VA DEQ ESC Inspector Exam Preparation/VA
DEQ ESC Inspector Practice Exam With
Complete Questions And Correct Answer-s|
Brand New Version!
This practice exam is designed to help prepare for the Virginia Department
of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Erosion and Sediment Control (ESC)
Inspector certification exam. The exam draws from the Virginia Erosion
and Sediment Control Program (VESCP) regulations, the Virginia Erosion
and Stormwater Management Handbook, and related training materials. It
consists of 50 multiple-choice questions covering key topics such as
program administration, minimum standards, best management practices
(BMPs), inspection procedures, and compliance. Each question includes
the Correct Answer- and a detailed Explanation- with references to
relevant standards or regulations for comprehensive understanding.
Instructions: Select the best answer for each question. The exam is open-
book, similar to the actual test, so reference the Virginia Stormwater
Management Handbook (VSMH) or ESC Participant Guide where
applicable. Aim for a 70% passing score (35/50 correct).
,Question 1: What does VESCP stand for in the context of Virginia's
environmental regulations?
A) Virginia Environmental Site Compliance Protocol
B) Virginia Erosion and Sediment Control Program
C) Virginia Ecological Stability and Conservation Plan
D) Virginia Engineered Soil Conservation Process
E) Virginia Environmental Stormwater Control Plan
Correct Answer-: B) Virginia Erosion and Sediment Control Program
Explanation-: The Virginia Erosion and Sediment Control Program
(VESCP) is the statewide framework established under the Virginia Erosion
and Sediment Control Law (§62.1-44.15:51 et seq.) to prevent soil erosion
and sedimentation from land-disturbing activities. It is administered locally
by counties and cities (mandatory) and towns (optional), with DEQ
providing oversight and approval. This program ensures that construction
sites implement measures to protect water quality by minimizing sediment
transport into waterways. Understanding VESCP is foundational for
inspectors, as all certification exams and site inspections reference this
program's requirements, including plan reviews and enforcement actions.
Question 2: How is the VESCP administered at the local level in Virginia?
A) Solely by the state DEQ office for all localities
B) Mandatorily by counties and cities; optionally by towns
C) Only by towns, and it is mandatory
D) By private consultants without local government involvement
E) Uniformly by all localities under a single state administrator
Correct Answer-: B) Mandatorily by counties and cities; optionally by
towns
, Explanation-: Under the Virginia Erosion and Sediment Control Law,
counties and cities must establish and administer a VESCP, while towns
may choose to do so or defer to the county. Local programs must be
approved by DEQ to ensure consistency with state standards. As an
inspector, you must verify that the locality's program aligns with DEQ's
model ordinance, including enforcement mechanisms like stop-work orders
and civil penalties. This structure allows for tailored local implementation
while maintaining statewide environmental protection goals, such as
reducing non-point source pollution from development.
Question 3: According to Minimum Standard 1 (Soil Stabilization), how
soon after final grade is reached on any portion of a site must permanent or
temporary soil stabilization be applied?
A) Within 3 days
B) Within 7 days
C) Within 14 days
D) Within 30 days
E) Immediately upon reaching final grade
Correct Answer-: B) Within 7 days
Explanation-: Minimum Standard 1 requires that permanent or
temporary soil stabilization (e.g., seeding, mulching, or geotextiles) be
applied within seven days after final grade is reached on any portion of the
site. This timeline prevents erosion from exposed soil during vulnerable
periods post-grading. Inspectors must document compliance during site
visits, noting factors like weather delays (which may extend timelines
slightly under certain conditions). This standard is critical for reducing
sediment yield and is outlined in the Virginia Stormwater Management
Handbook, Chapter 3, emphasizing immediate action to achieve 100%
stabilization coverage where possible.