Environmental Standards Flashcards

In tidal areas, which line commonly marks the boundary between private upland and state-owned tidelands in most U.S. states?

Answer: Mean High Water line

Most coastal states use Mean High Water as the boundary of sovereign tidelands.

How long is the National Tidal Datum Epoch used to compute tidal datums?

Answer: 19 years

The 19-year epoch covers the full lunar nodal cycle.

Which practice best reduces environmental damage when clearing a line of sight in a protected area?

Answer: Cut only minimal vegetation and use offsets or GNSS where possible

Minimizing cutting and using alternate methods limits disturbance and permit violations.

A FIRM shows a Zone VE along the coast. What does this zone indicate for a surveyor?

Answer: A coastal high-hazard area with wave heights of 3 ft or more, with BFEs

Zone VE is a coastal high-hazard area subject to wave action, with established BFEs.

Which statement about the effect of wind on a steel tape measurement is correct?

Answer: Wind causes the tape to bow, so the recorded distance is too long

Wind pushes the tape out of line, so the measured value exceeds the true straight-line distance.

Before a survey crew enters a confined space such as a deep manhole to locate inverts, what does OSHA require for a permit-required space?

Answer: Atmospheric testing, a written permit, and an attendant outside

OSHA's confined space standards require testing, permits, and attendants for permit-required spaces.

Under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, what must a federal project do if a survey crew finds a possible archaeological site?

Answer: Consider effects on historic properties and consult the SHPO

Section 106 requires federal undertakings to consider effects on historic properties in consultation with the State Historic Preservation Officer.