CPESC Site Assessment & Planning 2

Question 1

During a pre-construction site assessment, which soil characteristic most directly predicts erodibility under rainfall impact?

Accepted Answer

Aggregate stability and texture

Answer

Aggregate stability and texture determine how well soil particles resist detachment by raindrop impact and surface runoff.

Question 2

Which topographic feature on a site plan indicates where concentrated flow is most likely to develop during a storm event?

Accepted Answer

Swales and valleys shown as concave contours

Answer

Concave contour patterns (swales/valleys) are natural drainage pathways where overland flow converges into concentrated flow.

Question 3

A CPESC practitioner reviewing a grading plan notices a proposed cut slope of 2H:1V in sandy loam soil. What is the primary concern?

Accepted Answer

The slope may be unstable and highly erosive without protection

Answer

A 2H:1V slope in sandy loam can be unstable and highly susceptible to erosion without adequate stabilization measures.

Question 4

When assessing a construction site adjacent to a stream, which buffer zone measurement is typically used to define the no-disturbance area?

Accepted Answer

Measured from the ordinary high water mark

Answer

Regulatory buffers are typically measured from the ordinary high water mark (OHWM), which defines the active stream channel boundary.

Question 5

Which factor in the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) accounts for the erosion-reducing effect of vegetation and surface cover?

Accepted Answer

C factor (cover-management)

Answer

The C factor in RUSLE represents the ratio of soil loss from land with specific cover and management to that from bare, cultivated soil.

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