Virginia Erosion and Sediment Control
Inspector Exam – Complete Study Notes &
Answer Guide (2025)
Introduction:
This document provides a full set of study notes and answer
explanations for the Virginia Erosion and Sediment Control
Inspector Exam. It covers regulatory requirements, Minimum
Standards 1–19, erosion processes, enforcement procedures,
certifications, stormwater regulations, and historical
legislative context. All key definitions, values, procedures, and
exam-relevant details are included to help candidates prepare
effectively.
Exam Questions and Detailed Answers:
Minimum Standard 19 -Answer:-Standards and Criteria for
Stormwater Discharges
requires designers to evaulate the adequacy of the downstream
manmade and/or natural channels to safely convey the
developed condition runoff
,the criterion of the ESC regulations requires the designer
verify the adequacy of all channels and pipes in the following
manner:
1. demonstrate that the total drainage area to the point of
analysis within the channel is one hundred times greater than
the contributing drainage area of the project (in which case
the channel or pipe system is assumed to be adequate based on
the correspondingly small impact of the project's runoff to the
larger stream or channel system)
2. (a) natural channels shall be analyzed by the use of a 2-year
storm to verify that stormwater will not overtop channel banks
nor cause erosion of channel bed or banks,
2. (b) all man-made channels (ex. paved flume) shall be
analyzed by the use of a 10-year storm to verify that
stormwater will not overtop its banks and by the use of a 2-
year storm to demonstrate that stormwater will not cause
erosion of channel bed or banks
2. (c) pipes and storm sewer systems (ex. closed pipe systems)
shall be analyzed by the use of a 10-year storm to verify that
stormwater will be contained within the pipe or system
,if existing natural or manmade channels or pipes are not
adequate, the applicant shall:
1. improve the channel to a condition that meets 2. (b)
2. improve the pipe or pipe system so that the 10-year storm is
contained within the system
3. develop site design that:
- will not cause pre-development peak runoff rate from a 2-
year storm to increase when runoff outfalls into a natural
channel
- will not cause the pre-development peak runoff rate from a
10-year storm to increase when runoff outfalls into a man-
made channel
4. provide a combination improvement,
, Variances -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
Inspector Exam – Complete Study Notes &
Answer Guide (2025)
Introduction:
This document provides a full set of study notes and answer
explanations for the Virginia Erosion and Sediment Control
Inspector Exam. It covers regulatory requirements, Minimum
Standards 1–19, erosion processes, enforcement procedures,
certifications, stormwater regulations, and historical
legislative context. All key definitions, values, procedures, and
exam-relevant details are included to help candidates prepare
effectively.
Exam Questions and Detailed Answers:
Minimum Standard 19 -Answer:-Standards and Criteria for
Stormwater Discharges
requires designers to evaulate the adequacy of the downstream
manmade and/or natural channels to safely convey the
developed condition runoff
,the criterion of the ESC regulations requires the designer
verify the adequacy of all channels and pipes in the following
manner:
1. demonstrate that the total drainage area to the point of
analysis within the channel is one hundred times greater than
the contributing drainage area of the project (in which case
the channel or pipe system is assumed to be adequate based on
the correspondingly small impact of the project's runoff to the
larger stream or channel system)
2. (a) natural channels shall be analyzed by the use of a 2-year
storm to verify that stormwater will not overtop channel banks
nor cause erosion of channel bed or banks,
2. (b) all man-made channels (ex. paved flume) shall be
analyzed by the use of a 10-year storm to verify that
stormwater will not overtop its banks and by the use of a 2-
year storm to demonstrate that stormwater will not cause
erosion of channel bed or banks
2. (c) pipes and storm sewer systems (ex. closed pipe systems)
shall be analyzed by the use of a 10-year storm to verify that
stormwater will be contained within the pipe or system
,if existing natural or manmade channels or pipes are not
adequate, the applicant shall:
1. improve the channel to a condition that meets 2. (b)
2. improve the pipe or pipe system so that the 10-year storm is
contained within the system
3. develop site design that:
- will not cause pre-development peak runoff rate from a 2-
year storm to increase when runoff outfalls into a natural
channel
- will not cause the pre-development peak runoff rate from a
10-year storm to increase when runoff outfalls into a man-
made channel
4. provide a combination improvement,
, Variances -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
