VA DEQ ESC Inspector Exam (New 2026/
2027 Update) Questions & Answers {Grade
A} 100% Correct (Verified Solutions)
Variances - Correct answer VESCP authority may waive or modify any of the
requirements that are deemed inappropriate or too restrictive for site conditions, by
granting a variance
requests must be considered judiciously, and the VESCP authority should take a
conservative and responsible approach, keeping in mind the need to protect
downstream properties and the environment from damage due to soil erosion,
sediment deposition, and nonagricultural runoff
should only be approved when they are reasonable and supported by site-specific
rationale
may be granted under these conditions:
,1. at time of plan submission, applicant can request a variance to become a part of the
approved ESC plan
- applicant explains reasoning to VESCP authority in writing
- VESCP authority approves or disapproves the variance and documents the variance
on plans
2. during construction, person responsible for implementing the approved plan can
request a variance (when field conditions/situation changes)
- request is made in writing to VESCP authority
- VESCP authority approves or disapproves the request
- If no response from VESCP authority within 10 days, the request is disapproved
-applicant may resubmit a variance request with additional documentation
*cannot be granted for economic reasons
,VESCP authority shall consider variance requests judiciously, keeping in mind both the
need of the applicant to maximize cost effectiveness and the need to protect off-site
properties and resources from damage (9VAC25-840-50)
9VAC25-840-80 - Correct answer Criteria for determining status of land-disturbing
activity
A. program administrator shall determine the validity of a claim of exempt status by a
property owner who disturbs 10,000 sf or more or 2,500 sf or more in all areas of
jurisdictions designated as subject to the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area
Designation and Management Regulations (9VAC25-830); as soon as nonexempt status
is determined, the requirements of the Act shall be immediately enforced.
B. should a land-disturbing activity not begin during the 180-day period following plan
approval or cease for more than 180 days, the VESCP authority may evaluate the
existing approved erosion and sediment control plan to determine whether the plan
still satisfies local and state erosion and sediment control criteria and to verify that all
design factors are still valid; if VESCP authority find the previously filed plan to be
, inadequate, a modified plan shall be submitted and approved prior to the resumption of
land-disturbing activity (no grand-fathering in erosion)
Virginia Erosion and Sediment Control Program - Correct answer put in by the General
Assembly to operate at the local level; for programs to prevent the unreasonable
degradation of properties, stream channels, waters, and other natural resources
ESC Program Goal - Correct answer "effective control of soil erosion, sediment
deposition, and nonagricultural runoff...to prevent the unreasonable degradation of
property, stream channels, waters, and other natural resources." (due to non-
agricultural activities)
protect downstream properties from
- sediment deposition
- damage due to increases in volume, velocity and peak flow rates or runoff
Virginia Erosion and Sediment Control Law (ESCL) - Correct answer requires that
State Water Control Board "shall develop a program and promulgate regulations for
2027 Update) Questions & Answers {Grade
A} 100% Correct (Verified Solutions)
Variances - Correct answer VESCP authority may waive or modify any of the
requirements that are deemed inappropriate or too restrictive for site conditions, by
granting a variance
requests must be considered judiciously, and the VESCP authority should take a
conservative and responsible approach, keeping in mind the need to protect
downstream properties and the environment from damage due to soil erosion,
sediment deposition, and nonagricultural runoff
should only be approved when they are reasonable and supported by site-specific
rationale
may be granted under these conditions:
,1. at time of plan submission, applicant can request a variance to become a part of the
approved ESC plan
- applicant explains reasoning to VESCP authority in writing
- VESCP authority approves or disapproves the variance and documents the variance
on plans
2. during construction, person responsible for implementing the approved plan can
request a variance (when field conditions/situation changes)
- request is made in writing to VESCP authority
- VESCP authority approves or disapproves the request
- If no response from VESCP authority within 10 days, the request is disapproved
-applicant may resubmit a variance request with additional documentation
*cannot be granted for economic reasons
,VESCP authority shall consider variance requests judiciously, keeping in mind both the
need of the applicant to maximize cost effectiveness and the need to protect off-site
properties and resources from damage (9VAC25-840-50)
9VAC25-840-80 - Correct answer Criteria for determining status of land-disturbing
activity
A. program administrator shall determine the validity of a claim of exempt status by a
property owner who disturbs 10,000 sf or more or 2,500 sf or more in all areas of
jurisdictions designated as subject to the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area
Designation and Management Regulations (9VAC25-830); as soon as nonexempt status
is determined, the requirements of the Act shall be immediately enforced.
B. should a land-disturbing activity not begin during the 180-day period following plan
approval or cease for more than 180 days, the VESCP authority may evaluate the
existing approved erosion and sediment control plan to determine whether the plan
still satisfies local and state erosion and sediment control criteria and to verify that all
design factors are still valid; if VESCP authority find the previously filed plan to be
, inadequate, a modified plan shall be submitted and approved prior to the resumption of
land-disturbing activity (no grand-fathering in erosion)
Virginia Erosion and Sediment Control Program - Correct answer put in by the General
Assembly to operate at the local level; for programs to prevent the unreasonable
degradation of properties, stream channels, waters, and other natural resources
ESC Program Goal - Correct answer "effective control of soil erosion, sediment
deposition, and nonagricultural runoff...to prevent the unreasonable degradation of
property, stream channels, waters, and other natural resources." (due to non-
agricultural activities)
protect downstream properties from
- sediment deposition
- damage due to increases in volume, velocity and peak flow rates or runoff
Virginia Erosion and Sediment Control Law (ESCL) - Correct answer requires that
State Water Control Board "shall develop a program and promulgate regulations for
