CLA Environmental Sustainability & Management 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which stormwater management technique uses shallow, vegetated channels to slow runoff and promote infiltration?
- Retention pond
- Bioswale (Correct answer)
- Dry well
- French drain
Correct answer: Bioswale
Bioswales are vegetated, shallow channels designed to slow stormwater runoff and filter pollutants through soil and plant uptake.
Question 2: The LEED credit category most directly related to site ecology and habitat protection is:
- Water Efficiency
- Sustainable Sites (Correct answer)
- Indoor Environmental Quality
- Energy & Atmosphere
Correct answer: Sustainable Sites
The Sustainable Sites category in LEED addresses site ecology, habitat, open space, stormwater, and heat island reduction.
Question 3: A landscape architect specifying native plants for a restoration project should prioritize plants sourced from which origin?
- Regional nurseries using cultivars
- Local ecotype seed sources (Correct answer)
- Internationally accredited botanical gardens
- USDA hardiness zone-matched catalogs
Correct answer: Local ecotype seed sources
Local ecotype plants are genetically adapted to the specific regional conditions and support native wildlife most effectively.
Question 4: Which federal regulation requires landscape architects to assess wetland impacts before obtaining a permit for site grading near waterways?
- Clean Air Act Section 112
- Clean Water Act Section 404 (Correct answer)
- Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
- National Environmental Policy Act Section 7
Correct answer: Clean Water Act Section 404
CWA Section 404 requires a permit from the Army Corps of Engineers before discharging fill material into waters of the U.S., including wetlands.
Question 5: Urban heat island effect is best mitigated in a parking lot design by:
- Using dark asphalt with white lane markings
- Installing pervious concrete and shade trees (Correct answer)
- Maximizing impervious surface for durability
- Applying reflective paint only on walkways
Correct answer: Installing pervious concrete and shade trees
Pervious concrete reduces heat storage and trees provide shade, both lowering surface and ambient temperatures in parking areas.
Question 6: A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) primarily involves:
- Soil sampling and laboratory testing
- Review of records, site inspection, and interviews (Correct answer)
- Installing groundwater monitoring wells
- Preparing a remediation action plan
Correct answer: Review of records, site inspection, and interviews
Phase I ESA is a non-intrusive assessment based on historical records review, visual site inspection, and interviews to identify recognized environmental conditions.
Question 7: Which soil amendment is most effective for improving water retention in sandy, drought-prone soils?
- Perlite
- Coarse gravel
- Biochar (Correct answer)
- Sand
Correct answer: Biochar
Biochar improves water and nutrient retention in sandy soils by increasing cation exchange capacity and creating micro-pore structures.
CLA Environmental Sustainability & Management 2
Which stormwater management technique uses shallow, vegetated channels to slow runoff and promote infiltration?