MARYLAND E&S CERTIFICATION
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ACCURATE
SOLUTIONS
1. The Erosion and Sediment Control Responsible Personnel Training
Program is a requirement of:
A. The EPA
B. International laws
C. None of the above
D. The State of Maryland
ANSWER: D – The State of Maryland
This training program is mandated by the State of Maryland to ensure that
construction activities follow proper erosion and sediment control practices.
The goal is to protect water quality and prevent sediment pollution. It is
enforced through state regulations rather than federal or international laws.
Compliance is required for many land-disturbing activities.
2. The current Maryland Standards and Specifications for Soil
Erosion and Sediment Control (Handbook) is dated:
A. 1994
B. 2000
C. 2011
D. 2013
ANSWER: C – 2011
The 2011 handbook reflects updated science, engineering practices, and
environmental regulations. It provides standardized methods for controlling
erosion and sediment during construction. Older versions are no longer
considered current or fully compliant. Professionals are expected to follow
the 2011 standards.
3. Although 2/3 of the Earth’s surface is covered in water, what
percentage is fresh water?
A. 50%
B. 25%
C. 3%
D. 10%
ANSWER: C – 3%
Most of Earth’s water is saltwater found in oceans. Only a very small portion
is fresh water, and much of that is locked in glaciers and ice caps. This
makes accessible fresh water extremely limited. Conservation is critical
because of this scarcity.
,4. The following is the percent of Maryland residents whose
household water comes from a surface water source:
A. 18%
B. 33%
C. 68%
D. 52%
ANSWER: C – 68%
Surface water sources include rivers, reservoirs, and lakes. Many large public
water systems in Maryland rely on these sources. Because surface water is
exposed, it is more vulnerable to pollution. Proper erosion and sediment
control helps protect these water supplies.
5. While water is a necessity for human life, clean water also:
A. Provides critical wildlife habitat
B. Is an important part of Maryland’s economy
C. Enhances recreational opportunities
D. All of the above
ANSWER: D – All of the above
Clean water supports aquatic ecosystems and wildlife. It is essential for
industries such as agriculture, fishing, and tourism. Recreational activities
like boating and swimming also depend on good water quality. Protecting
water benefits both people and the environment.
6. The average Marylander uses how many gallons of water per day?
A. 25 gallons
B. 50 gallons
C. 75 gallons
D. 150 gallons
ANSWER: C – 75 gallons
Daily water use includes drinking, bathing, cooking, and cleaning. Maryland’s
average reflects both residential habits and conservation efforts. Reducing
water use helps preserve limited freshwater resources. Efficient fixtures and
mindful usage can lower consumption.
7. Soil erosion is best defined as:
A. The chemical breakdown of soil
B. The movement of soil by wind or water
C. Soil compaction from equipment
D. The natural formation of soil
ANSWER: B – The movement of soil by wind or water
Erosion occurs when soil particles are detached and transported. Water
runoff and wind are the main forces that cause erosion. Construction
activities greatly increase erosion risk. Controlling erosion prevents sediment
from entering waterways.
,8. Sediment pollution primarily affects water by:
A. Increasing oxygen levels
B. Reducing water clarity
C. Adding nutrients
D. Lowering water temperature
ANSWER: B – Reducing water clarity
Sediment makes water cloudy, reducing light penetration. This harms
aquatic plants and disrupts ecosystems. Sediment can also clog fish gills and
smother habitats. It is one of the leading pollutants in Maryland waters.
9. Which phase of construction poses the greatest erosion risk?
A. Site planning
B. Final landscaping
C. Land clearing and grading
D. Building occupancy
ANSWER: C – Land clearing and grading
Removing vegetation exposes soil to rain and runoff. Without protective
cover, soil easily washes away. This phase requires immediate erosion
controls. Proper planning minimizes sediment loss during this period.
10. Vegetative stabilization helps control erosion by:
A. Increasing runoff
B. Holding soil in place with roots
C. Drying out soil
D. Compacting the ground
ANSWER: B – Holding soil in place with roots
Plants protect soil from rainfall impact. Roots bind the soil together and
reduce erosion. Vegetation also slows runoff and increases infiltration. It is
one of the most effective long-term erosion controls.
11. A silt fence is designed to:
A. Filter sediment from runoff
B. Stop all water flow
C. Replace storm drains
D. Divert groundwater
ANSWER: A – Filter sediment from runoff
Silt fences allow water to pass while trapping sediment. They are installed
downhill of disturbed areas. Proper installation is critical for effectiveness.
They are not meant to handle high-flow conditions.
12. Runoff increases when:
A. Soil is well vegetated
B. Ground is compacted
C. Rainfall is light
D. Slopes are gentle
ANSWER: B – Ground is compacted
, Compacted soil reduces infiltration. Water flows over the surface instead of
soaking in. This increases erosion and sediment transport. Construction
equipment often causes compaction.
13. The primary purpose of erosion control is to:
A. Improve soil fertility
B. Protect water quality
C. Increase construction speed
D. Eliminate rainfall
ANSWER: B – Protect water quality
Erosion control prevents sediment from entering waterways. Sediment
degrades aquatic habitats and drinking water sources. Regulations focus on
protecting public and environmental health. Good erosion control benefits
downstream communities.
14. Sediment control practices are intended to:
A. Prevent erosion
B. Capture eroded soil
C. Increase infiltration
D. Improve soil structure
ANSWER: B – Capture eroded soil
Sediment control is used after erosion has occurred. These practices trap soil
before it leaves the site. They are a backup to erosion prevention. Both
controls should be used together.
15. Which of the following is a temporary stabilization method?
A. Riprap
B. Permanent seeding
C. Mulching
D. Retaining walls
ANSWER: C – Mulching
Mulch protects exposed soil until vegetation grows. It reduces erosion from
rainfall impact. Mulching is quick to apply and cost-effective. It is commonly
used during active construction.
16. A stabilized construction entrance is used to:
A. Control dust
B. Prevent tracking sediment onto roads
C. Slow stormwater
D. Mark site boundaries
ANSWER: B – Prevent tracking sediment onto roads
Construction vehicles can carry sediment off-site. Stabilized entrances
remove soil from tires. This helps protect public roads and storm drains. It
also reduces cleanup costs.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ACCURATE
SOLUTIONS
1. The Erosion and Sediment Control Responsible Personnel Training
Program is a requirement of:
A. The EPA
B. International laws
C. None of the above
D. The State of Maryland
ANSWER: D – The State of Maryland
This training program is mandated by the State of Maryland to ensure that
construction activities follow proper erosion and sediment control practices.
The goal is to protect water quality and prevent sediment pollution. It is
enforced through state regulations rather than federal or international laws.
Compliance is required for many land-disturbing activities.
2. The current Maryland Standards and Specifications for Soil
Erosion and Sediment Control (Handbook) is dated:
A. 1994
B. 2000
C. 2011
D. 2013
ANSWER: C – 2011
The 2011 handbook reflects updated science, engineering practices, and
environmental regulations. It provides standardized methods for controlling
erosion and sediment during construction. Older versions are no longer
considered current or fully compliant. Professionals are expected to follow
the 2011 standards.
3. Although 2/3 of the Earth’s surface is covered in water, what
percentage is fresh water?
A. 50%
B. 25%
C. 3%
D. 10%
ANSWER: C – 3%
Most of Earth’s water is saltwater found in oceans. Only a very small portion
is fresh water, and much of that is locked in glaciers and ice caps. This
makes accessible fresh water extremely limited. Conservation is critical
because of this scarcity.
,4. The following is the percent of Maryland residents whose
household water comes from a surface water source:
A. 18%
B. 33%
C. 68%
D. 52%
ANSWER: C – 68%
Surface water sources include rivers, reservoirs, and lakes. Many large public
water systems in Maryland rely on these sources. Because surface water is
exposed, it is more vulnerable to pollution. Proper erosion and sediment
control helps protect these water supplies.
5. While water is a necessity for human life, clean water also:
A. Provides critical wildlife habitat
B. Is an important part of Maryland’s economy
C. Enhances recreational opportunities
D. All of the above
ANSWER: D – All of the above
Clean water supports aquatic ecosystems and wildlife. It is essential for
industries such as agriculture, fishing, and tourism. Recreational activities
like boating and swimming also depend on good water quality. Protecting
water benefits both people and the environment.
6. The average Marylander uses how many gallons of water per day?
A. 25 gallons
B. 50 gallons
C. 75 gallons
D. 150 gallons
ANSWER: C – 75 gallons
Daily water use includes drinking, bathing, cooking, and cleaning. Maryland’s
average reflects both residential habits and conservation efforts. Reducing
water use helps preserve limited freshwater resources. Efficient fixtures and
mindful usage can lower consumption.
7. Soil erosion is best defined as:
A. The chemical breakdown of soil
B. The movement of soil by wind or water
C. Soil compaction from equipment
D. The natural formation of soil
ANSWER: B – The movement of soil by wind or water
Erosion occurs when soil particles are detached and transported. Water
runoff and wind are the main forces that cause erosion. Construction
activities greatly increase erosion risk. Controlling erosion prevents sediment
from entering waterways.
,8. Sediment pollution primarily affects water by:
A. Increasing oxygen levels
B. Reducing water clarity
C. Adding nutrients
D. Lowering water temperature
ANSWER: B – Reducing water clarity
Sediment makes water cloudy, reducing light penetration. This harms
aquatic plants and disrupts ecosystems. Sediment can also clog fish gills and
smother habitats. It is one of the leading pollutants in Maryland waters.
9. Which phase of construction poses the greatest erosion risk?
A. Site planning
B. Final landscaping
C. Land clearing and grading
D. Building occupancy
ANSWER: C – Land clearing and grading
Removing vegetation exposes soil to rain and runoff. Without protective
cover, soil easily washes away. This phase requires immediate erosion
controls. Proper planning minimizes sediment loss during this period.
10. Vegetative stabilization helps control erosion by:
A. Increasing runoff
B. Holding soil in place with roots
C. Drying out soil
D. Compacting the ground
ANSWER: B – Holding soil in place with roots
Plants protect soil from rainfall impact. Roots bind the soil together and
reduce erosion. Vegetation also slows runoff and increases infiltration. It is
one of the most effective long-term erosion controls.
11. A silt fence is designed to:
A. Filter sediment from runoff
B. Stop all water flow
C. Replace storm drains
D. Divert groundwater
ANSWER: A – Filter sediment from runoff
Silt fences allow water to pass while trapping sediment. They are installed
downhill of disturbed areas. Proper installation is critical for effectiveness.
They are not meant to handle high-flow conditions.
12. Runoff increases when:
A. Soil is well vegetated
B. Ground is compacted
C. Rainfall is light
D. Slopes are gentle
ANSWER: B – Ground is compacted
, Compacted soil reduces infiltration. Water flows over the surface instead of
soaking in. This increases erosion and sediment transport. Construction
equipment often causes compaction.
13. The primary purpose of erosion control is to:
A. Improve soil fertility
B. Protect water quality
C. Increase construction speed
D. Eliminate rainfall
ANSWER: B – Protect water quality
Erosion control prevents sediment from entering waterways. Sediment
degrades aquatic habitats and drinking water sources. Regulations focus on
protecting public and environmental health. Good erosion control benefits
downstream communities.
14. Sediment control practices are intended to:
A. Prevent erosion
B. Capture eroded soil
C. Increase infiltration
D. Improve soil structure
ANSWER: B – Capture eroded soil
Sediment control is used after erosion has occurred. These practices trap soil
before it leaves the site. They are a backup to erosion prevention. Both
controls should be used together.
15. Which of the following is a temporary stabilization method?
A. Riprap
B. Permanent seeding
C. Mulching
D. Retaining walls
ANSWER: C – Mulching
Mulch protects exposed soil until vegetation grows. It reduces erosion from
rainfall impact. Mulching is quick to apply and cost-effective. It is commonly
used during active construction.
16. A stabilized construction entrance is used to:
A. Control dust
B. Prevent tracking sediment onto roads
C. Slow stormwater
D. Mark site boundaries
ANSWER: B – Prevent tracking sediment onto roads
Construction vehicles can carry sediment off-site. Stabilized entrances
remove soil from tires. This helps protect public roads and storm drains. It
also reduces cleanup costs.
