CPESC Vegetative Stabilization 4

Question 1

Under NPDES permit requirements, within how many calendar days must temporary or permanent stabilization be initiated on areas where earth disturbance activities have temporarily ceased?

Accepted Answer

14 days

Answer

EPA's Construction General Permit requires initiation of stabilization within 14 calendar days after the last earth disturbance on areas where activities have temporarily or permanently ceased.

Question 2

What is the critical difference between temporary and permanent vegetative stabilization measures in an erosion and sediment control plan?

Accepted Answer

Temporary measures provide short-term cover during construction; permanent measures establish long-term self-sustaining vegetation

Answer

Temporary stabilization controls erosion during active construction phases, while permanent stabilization establishes self-sustaining perennial vegetation that protects the site after construction is complete.

Question 3

Which practice best describes 'crimped straw mulch' and why is it superior to loose straw mulch on slopes?

Accepted Answer

Straw pressed into the soil surface using a disk or crimping roller; superior because it resists wind displacement without tackifier

Answer

Crimping mechanically anchors straw into the soil surface using a disk or toothed roller, eliminating wind displacement without the need for chemical tackifiers.

Question 4

A site inspector finds that a seeded area has reached 70% vegetative cover but has significant bare patches concentrated on north-facing micro-depressions. What is the MOST likely cause?

Accepted Answer

Prolonged soil saturation in depressions inhibiting germination of the seed mix

Answer

Low-lying depressions collect and hold water, creating waterlogged conditions that prevent germination and establishment of typical upland grass species in the seed mix.

Question 5

What is the purpose of specifying 'weed-free' certified straw mulch in an erosion and sediment control plan?

Accepted Answer

To prevent introduction of invasive plant species onto the disturbed site

Answer

Weed-free certification ensures straw mulch does not introduce noxious weeds or invasive species that would compete with desired vegetation or spread onto adjacent lands.

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

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

CPESC Vegetative Stabilization 4