FREE CEPSCI Regulatory Requirements and Standards Questions and Answers

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Which statement best describes turf reinforcement mats (TRMs)?

Correct! Wrong!

Explanation:
Turf reinforcement mats (TRMs) are permanent Best Management Practices (BMPs) used primarily in areas with concentrated flows or where erosion control needs to be long-lasting and durable. TRMs are designed to stabilize soil and reinforce vegetation by providing protection against erosive forces such as rainfall and water flow. They are typically made of synthetic materials that are resistant to degradation and help to promote the establishment and growth of vegetation over time.

Final site stabilization is achieved when the percent vegetative cover on all disturbed areas is at least the following.

Correct! Wrong!

Explanation:
Final site stabilization refers to achieving sufficient vegetation cover on all disturbed areas to prevent erosion effectively. The generally accepted standard for final stabilization is achieving at least 70 percent vegetative cover. This level of cover helps to stabilize the soil, reduce erosion, and promote ecological restoration.
Therefore, once 70 percent vegetative cover is established on all disturbed areas, the site is considered stabilized, meeting erosion and sediment control requirements effectively.

Which of the following would not file a Notice of Intent (NOI) prior to any land-disturbing activities?

Correct! Wrong!

Explanation:
In the context of erosion and sediment control regulations, filing a Notice of Intent (NOI) is typically required by the primary permittee (such as a developer or contractor) before any land-disturbing activities commence. The NOI notifies regulatory authorities of the intent to implement erosion and sediment control measures in compliance with permit requirements. Compliance Inspectors do not file an NOI because their role is to ensure compliance with existing permits and regulations, not to initiate land-disturbing activities.

Consider the following situation: You observe bulldozer tracks with the dozer traveling parallel to the contour. The statement that you would use in an inspection report about the situation shown is most nearly.

Correct! Wrong!

Explanation:
When bulldozer tracks are observed to be traveling parallel to the contour, it indicates that the tracking was done in the correct direction. This method helps to minimize soil erosion by following the natural contours of the land. By aligning the tracks parallel to the contour lines, the bulldozer operator effectively reduces the potential for water runoff to gain momentum and cause erosion. This technique promotes water infiltration and assists in maintaining soil stability, which is crucial in erosion control efforts on construction sites and other disturbed areas.
Therefore, in an inspection report, recognizing and acknowledging the correct use of bulldozer tracking aligning with contours reflects proper erosion and sediment control practices.

For construction projects between 5 and 10 acres in size, what phased plan requirement is typically necessary?

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Explanation:
For construction projects between 5 and 10 acres in size, regulatory requirements often mandate a phased approach to erosion and sediment control. This typically involves dividing the project into at least two separate phases: The initial land disturbance phase and the Stabilization phase. This approach ensures effective erosion and sediment control throughout the construction process, minimizing environmental impacts and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

What is the recommended approach for conducting inspections on linear construction sites where access to disturbed areas is limited?

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Explanation:
On linear construction sites, such as roads, pipelines, or utilities, where access to all disturbed areas may be limited due to the linear nature of the project, representative inspections may be necessary. This approach involves inspecting representative sections or critical areas of the site that are accessible and likely to experience similar erosion and sediment control issues as the rest of the site.

What is the recommended inspection frequency for erosion and sediment controls after construction begins?

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Explanation:
After construction begins, it is crucial to monitor erosion and sediment control measures regularly to ensure their effectiveness in preventing soil erosion and sedimentation. The recommended inspection frequency, as per erosion and sediment control guidelines, is at least once a week or within 24 hours of the end of a storm event that produces more than 0.5 inches of rainfall. This frequent inspection helps identify and address any issues promptly, such as clogged sediment traps or damaged erosion control measures, minimizing potential environmental impacts.

What is the recommended inspection frequency for construction sites that have achieved temporary stabilization?

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Explanation:
Once a construction site has reached temporary stabilization, which typically involves the establishment of adequate vegetation or other stabilization measures, the recommended inspection frequency is generally once every month. This regular inspection helps ensure that erosion and sediment control measures remain effective and compliant with regulatory requirements during the period before final stabilization is achieved.

Permittees are required to record rainfall events of:

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Explanation:
Under erosion and sediment control regulations, permittees are typically required to record rainfall events that are 0.5 inches or greater. Recording these rainfall events is important for monitoring stormwater runoff and its potential impact on erosion and sedimentation on construction sites. By tracking rainfall, permittees can assess the effectiveness of erosion control measures and determine if additional measures are necessary to prevent environmental impacts.

To whom are NPDES permits typically issued?

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Explanation:
NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) permits are issued to operators or companies responsible for a particular discharge of pollutants into the waters of the United States. These permits are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or delegated state agencies and outline specific discharge limits, monitoring requirements, and other conditions to ensure compliance with water quality standards and environmental regulations.

PAM is a chemical that is added to turbulent runoff primarily to achieve the following.

Correct! Wrong!

Explanation:
PAM (Polyacrylamide) is a chemical used in erosion and sediment control practices, particularly in controlling sediment in runoff from construction sites or disturbed areas. When added to turbulent runoff water, PAM functions by causing flocculation. Flocculation is the process where small particles in the water aggregate together to form larger particles (called flocs). These flocs are heavier and settle out more readily than individual particles, reducing the turbidity of the water and hence reducing sediment transport. This process helps to clarify the water by promoting the settling of suspended solids, which can then be trapped or filtered out more effectively by sediment control measures such as silt fences or sediment basins.