CME Stormwater Management & Drainage Engineering

Question 1

The Rational Method formula Q = CiA is used to estimate which quantity in stormwater design?

Accepted Answer

Peak runoff discharge

Answer

The Rational Method calculates peak runoff discharge (Q) in cubic feet per second using runoff coefficient (C), rainfall intensity (i), and drainage area (A).

Question 2

What does NPDES stand for in the context of stormwater regulation?

Accepted Answer

National Pollution Discharge Elimination System

Answer

NPDES (National Pollution Discharge Elimination System) is the EPA permit program that controls water pollution by regulating point sources that discharge pollutants into waters of the United States, including stormwater.

Question 3

In stormwater design, 'time of concentration' (Tc) is defined as:

Accepted Answer

The time for runoff to travel from the hydraulically most remote point in a watershed to the design point

Answer

Time of concentration is the travel time for runoff from the hydraulically most remote point in the watershed to reach the outlet, which determines the critical storm duration for peak flow calculations.

Question 4

What is the primary functional difference between a retention pond and a detention pond?

Accepted Answer

Retention ponds hold a permanent pool of water; detention ponds drain completely between storms

Answer

Retention ponds maintain a permanent pool of water (wet ponds) and provide additional storage above the permanent pool, while detention ponds (dry ponds) temporarily store runoff and drain completely between storm events.

Question 5

Manning's equation is primarily used in stormwater engineering to calculate:

Accepted Answer

Flow velocity and discharge in open channels and pipes

Answer

Manning's equation (V = (1/n) R^(2/3) S^(1/2)) calculates flow velocity in open channels and pipes based on hydraulic radius, slope, and Manning's roughness coefficient, which allows discharge to be computed.

(CME) Certified Municipal Engineer Practice Test

(CME) Certified Municipal Engineer Practice Test

CME Stormwater Management & Drainage Engineering