Certified Storm Water Operator Practice Exam

What type of structures are used to carry runoff from one level to another?

1. Check dams

2. Grade stabilization

3. Channel linings

4. Sediment traps

The correct answer is: Grade stabilization

Grade stabilization structures are specifically designed to carry runoff from one level to another while managing erosion and sedimentation. These structures often include the use of drop structures or other engineered solutions that control the flow of water, preventing excessive erosion that can occur when water cascades from a higher to a lower elevation. They play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the landscape and preventing damage to waterways by stabilizing the channel and reducing the velocity of runoff. This function is distinct from other types of structures like check dams, which primarily slow down water and promote sedimentation in small channels, or channel linings that provide a surface treatment to prevent erosion within a channel. Sediment traps, on the other hand, are designed to capture debris and sediment in a specific area rather than managing water flow between different elevations. Thus, grade stabilization structures emerge as the correct choice for managing runoff transitions effectively.