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Maine Site Evaluator Licensing Exam ACTUAL EXAM
COMPLETE QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS LATEST
UPDATE THIS YEAR
SUMMARIZED EXAM COVERAGE
The Maine Site Evaluator Licensing Exam focuses on soil analysis, subsurface wastewater system design,
and regulatory compliance under Maine SSWDR. Key areas include soil horizon identification, limiting
layer detection, percolation testing, and evaluation of groundwater conditions. Candidates must
determine suitable sites for septic systems based on slope, soil texture, drainage, and setback
requirements. The exam also emphasizes wastewater system sizing, alternative system design for poor
soils, and accurate field documentation. Strong knowledge of environmental protection standards,
permitting rules, and safe excavation practices is essential for success.
1.
A site evaluator observes mottled soil colors at 18 inches during a test pit inspection. What does this
most likely indicate?
A. Excessively well-drained sandy soil
B. Presence of seasonal high groundwater table
C. Bedrock formation near the surface
D. Completely dry soil conditions
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Answer: B
Rationale: Mottling typically indicates fluctuating groundwater levels and seasonal saturation.
2.
During a site evaluation, a soil profile shows a dense layer that restricts water movement significantly at
24 inches depth. What is this feature called?
A. Loamy sand horizon
B. Fragipan or restrictive layer
C. Organic surface layer
D. Permeable gravel deposit
Answer: B
Rationale: Fragipans are dense subsurface layers that restrict drainage and root penetration.
3.
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A site evaluator is determining septic system placement and notes a slope greater than 20 percent.
What is the primary concern?
A. Increased bacterial growth in soil
B. Rapid groundwater recharge improvement
C. Risk of effluent surfacing or runoff
D. Improved absorption capacity
Answer: C
Rationale: Steep slopes increase runoff risk and reduce effective effluent treatment.
4.
A soil test pit reveals sandy loam soil with rapid infiltration rates. What adjustment may be necessary for
septic design?
A. Increase system size due to poor drainage
B. Reduce system size due to slow percolation
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C. Use advanced treatment or dosing system
D. Install system without modification
Answer: C
Rationale: Rapid infiltration may require controlled dosing or advanced treatment systems.
5.
When conducting a site evaluation near a private well, what is the most critical regulatory
consideration?
A. Soil color consistency
B. Setback distance from contamination sources
C. Vegetation type around the site
D. Air temperature during testing
Answer: B
Rationale: Setback distances protect drinking water from contamination.
Maine Site Evaluator Licensing Exam ACTUAL EXAM
COMPLETE QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS LATEST
UPDATE THIS YEAR
SUMMARIZED EXAM COVERAGE
The Maine Site Evaluator Licensing Exam focuses on soil analysis, subsurface wastewater system design,
and regulatory compliance under Maine SSWDR. Key areas include soil horizon identification, limiting
layer detection, percolation testing, and evaluation of groundwater conditions. Candidates must
determine suitable sites for septic systems based on slope, soil texture, drainage, and setback
requirements. The exam also emphasizes wastewater system sizing, alternative system design for poor
soils, and accurate field documentation. Strong knowledge of environmental protection standards,
permitting rules, and safe excavation practices is essential for success.
1.
A site evaluator observes mottled soil colors at 18 inches during a test pit inspection. What does this
most likely indicate?
A. Excessively well-drained sandy soil
B. Presence of seasonal high groundwater table
C. Bedrock formation near the surface
D. Completely dry soil conditions
, Page 2 of 146
Answer: B
Rationale: Mottling typically indicates fluctuating groundwater levels and seasonal saturation.
2.
During a site evaluation, a soil profile shows a dense layer that restricts water movement significantly at
24 inches depth. What is this feature called?
A. Loamy sand horizon
B. Fragipan or restrictive layer
C. Organic surface layer
D. Permeable gravel deposit
Answer: B
Rationale: Fragipans are dense subsurface layers that restrict drainage and root penetration.
3.
, Page 3 of 146
A site evaluator is determining septic system placement and notes a slope greater than 20 percent.
What is the primary concern?
A. Increased bacterial growth in soil
B. Rapid groundwater recharge improvement
C. Risk of effluent surfacing or runoff
D. Improved absorption capacity
Answer: C
Rationale: Steep slopes increase runoff risk and reduce effective effluent treatment.
4.
A soil test pit reveals sandy loam soil with rapid infiltration rates. What adjustment may be necessary for
septic design?
A. Increase system size due to poor drainage
B. Reduce system size due to slow percolation
, Page 4 of 146
C. Use advanced treatment or dosing system
D. Install system without modification
Answer: C
Rationale: Rapid infiltration may require controlled dosing or advanced treatment systems.
5.
When conducting a site evaluation near a private well, what is the most critical regulatory
consideration?
A. Soil color consistency
B. Setback distance from contamination sources
C. Vegetation type around the site
D. Air temperature during testing
Answer: B
Rationale: Setback distances protect drinking water from contamination.
