Certified Storm Water Operator Practice Exam

Under which condition does the SESC permit expire?

1. After two years of inactivity

2. After three years of inactivity

3. After four years of inactivity

4. After five years of inactivity

The correct answer is: After two years of inactivity

The SESC (Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control) permit is designed to ensure that construction activities do not lead to soil erosion and degradation of water quality. The permit typically has an expiration condition set to maintain active compliance and enforced management of erosion and sedimentation control measures. The correct response indicates that the permit expires after two years of inactivity. This rule exists to encourage timely progress on approved projects and to minimize the potential impacts on local ecosystems due to construction delays. If no activity occurs within this timeframe, it suggests that the project may no longer be viable, which could result in outdated environmental assessments, changing site conditions, or increased risk for erosion. Options that propose a longer period, such as three, four, or five years of inactivity for permit expiration, do not align with the proactive approach taken by regulatory agencies. The two-year period strikes a balance between providing adequate time for project developers to initiate work while ensuring that environmental controls remain relevant and effective.