Environmental Sustainability & Management Flashcards
7 cards from real CLA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Environmental Sustainability & Management flashcards as text
The '100-year floodplain' designation in FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps indicates an area with what annual flood probability?
Answer: 1% annual chance of flooding
The 100-year floodplain has a 1% annual probability of flooding, meaning on average such a flood occurs once every 100 years.
Which certification program specifically evaluates the sustainability of site design independent of building construction?
Answer: SITES (Sustainable SITES Initiative)
The SITES program was developed specifically to evaluate sustainable land design, construction, and management practices for landscapes and infrastructure.
A landscape architect implementing a tree canopy assessment should use which metric to compare urban forest coverage?
Answer: Percent canopy cover per unit land area
Percent canopy cover measures the proportion of land shaded by tree canopy, the standard metric for comparing urban forest extent and setting coverage goals.
Mycorrhizal fungi inoculants are most beneficial when added to soil during planting because they:
Answer: Extend root systems and enhance water and nutrient uptake
Mycorrhizal fungi form symbiotic associations with plant roots, extending the effective root zone and dramatically improving phosphorus and water absorption.
Which riparian buffer width is generally recommended by USDA to provide effective water quality protection for agricultural streams?
Answer: 35 to 100 feet
USDA and EPA generally recommend a riparian buffer of 35 to 100 feet or more to effectively filter sediment, nutrients, and pesticides before they reach waterways.
The primary purpose of a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) during construction is to:
Answer: Identify BMPs to prevent pollutant discharge from the construction site
An SWPPP is required under the Construction General Permit and documents best management practices to control erosion, sedimentation, and other pollutants during site work.
Light pollution mitigation in a sustainable landscape design is best achieved by:
Answer: Specifying full-cutoff luminaires directed downward and minimizing spill light
Full-cutoff fixtures confine light to the intended area, reducing sky glow, glare, and impacts on nocturnal wildlife while improving energy efficiency.