MAINE SITE EVALUATOR LICENSING
Exam Questions and Answers Latest
Version
QUESTION>> 1
What minimum horizontal separation is required between two disposal fields on the same
property?
A. 10 feet
B. 25 feet
C. 50 feet
D. 75 feet
CORRECT ANSWER>>⬛ C
RATIONALE: A 50-foot separation prevents hydraulic interference and allows for potential system
expansion.
QUESTION>> 2
During design, the “reserve area” refers to:
A. Additional leach field area required for system repair or replacement
B. Buffer area between the disposal field and property line
C. Tree removal zone
D. Drainage swale
CORRECT ANSWER>> A
RATIONALE: A reserve area ensures available space for a future system if the original becomes
unsatisfactory.
QUESTION>> 3
According to Maine State Subsurface Wastewater Disposal Rules, the minimum separation
between the bottom of a disposal field and bedrock must be:
A. 12 inches
B. 18 inches
C. 24 inches
,D. 36 inches
CORRECT ANSWER>> C
RATIONALE: A minimum of 24 inches is required to ensure effective wastewater purification and
prevent groundwater contamination.
QUESTION>> 4
True or False: A percolation test is mandatory for all site evaluations under Maine rules.
CORRECT ANSWER>> False
RATIONALE: Maine permits evaluators to use observed soil texture and structure data instead of
percolation tests when sufficient descriptive data are recorded.
QUESTION>> 5
Which of the following would most likely disqualify a site for a standard disposal field?
A. Slope of 12%
B. Well-drained sandy loam soil
C. Seasonal high water table at 18 inches
D. 150 feet from a body of surface water
CORRECT ANSWER>> C
RATIONALE: The minimum separation between wastewater disposal fields and groundwater is
typically 24 inches; a high water table at 18 inches is inadequate.
QUESTION>> 6
In Maine, Site Evaluator licenses are issued by which department?
A. Department of Environmental Protection
B. Department of Health and Human Services
C. Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry
D. Department of Licensing and Regulation
CORRECT ANSWER: ✓ ⬛ B
RATIONALE: The Maine Department of Health and Human Services handles site evaluator
licensing and enforcement.
QUESTION>> 7
,Which soil property most directly influences the rate of efluent absorption?
A. pH
B. Texture
C. Organic matter content
D. Color
CORRECT ANSWER>> B
RATIONALE: Texture (relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay) governs pore space and hence
infiltration capacity.
QUESTION>> 8
The legal purpose of the Site Evaluator’s report includes all EXCEPT:
A. Providing sufficient design data for system engineers
B. Confirming compliance with state wastewater regulations
C. Authorizing land ownership transfer
D. Recording site limitations and recommendations
CORRECT ANSWER>> C
RATIONALE: A Site Evaluator’s report is not a legal conveyance document but a technical
regulatory record.
QUESTION>> 9
What is the primary environmental risk of installing systems without proper evaluation?
A. Reduced system lifespan
B. Uneven efluent distribution
C. Contamination of groundwater and surface water
D. Property boundary disputes
CORRECT ANSWER>> C
RATIONALE: Poor site selection can lead to untreated wastewater reaching aquifers or streams,
posing serious health hazards.
QUESTION>> 10
For a fill system, what is the maximum slope allowed under Maine standards?
A. 15%
, B. 20%
C. 25%
D. 30%
CORRECT ANSWER>> A
RATIONALE: Fill systems may be installed only where slopes do not exceed 15%, ensuring fill
stability and effuent distribution.
QUESTION>> 11
When classifying soil color using the Munsell system, which three attributes are recorded?
A. Lightness, moisture, and texture
B. Hue, value, and chroma
C. Depth, type, and saturation
D. Tint, brightness, and tone
CORRECT ANSWER>> B
RATIONALE: The Munsell color system expresses soil color in terms of hue (dominant spectral
color), value (lightness), and chroma (intensity), which aid in identifying soil horizon and
drainage class.
QUESTION>> 12
Which of the following soil structures is most favorable for subsurface wastewater disposal?
A. Massive structure
B. Platy structure
C. Granular structure
D. Blocky structure
CORRECT ANSWER>> C
RATIONALE: Granular soil exhibits high porosity and permeability, promoting efficient effuent
infiltration and aeration.
QUESTION>> 13
True or False: A site with shallow ledge outcrops can still be permitted if an adequate fill
extension is designed.
Exam Questions and Answers Latest
Version
QUESTION>> 1
What minimum horizontal separation is required between two disposal fields on the same
property?
A. 10 feet
B. 25 feet
C. 50 feet
D. 75 feet
CORRECT ANSWER>>⬛ C
RATIONALE: A 50-foot separation prevents hydraulic interference and allows for potential system
expansion.
QUESTION>> 2
During design, the “reserve area” refers to:
A. Additional leach field area required for system repair or replacement
B. Buffer area between the disposal field and property line
C. Tree removal zone
D. Drainage swale
CORRECT ANSWER>> A
RATIONALE: A reserve area ensures available space for a future system if the original becomes
unsatisfactory.
QUESTION>> 3
According to Maine State Subsurface Wastewater Disposal Rules, the minimum separation
between the bottom of a disposal field and bedrock must be:
A. 12 inches
B. 18 inches
C. 24 inches
,D. 36 inches
CORRECT ANSWER>> C
RATIONALE: A minimum of 24 inches is required to ensure effective wastewater purification and
prevent groundwater contamination.
QUESTION>> 4
True or False: A percolation test is mandatory for all site evaluations under Maine rules.
CORRECT ANSWER>> False
RATIONALE: Maine permits evaluators to use observed soil texture and structure data instead of
percolation tests when sufficient descriptive data are recorded.
QUESTION>> 5
Which of the following would most likely disqualify a site for a standard disposal field?
A. Slope of 12%
B. Well-drained sandy loam soil
C. Seasonal high water table at 18 inches
D. 150 feet from a body of surface water
CORRECT ANSWER>> C
RATIONALE: The minimum separation between wastewater disposal fields and groundwater is
typically 24 inches; a high water table at 18 inches is inadequate.
QUESTION>> 6
In Maine, Site Evaluator licenses are issued by which department?
A. Department of Environmental Protection
B. Department of Health and Human Services
C. Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry
D. Department of Licensing and Regulation
CORRECT ANSWER: ✓ ⬛ B
RATIONALE: The Maine Department of Health and Human Services handles site evaluator
licensing and enforcement.
QUESTION>> 7
,Which soil property most directly influences the rate of efluent absorption?
A. pH
B. Texture
C. Organic matter content
D. Color
CORRECT ANSWER>> B
RATIONALE: Texture (relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay) governs pore space and hence
infiltration capacity.
QUESTION>> 8
The legal purpose of the Site Evaluator’s report includes all EXCEPT:
A. Providing sufficient design data for system engineers
B. Confirming compliance with state wastewater regulations
C. Authorizing land ownership transfer
D. Recording site limitations and recommendations
CORRECT ANSWER>> C
RATIONALE: A Site Evaluator’s report is not a legal conveyance document but a technical
regulatory record.
QUESTION>> 9
What is the primary environmental risk of installing systems without proper evaluation?
A. Reduced system lifespan
B. Uneven efluent distribution
C. Contamination of groundwater and surface water
D. Property boundary disputes
CORRECT ANSWER>> C
RATIONALE: Poor site selection can lead to untreated wastewater reaching aquifers or streams,
posing serious health hazards.
QUESTION>> 10
For a fill system, what is the maximum slope allowed under Maine standards?
A. 15%
, B. 20%
C. 25%
D. 30%
CORRECT ANSWER>> A
RATIONALE: Fill systems may be installed only where slopes do not exceed 15%, ensuring fill
stability and effuent distribution.
QUESTION>> 11
When classifying soil color using the Munsell system, which three attributes are recorded?
A. Lightness, moisture, and texture
B. Hue, value, and chroma
C. Depth, type, and saturation
D. Tint, brightness, and tone
CORRECT ANSWER>> B
RATIONALE: The Munsell color system expresses soil color in terms of hue (dominant spectral
color), value (lightness), and chroma (intensity), which aid in identifying soil horizon and
drainage class.
QUESTION>> 12
Which of the following soil structures is most favorable for subsurface wastewater disposal?
A. Massive structure
B. Platy structure
C. Granular structure
D. Blocky structure
CORRECT ANSWER>> C
RATIONALE: Granular soil exhibits high porosity and permeability, promoting efficient effuent
infiltration and aeration.
QUESTION>> 13
True or False: A site with shallow ledge outcrops can still be permitted if an adequate fill
extension is designed.
