Erosion & Sediment Control Principles Flashcards
7 cards from real CESSWI practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Erosion & Sediment Control Principles flashcards as text
What is the primary reason that compacted construction site soils typically generate more runoff than undisturbed soils?
Answer: Compaction reduces macropore space, decreasing infiltration capacity
Soil compaction collapses macropores and reduces infiltration capacity, causing more precipitation to become overland flow rather than infiltrating.
A stabilized construction entrance is primarily designed to accomplish which of the following?
Answer: Remove mud and debris from vehicle tires before they exit onto public roads
Stabilized construction entrances use coarse aggregate to dislodge mud and debris from vehicle tires, preventing tracking of sediment onto adjacent public roadways.
Which of the following best describes the concept of 'phased grading' as an erosion control strategy?
Answer: Limiting the area of disturbance at any given time to reduce exposed soil
Phased grading minimizes the area of disturbed soil exposed at any one time, directly reducing the source of erosion on a construction site.
An inspector notices that a fiber roll (wattle) installed on a slope has separated from the soil surface, leaving a gap underneath. What is the most likely consequence?
Answer: Runoff will flow under the wattle, bypassing the sediment control barrier
A gap between the fiber roll and the soil surface allows runoff to bypass the barrier entirely, negating its sediment control function.
Under what condition is a sediment basin REQUIRED rather than a sediment trap for construction site stormwater management?
Answer: When the contributing drainage area exceeds 10 acres
Common standards require a sediment basin when the contributing drainage area exceeds 10 acres because sediment traps lack sufficient storage and retention capacity for larger watersheds.
Which SWPPP element is specifically designed to track the installation, maintenance, and removal of each BMP on a construction site over time?
Answer: BMP inspection log
A BMP inspection log provides a chronological record of each control measure's installation date, condition during inspections, maintenance performed, and eventual removal.
How does vegetative cover reduce erosion compared to bare soil?
Answer: Vegetation intercepts rainfall, reduces surface sealing, and anchors soil with roots
Vegetation reduces erosion through multiple mechanisms: canopy interception dissipates raindrop energy, roots bind soil particles, and leaf litter maintains infiltration rates.