erosion prevention keeps soil in place at the source; sediment control captures soil after it has been detached and transported

    Erosion prevention BMPs (mulch, blankets, seeding) stop soil detachment at the source, while sediment control BMPs (silt fence, basins) capture already-mobilized particles before they leave the site.