Exam Practice Questions And Correct

Ohio Erosion & Sediment Control Specialist Exam Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2025|2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• What is the primary purpose of an erosion and sediment control plan?
• To reduce construction costs
• To prevent soil erosion and sediment pollution **
• To improve soil fertility
• To increase land value

Rationale: The main goal of an ESC plan is to prevent sediment from

leaving a construction site and entering waterways.

• Which Ohio agency is primarily responsible for enforcing erosion and

sediment control regulations?

• Ohio EPA **
• Ohio DOT
• Ohio Department of Agriculture 1 / 4

• Ohio DNR

Rationale: The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency oversees

erosion and sediment control compliance in the state.

• What is the allowable soil loss from a construction site under Ohio’s

sediment control standards?

• 5 tons/acre/year
• 10 tons/acre/year
• 1 ton/acre/year
• Varies based on site conditions **

Rationale: The allowable soil loss is site-specific, depending on slope,

soil type, and BMPs implemented.

4. Silt fences are primarily designed to:

• Stabilize steep slopes
• Trap sediment in runoff **
• Improve soil structure
• Control groundwater flow

Rationale: Silt fences slow runoff and capture sediment before it

leaves the construction site.

• When should temporary seeding be installed on disturbed areas?
• Immediately after construction begins
• Within 7 days of last disturbance **
• At the end of the project
• Only during spring 2 / 4

Rationale: Temporary seeding stabilizes soil quickly and minimizes

erosion after disturbance.

• What is the maximum height for a silt fence according to Ohio

standards?

• 12 inches
• 18 inches
• 30 inches **
• 48 inches

Rationale: Standard silt fence height is 30 inches to effectively trap

sediment without failing.

• Which soil property has the greatest influence on erosion potential?
• Color
• Texture **
• Temperature
• Depth

Rationale: Soil texture determines how easily soil particles detach

and move with water.

• What is the first step in designing an ESC plan?
• Installing BMPs
• Identifying potential pollutant sources **
• Scheduling inspections
• Seeding the site 3 / 4

Rationale: Identifying where erosion and sediment may occur is

essential before selecting control measures.

9. Construction entrance stabilization is used to:

• Prevent vehicles from leaving the site with sediment **
• Reduce noise pollution
• Improve traffic flow
• Stabilize soil in wet areas

Rationale: Stabilized entrances reduce sediment tracking onto public

roads.

10. Check dams are primarily used to:

• Reduce velocity in drainage channels **
• Filter pollutants from stormwater
• Prevent soil compaction
• Support slope vegetation

Rationale: Check dams slow water in channels, reducing erosion and

sediment transport.

• Which of the following is a structural BMP?
• Mulching
• Silt fence **
• Temporary seeding
• Conservation tillage

Rationale: Structural BMPs are physical installations that control

sediment and runoff.

• / 4