Certified Erosion, Sediment, & StormWater Inspectors (CESSWI) Practice Test

These questions are part of the practice quiz. Start practicing

• Which federal agency administers the Clean Water Act?
• Which is a benefit of vegetation in erosion control?
• Which of the following is NOT a purpose of an endwall?
• Which operations are exempt from NPDES regulations?
• Which of the following greatly influences sediment transport in a watershed?
• What is the primary function of a grading layer in slope stabilization?
• What technique is important for establishing vegetation on slopes?
• What is a common method to ensure the effectiveness of sediment barriers?
• How effective is mulch (hay or straw) in reducing erosion according to recommendations?
• What timing guideline does the EPA recommend for delaying construction activities?
• Which method is utilized to stabilize disturbed soil surfaces?
• What is typically regarded as natural erosion?
• What is an important factor when predicting rainfall amounts for stormwater management?
• What is the first step in the TMDL process?
• What is the primary process involved in erosion?
• How do surfaces that are rough contribute to erosion management?
• What does scarifying involve in soil management?
• In terms of soil erosion, what does the term "splash detachment" refer to?
• What does the term arroyo refer to?
• What is a benefit of using RECPs in erosion control?
• What is an example of a conveyance structure for runoff?
• What is the primary goal of sediment control measures?
• Which equation is typically used to predict velocity for channel flow?
• What is critical flow?
• Why is it important to understand drainage in erosion control?
• Which material is NOT typically used for constructing RECPs?
• Which of the following is a non-structural erosion control practice?
• Which of the following is a key characteristic of boulders in a stream?
• What does TMDL stand for?
• Which factor is NOT included in the USLE?
• What is the purpose of MS4?
• What does 'Q p' represent in the context of peak rate of runoff?
• What purpose does a stabilized construction entrance serve?
• At what wind speed does soil movement typically begin?
• Which of the following is crucial for effective stormwater pollution prevention?
• Which method is recommended for managing sediment-laden water on a site?
• Which group of soils has low runoff potential and high infiltration rates?
• What does the root mass of plants primarily do to prevent erosion?
• Which phase comes first in the six phases of stormwater pollution prevention for construction activities?
• What type of impact does impervious surface cover have on stormwater runoff?
• What aspect does the ratio defined by the P factor address?
• What key action did the EPA take as a result of the Phase I regulations?
• What effect does bulking have on water flow?
• What is the main driver behind channel erosion?
• What is the typical composition of materials classified as alluvial?
• What is interception in the context of erosion?
• In the MUSLE equation, what does T represent?
• What type of soils would you expect in Hydrologic Soil Group C?
• What is the primary benefit of sod-forming plants?
• What does "free outlet" mean in drainage terminology?
• What is the purpose of the FIFRA?
• The rate of erosion is related to which of the following factors?
• Which of the following is NOT a basic principle of establishing vegetation?
• Warm season plants germinate under which conditions?
• Which of the following is a problem caused by accelerated erosion?
• Which of the following predicts surface runoff volumes effectively?
• What is the benefit of retaining natural vegetation in soil stabilization?
• What is perched water?
• What is an important consideration when installing silt fence barriers?
• What is the correct sequence of the hydrologic cycle?
• What characterizes sheet erosion?
• What does NEPA stand for?
• Which of the following is an effective outlet structure for erosion control systems?
• What method is used to determine soil loss from gullies and channels?
• What does SWMP stand for?
• Which practice helps reduce soil erosion by wind?
• What is a berm in landscape management?
• What is the requirement for storm events in relation to the NEL waiver?
• What is a primary hazard associated with urban developments?
• What does not typically contribute to wind erosion mitigation strategies?
• What is a common impact of construction-related erosion?
• What is the impact of seasonal variations on erosion?
• What is the primary purpose of temporary erosion control measures?
• What was the Nationwide Urban Runoff Program abbreviated as?
• What does ECB stand for in erosion control terminology?
• Which practice is used for sediment control by filtering water?
• What is the main purpose of skimmers in sediment control?
• Which temporary control measures can be designed as needed in runoff management?
• What does effective runoff control include during construction?
• In RUSLE, what does 'K' represent?
• Which natural forces are known to remove hydraulic mulches?
• Which non-structural best management practice (BMP) protects trees?
• How long must record retention be maintained according to the 1992 ruling?
• How should surface and groundwater be managed according to best practices?
• What is the lowest point in a drainage facility where flows would typically pass?
• In the context of soil erosion, what does the term "susceptibility" refer to?
• What is the purpose of the stormwater application rule established on Nov 16, 1990?
• Why are wind erosion guides important?
• Which term describes the clean-up process of contaminated land?
• What is the purpose of a revetment?
• What is the maximum allowable time for corrective actions after an EPA inspection?
• Bunch plants are characterized by what feature?
• What does cavitation in hydraulic systems refer to?
• What does section 6217 focus on?
• What is a primary method through which management practices reduce erosion?
• Which type of systems are examples of Type 3 containment systems?
• What is the minimum acreage for sites to comply with numeric effluent limitations as of February 2014?
• What must happen to barriers once basins have stabilized?
• What is a requirement of NPDES stormwater regulation?
• What is the term for the deposition of eroded material?
• What structural method can help control windborne particles?
• Which of the following practices can increase the cohesiveness of soil particles?
• What process does cavitation primarily cause in hydraulic engineering?
• What does the acronym USLE stand for?
• What type of flow does the term 'plunge' describe?
• What is the purpose of the four steps in the planning process of erosion and sediment control?
• What is a common structural sediment control measure?
• Which of the following is NOT a type of erosion?
• What acreage size does NPDES Phase 1 pertain to?
• Which practice is used to manage sediment erosion during construction activities?
• What factors can affect both the sheet and rill erosion on slopes?
• What process describes the movement of very fine soil particles carried high into the air?
• Which of the following are common examples of sediment barriers?
• What has significantly increased impervious surfaces in watersheds?
• What is the maximum daily fine for Class II offenses?
• How can construction activities impact wetlands?
• What does the RUSLE formula primarily predict?
• Which factor does NOT influence soil erodibility?
• What was a significant outcome of the Urban Runoff Program?
• Which of the following is NOT an advantage of biotechnical slope protection?
• What area is referred to as the base floodplain?
• What does permeability refer to in soil science?
• Which factors are most important when calculating the surface area of a sediment containment system?
• What is the primary purpose of track walking in soil management?
• In disturbed soil profiles, which soil type is classified as group B?
• The L factor in soil erosion refers to what?
• What does Section 404 regulate?
• What characterizes sheet flow?
• What is meant by critical depth?
• Which Hydrologic Soil Group has very low infiltration rates when thoroughly wetted?
• Which factor is critical in the design of green infrastructure for stormwater management?
• What factors are critical for the successful planting of seeds?
• What physical property drives capillarity in soils?
• What does sediment refer to in the context of erosion?
• What is a cienega?
• Why are mulches important in erosion control?
• What is referred to by the term "inlet time" in stormwater management?
• What does the K factor indicate in the context of soil erosion?
• What impact do stems and foliage have on runoff velocity?
• Which factors must be identified in a TMDL?
• What do engineers monitor to determine the behavior of sediment in streams?
• What role does vegetative cover play in erosion control?
• Below which locations are sediment barriers recommended?
• What aspect of mulch can influence its effectiveness in preventing erosion?
• What does it mean to "impinge" in the context of flow dynamics?
• During what condition would one expect increased soil erosion rates?
• What is the main goal of the Clean Water Act (CWA)?
• What do the stormwater application regulations establish?
• What does the combined LS factor in the RUSLE represent?
• What is the aim of managing runoff from areas around a site perimeter?
• In hydrology, what does the term "fan" denote?
• What usually leads to channel erosion becoming unstable?
• As the slope steepness increases, what happens to soil loss?
• What is a significant benefit of applying soil amendments as needed?
• Which term refers to the corrosive properties of soil and water?
• What is CZARA an acronym for?
• What is the maximum amount for civil penalties imposed by the EPA?
• What does bulking refer to in hydraulic studies?
• Which layer of soil is primarily composed of topsoil?
• What is one main goal during the site evaluation phase?
• What is the significance of monitoring sediment levels in waterways?
• What does the transmission rate indicate about the soil?
• Which of the following is NOT a step in developing an effective SWPPP?
• What is the first stage in the erosion process?
• What does open channel flow indicate?
• What strategy can be used to support slope stabilization?
• Which of the following is considered a diversion method for rainfall runoff?
• What defines a base flood?
• When were the first regulations regarding stormwater implemented?
• From which years did the Phase I regulations occur?
• What step involves identifying site characteristics, such as soil types and surface waters?
• What kind of channel flow would be expected in a placed jam?
• What does TMDL stand for?
• How is the term "ephemeral" best defined?
• What is the primary goal of erosion control in relation to soil stabilization?
• What is capillarity in the context of soil and water interaction?
• How much is estimated to be spent annually on solving erosion problems in the US?
• What is one consequence of increased TSS in bodies of water?
• What type of plants are considered annuals?
• Which step is essential for proper installation of RECPs on slopes?
• What type of pollution does Section 401 require certifications for?
• What is the recommended maximum practical slope length for measuring erosion?
• How is critical flow characterized?
• What negative effect can suspended material have on aquatic environments?
• Which of the following activities is included in the disturbance definition for NPDES Phase 1?
• Which term best describes sediment that measures between 1 and 10 mm?
• Which of the following is NOT a priority pollutant?
• What is meant by design frequency in hydrology?
• What does a hyetograph graphically represent?
• What are alluvial deposits primarily made up of?
• At what wind speed does soil movement initiate?
• What is the value of using a sediment barrier?
• Which is NOT a limitation of sediment barriers?
• How are C-Factors determined?
• What does camber in drainage facilities help to adjust?
• What is the primary function of a flap gate?
• Which form of erosion results from rain splash?
• Channel erosion can lead to what kind of instability?
• Which term best describes the purpose of a concrete cradle?
• What is the preferred permittee according to EPA guidelines?
• What can the EPA enforce through Administrative Orders?
• What is a precast prismatic unit typically used for?
• What does the USDA categorization of storm events consider?
• Which type of soil erosion dislodges the most sediment?
• Which of the following methods is NOT typically used for planting seed?
• In soil stabilization, why is stockpiling topsoil recommended?
• How does gully erosion differ from rill erosion?
• Which measure addresses illicit discharges in the SWMP?
• What does celerity measure in hydrodynamics?
• Which factors need to be evaluated for the selection of ECB and TRM?
• Which of the following is NOT considered a priority pollutant?
• Which process is integral to the function of RECPs for seed germination?
• Which of the following is NOT a type of mulch?
• Which of the following is NOT a type of enforcement action?
• What initiates shallow concentrated flow in a watershed?
• What is the minimum amount of mulch recommended for significant erosion reduction?
• Which type of erosion is influenced significantly by high-velocity winds?
• In terms of erosion susceptibility, which is the least erodible soil type?
• Which factor primarily influences the potential erosivity of rainfall?
• The term 'aggregate' in soil science typically refers to what?
• What mechanism do detention systems mainly employ?
• What is included in the definition of waters of the U.S.?
• What does avulsion describe in a geological context?
• What is the effect of rill erosion on soil?
• What is the storage requirement for a temporary sediment basin as per EPA guidelines?
• What is the primary purpose of mulching in soil conservation?
• What does the USLE fail to calculate on construction sites?
• What does potamology study?
• What is the significance of an isoerodent map?
• What does "fetch" refer to in the context of water bodies?
• Base flow in a creek is primarily contributed by what source?
• What role does the Clean Water Act play in state water quality standards?
• What does TRM stand for?
• What is corrasion?
• What is the primary purpose of an endwall in a culvert?
• Which phenomenon is described as a transient solitary wave in a narrow channel?
• In the context of slope stabilization, what role does the face serve?
• What role does plant cover play in soil erosion?
• Which soil type is the most erodible?
• Where are appropriate places to install sediment barriers?
• What is the lowest penalty for negligent violations under environmental laws?
• What causes splash erosion?
• Which of the following is NOT one of the minimum measures of SWMP?
• What primarily influences the permeability of a soil?
• Hydrologic Soil Group C consists mainly of soils characterized by what feature?
• What does the phrase "margin of safety" refer to in TMDLs?
• What is a primary component to inspect when evaluating mulches?
• What is an alluvial fan?
• Why is the "cracking d load" significant in testing concrete pipes?
• What is a poised stream?
• What key factor determines the volume of runoff in a watershed?
• What are rills in terms of soil erosion?
• What is the purpose of Section 401 of the Clean Water Act?
• Sediment can be classified based on which criterion?
• What should be included in the proper seed mix for establishing vegetation?
• What is meant by flow path length in erosion management?
• What does the Storm Water Implementation Rule established in 1992 address?
• What is the purpose of a sediment trap?
• What is the primary device used to estimate slope steepness in the field?
• When conducting a site inspection, what is the first action a CESSWI should take?
• What describes a physiographic form known as a cone?
• What effect does clay have on soil erodibility?
• What is one of the functions of mulch in the environment?
• Water quality standards must include provisions for:
• Which two factors are calculated to evaluate a sediment and erosion control plan?
• Which aspect is crucial when selecting vegetation for erosion control?
• What should be prioritized on a construction site between sediment control and erosion control?
• Which group primarily administers Section 404 regulations?
• What does the term "reliction" refer to?
• What does Project Assessment primarily entail?
• What is the numerical effluent limit at stormwater discharge locations?
• Which term refers to erosion caused by moving water and sediment?
• Which of the following benefits is associated with applying mulch?
• What can be done to enhance the success of hydraulic planting of seed?
• What is a difference between using bales and rock around an area drain?
• What does sediment yield measure?
• What process is described as the progressive raising of a stream bed?
• What distinguishes a crib structure?
• What benefit does mulching NOT provide to soils prone to erosion?
• What does the TMDL process help to establish?
• What does the term 'isovel' refer to in the context of fluid dynamics?
• Which of the following is NOT a factor affecting runoff?
• What is a boom used for in water bodies?
• What is a benefit of using vegetation to control wind erosion?
• What size of rock is referred to as cobble?
• What do the Coastal Zone Act Reauthorization Amendments (CZARA) require?
• Which of the following factors does NOT influence soil erosion?
• What is the term for the outward growth of a riverbank due to sedimentation?
• Which of the following is an example of a structural BMP?
• What primary activity is included in the certification phase?
• Which factor contributes to increased flood hazards in waterways?
• What is one of the four steps for effective SWPPP implementation?
• What is meant by surface creep in terms of soil movement?
• How can annual tons of soil loss be calculated?
• What is the primary focus of the NPDES stormwater regulation?
• In the context of soil erosion, what is the main goal of using turbidity curtains?
• Which of the following best describes cool season plants?
• What is design discharge?
• What is one of the first steps in the construction sequencing process?
• How many growing seasons should it be assumed will be needed to develop adequate vegetative cover?
• What is the primary method that RUSLE uses to estimate soil loss?
• Which of the following is a common sediment control practice used in construction areas?
• What is included in the equation for MUSLE?
• How quickly does the EPA general permit require a construction site to be stabilized after the last disturbance?
• What does the abbreviation RECP stand for?
• What do Effluent Limitation Guidelines require operators to do starting in February 2010?
• Which of the following is NOT a practice for controlling erosion?
• What is the purpose of a cutoff wall?
• Which of the following is a characteristic of a well-planned sediment and erosion control plan?
• What is the main focus during the BMP Selection and Plan Design phase?
• Which factor is NOT a primary contributor to construction site erosion?
• What is a primary function of a sediment basin?
• What should be assessed during the evaluation of a site for runoff management?
• What is defined as a large rock transported by a stream?
• What size is categorized as a pebble in sediment classification?
• What does the term 'C' in the RUSLE equation refer to?
• What role does a cutoff wall typically play in drainage systems?
• What aspect of water management does detention facilities address?
• What is one indication that a silt fence requires maintenance?
• Which combination is effective in controlling erosion?
• What is the implication of having high infiltration rates in soils?
• Which parameter does NOT need to be considered for seed planting success?
• What primarily causes erosion on construction sites?
• When examining drainage facilities, what signifies camber adjustment?
• Which factor is NOT included in the RUSLE equation?
• How is soil roughening typically performed?
• At what temperature do suspended particles have the lowest settling velocity?
• What is one of the significant impacts of total suspended solids (TSS)?
• What is one of the key objectives of implementing stormwater management practices?
• What is the effect of mulches on soil temperature?
• What is the maximum daily fine for Class 1 offenses under Administrative Orders?
• What is a purpose of sediment barriers during construction?
• What does the term "d load" refer to in the context of concrete pipes?
• What is emphasized when stockpiling topsoil during construction?
• Which layer of soil is located below the topsoil layer?
• What is the effect of enhanced infiltration on erosion?
• What is a key limitation of using RUSLE in certain environmental conditions?
• Which of the following factors represents the effect of the slope steepness on erosion in RUSLE?
• Which of the following actions helps achieve water quality standards?
• What does design flood refer to in floodplain management?
• What does understanding erosion control practices involve?
• Which type of plant is described as permanent and deep rooted?
• Which of the following is one of the basic principles to establish vegetation?
• What is one method for managing surface and groundwater to control erosion?
• What does PLS stand for in the context of planting?
• What is the recommended sediment volume for areas of 10 acres or more according to the EPA?
• What pollutants are commonly associated with construction activities?
• What does NPDES stand for?
• Which of the following is a recommended erosion control scale for construction?
• Which condition is associated with greater wind erosivity?
• What does the term "boil" refer to in hydrology?
• Which strategy is used for stabilizing outlets in runoff management?
• Which practice helps manage groundwater to reduce erosion risk?
• When should temporary perimeter controls be removed?
• What environmental aspect can be improved by controlling windborne particles?
• What is defined as the time of concentration (Tc)?
• What is the maximum population size defined in Phase 2 regulations?
• Where does RUSLE suggest the most soil loss occurs on a slope?
• Which phase involves the installation of basin after site assessment?
• What is the primary characteristic of a retention basin?
• What is one of the initial steps in the planning process for effective erosion and sediment control?
• How can soil amendments help in vegetation establishment?
• Which of the following is considered a beneficial use of water?
• Which of the following terms describes a method used for creating rough surfaces in soil?
• How is bed load sediment typically moved in a stream?
• Which measure is included in the SWMP for pollution prevention?
• Which aspect influences both the volume and velocity of surface runoff?
• Which technique is most likely to improve soil compaction for construction activities?
• What does the term "face" refer to in the context of slope revetments?
• What is a jam in the context of river engineering?
• Which runoff measure is effective for controlling erosion?
• What does RCRA stand for in environmental regulations?
• What does the S factor in the Universal Soil Loss Equation represent?
• Who administers the certification under Section 401?
• What materials can be used to construct RECPs?
• What critical factor must be ensured for effective installation of RECPs on the soil?
• In the Manning formula, what does the 'N value' represent?
• How far into runoff does shallow concentrated flow typically begin?
• What is the main purpose of the Clean Water Act?
• What is one function of retaining walls in erosion control?
• What feature of barriers is critical when addressing concentrated flow?
• What is one common characteristic of ephemeral streams?
• The C factor in the Universal Soil Loss Equation refers to what aspect?
• What role does vegetation play in controlling wind velocity during erosion?
• What does slope represent in the context of erosion?
• What is the first step in hydraulic planting of seed?
• What is a significant risk associated with using barriers during significant runoff events?
• Why are windborne particles more challenging to control than sediment in runoff waters?
• What is a primary function of RECPs?
• What does erodibility refer to?
• Which factors significantly affect wind erosivity?
• What types of conveyances are included in stormwater regulations?
• What is one of the primary roles of a sediment basin in erosion control?
• What do Waste Load Allocations (WLA) refer to?
• What determines the placement of some soils into Hydrologic Group D?
• What role do root systems play in erosion control?
• What is represented by the term 'IA' in hydrological studies?
• According to the NURP study, what is identified as a major pollutant in urban runoff?
• Which characteristic of biotechnical slope protection makes it environmentally favorable?
• How is travel time (Tt) defined in a watershed?
• Mulches help protect the soil against what?
• How do heavy metals enter the environment during construction?
• What does the 'R' in the RUSLE equation stand for?
• How does climate change affect soil erosion?
• What is a backing layer in slope protection?
• What does soil roughening achieve?
• Which of the following is a result of sediment on instream conditions?
• What is the primary goal of soil stabilization in runoff management?
• What is a potential offstream damage caused by increased sediment?
• How does seedbed preparation differ for slope RECPs compared to ECBs and TRMs?
• In erosion control, what does the P factor represent?
• A soil classified as Hydrologic Group D may consist of what type of surface?
• What is a recommended method for pollutant reductions?
• What initial site considerations should be taken for runoff management?
• Which formula is used to calculate runoff volume?
• Identify the purpose of the flap gate in hydraulic systems?
• Which practice involves reapplying topsoil to aid in vegetation establishment?
• What is one inappropriate location for sediment barriers?
• How do plants contribute to managing erosion?
• In sediment transport, what role do isohyets play?
• Which of the following describes the saltation process?
• Which pollutant impacts water chemistry and aquatic life during construction activities?
• What is included in the definition of stormwater according to regulations?
• What is the role of bedding in relation to drainage structures?
• Which erosion control practice would likely include planting native vegetation?
• What is a benefit of using silt fences on a construction site?
• Why is understanding soil erodibility (K) important in RUSLE?
• What is an essential preparation step for establishing a seedbed?
• What design feature is important for effective sediment barrier installation?
• According to EPA general sequencing, when should perimeter controls be installed?
• What was the purpose of Phase II regulations introduced in December 1999?
• Which component is essential for creating a SWPPP?
• What does an isohyet or isohyetal line represent on a map?
• What does the variable 'M' represent in determining partial year soil loss?
• Why are erosion rates higher at construction sites than in undisturbed lands?
• What is the required inspection frequency for EPA general permits?
• What is a major limitation of using barriers for sediment control at an inlet?
• What is the characteristic of soils in Hydrologic Soil Group B?
• What does design high water refer to?
• What is the primary concern associated with aggressive soil?
• What is the function of a cradle in construction?
• What does the process of soil stabilization aim to achieve?
• What is the primary cause of accelerated erosion?
• What does the variable 'qp' represent in the peak discharge equation?
• Which variable significantly affects soil erosion by water?
• Why is it important to consider soil structure when assessing erosion risk?
• What does "repose" relate to in environmental context?
• Which combination of slope characteristics enhances erosion potential?
• What texture is primarily found in soils classified in Hydrologic Soil Group A?
• What method is used to determine net P-Factor values?