GEORGIA EROSION & SEDIMENT CONTROL
INSPECTOR EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS
1. Which of the following is the primary purpose of an Erosion and
Sediment Control (ESC) plan?
To prevent sediment from leaving the construction site and impacting
waterways
ESC plans are designed to minimize soil erosion and prevent
sediment-laden runoff from polluting nearby streams and rivers.
A) Reduce construction costs
B) Improve site aesthetics
C) Prevent sediment from leaving the construction site and
impacting waterways
D) Comply with local building codes
2. When should erosion control measures be implemented on a
construction site?
Before any land-disturbing activity begins
Installing erosion controls early prevents sediment from being mobilized
during construction.
A) After construction is completed
B) Before any land-disturbing activity begins
C) Only during rainy seasons
D) When soil erosion is first observed
3. What is the maximum slope for which temporary seeding is
generally recommended to control erosion?
3:1 (horizontal:vertical)
Temporary seeding stabilizes soil on moderate slopes, typically up to 3:1.
, A) 1:1
B) 2:1
C) 3:1
D) 4:1
4. Silt fences are most effective when installed:
Perpendicular to the flow of runoff
Proper installation ensures that sediment-laden water is trapped and
filtered.
A) Parallel to the slope
B) Perpendicular to the flow of runoff
C) Around trees only
D) On top of embankments
5. Which of the following practices is considered a structural erosion
control measure?
Sediment basin
Structural measures are physical installations designed to control
sediment and runoff.
A) Mulching
B) Sediment basin
C) Temporary seeding
D) Vegetative buffer
6. When inspecting a construction site, you notice that sediment has
bypassed a silt fence. What is the most appropriate action? Repair or
replace the silt fence immediately
Maintaining controls ensures ongoing compliance and protects water
quality.
A) Ignore it
B) Notify the contractor next month
C) Repair or replace the silt fence immediately
D) Remove the silt fence
, 7. What is the primary environmental concern addressed by ESC
measures?
Water pollution from sediment runoff
Sediment runoff can cause turbidity, harm aquatic life, and degrade
water quality.
A) Air pollution
B) Noise pollution
C) Water pollution from sediment runoff
D) Soil fertility
8. A construction site plan shows a proposed stormwater detention pond.
What is its primary function?
To retain and settle sediment before discharge
Detention ponds slow water flow, allowing sediment to settle and
reducing downstream impact.
A) Generate hydroelectric power
B) Retain and settle sediment before discharge
C) Irrigate landscaping
D) Control weeds
9. Which of the following is a common temporary vegetative
measure?
Temporary seeding
Temporary vegetation provides short-term soil stabilization while
permanent measures are implemented.
A) Retaining walls
B) Gabions
C) Temporary seeding
D) Concrete channels
10. The term “riprap” refers to:
Layer of large stones placed to prevent erosion
Riprap protects slopes, channels, and shorelines from water erosion.
INSPECTOR EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS
1. Which of the following is the primary purpose of an Erosion and
Sediment Control (ESC) plan?
To prevent sediment from leaving the construction site and impacting
waterways
ESC plans are designed to minimize soil erosion and prevent
sediment-laden runoff from polluting nearby streams and rivers.
A) Reduce construction costs
B) Improve site aesthetics
C) Prevent sediment from leaving the construction site and
impacting waterways
D) Comply with local building codes
2. When should erosion control measures be implemented on a
construction site?
Before any land-disturbing activity begins
Installing erosion controls early prevents sediment from being mobilized
during construction.
A) After construction is completed
B) Before any land-disturbing activity begins
C) Only during rainy seasons
D) When soil erosion is first observed
3. What is the maximum slope for which temporary seeding is
generally recommended to control erosion?
3:1 (horizontal:vertical)
Temporary seeding stabilizes soil on moderate slopes, typically up to 3:1.
, A) 1:1
B) 2:1
C) 3:1
D) 4:1
4. Silt fences are most effective when installed:
Perpendicular to the flow of runoff
Proper installation ensures that sediment-laden water is trapped and
filtered.
A) Parallel to the slope
B) Perpendicular to the flow of runoff
C) Around trees only
D) On top of embankments
5. Which of the following practices is considered a structural erosion
control measure?
Sediment basin
Structural measures are physical installations designed to control
sediment and runoff.
A) Mulching
B) Sediment basin
C) Temporary seeding
D) Vegetative buffer
6. When inspecting a construction site, you notice that sediment has
bypassed a silt fence. What is the most appropriate action? Repair or
replace the silt fence immediately
Maintaining controls ensures ongoing compliance and protects water
quality.
A) Ignore it
B) Notify the contractor next month
C) Repair or replace the silt fence immediately
D) Remove the silt fence
, 7. What is the primary environmental concern addressed by ESC
measures?
Water pollution from sediment runoff
Sediment runoff can cause turbidity, harm aquatic life, and degrade
water quality.
A) Air pollution
B) Noise pollution
C) Water pollution from sediment runoff
D) Soil fertility
8. A construction site plan shows a proposed stormwater detention pond.
What is its primary function?
To retain and settle sediment before discharge
Detention ponds slow water flow, allowing sediment to settle and
reducing downstream impact.
A) Generate hydroelectric power
B) Retain and settle sediment before discharge
C) Irrigate landscaping
D) Control weeds
9. Which of the following is a common temporary vegetative
measure?
Temporary seeding
Temporary vegetation provides short-term soil stabilization while
permanent measures are implemented.
A) Retaining walls
B) Gabions
C) Temporary seeding
D) Concrete channels
10. The term “riprap” refers to:
Layer of large stones placed to prevent erosion
Riprap protects slopes, channels, and shorelines from water erosion.
