CPESC Inspection Procedures 2

Question 1

During a post-storm inspection, which condition would require IMMEDIATE corrective action before the next rainfall event?

Accepted Answer

A silt fence with more than 50% of its height filled with sediment

Answer

A silt fence filled to more than 50% of its height has lost most of its storage capacity and must be cleaned or replaced before the next storm.

Question 2

What is the primary purpose of a pre-construction inspection on an erosion and sediment control plan?

Accepted Answer

To confirm that required BMPs are installed prior to earth-disturbing activities

Answer

Pre-construction inspections ensure all required BMPs are in place before any land disturbance begins, preventing erosion from the start.

Question 3

An inspector observes turbid discharge leaving a construction site during a storm event. What is the inspector's first required action?

Accepted Answer

Document the discharge with photographs and written notes

Answer

Thorough documentation of the discharge, including photos, location, and time, is the first required step before any enforcement action.

Question 4

Which factor most significantly affects the inspection frequency required under most NPDES construction general permits?

Accepted Answer

The occurrence of rainfall events exceeding a threshold depth

Answer

Most CGPs require inspections within 24–72 hours after a qualifying rain event (typically ≥0.25 inches) in addition to routine inspections.

Question 5

When inspecting a sediment basin, which measurement is most critical for determining whether the structure is functioning properly?

Accepted Answer

The available sediment storage capacity relative to design capacity

Answer

Comparing current sediment accumulation to the design storage capacity determines whether cleanout is needed to maintain function.

(CPESC) Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control Practice Test