CESSWI - Certified Erosion, Sediment, and Storm Water Inspector Erosion Control BMPs Questions and Answers

Question 1

An inspector observes a stockpile of soil on a construction site that will be inactive for the next 21 days.
Which of the following erosion control BMPs is MOST appropriate to prevent wind and water erosion from the stockpile?

Accepted Answer

Applying a soil tackifier or covering with a tarp.

Answer

Installing a silt fence around the base of the stockpile.

Answer

Creating a diversion dike upslope of the stockpile.

Answer

Compacting the surface of the stockpile with heavy machinery.

Question 2

On a 2:1 slope where vegetation needs to be established, which Rolled Erosion Control Product (RECP) would be most suitable to protect the seed and soil until the vegetation takes root?

Accepted Answer

An erosion control blanket made of straw or coconut fiber.

Answer

A lightweight photodegradable netting.

Answer

A heavy-duty turf reinforcement mat (TRM).

Answer

A layer of loose straw mulch.

Question 3

A construction site plan calls for the use of check dams in a newly constructed drainage swale. What is the primary function of these check dams?

Accepted Answer

To reduce the velocity of water flow, preventing channel erosion.

Answer

To filter out fine sediment and pollutants from the water.

Answer

To increase the velocity of water flow to flush the channel.

Answer

To serve as a permanent structural foundation for the swale.

Question 4

Which of the following is a key limitation when using standard mulching (e.g., loose straw) for erosion control?

Accepted Answer

It can be ineffective on slopes steeper than 3:1 without anchoring.

Answer

It is only effective for short-term, temporary applications.

Answer

It prevents water infiltration into the soil.

Answer

It is prohibitively expensive compared to other BMPs.

Question 5

During a site inspection, you notice a hydroseeding mix is being prepared. The contractor is adding a plant-based, glue-like substance to the slurry. What is the purpose of this additive?

Accepted Answer

To act as a tackifier to bind seed and mulch to the soil.

Answer

To act as a fertilizer to speed up grass growth.

Answer

To change the color of the mulch for better visibility.

Answer

To increase the water retention capacity of the soil.

Question 6

Which statement accurately describes the primary difference between a sediment trap and a sediment basin?

Accepted Answer

Sediment basins are generally larger and designed for larger drainage areas (typically >5 acres) than sediment traps.

Answer

Sediment traps are permanent structures, while sediment basins are always temporary.

Answer

Sediment traps typically manage runoff from larger drainage areas (5-100 acres) than sediment basins.

Answer

Sediment traps use chemical flocculants, whereas sediment basins rely solely on gravity.