Certified Storm Water Operator Practice Exam

When should temporary control measures be installed before earth change?

1. After planning

2. Upon completion

3. Before starting

4. During planning

The correct answer is: Before starting

Temporary control measures should be installed before starting earth change activities to effectively prevent soil erosion and sediment runoff. This proactive approach ensures that any potential disturbances to the land, such as excavation or grading, do not lead to sediment being transported off-site or into nearby water bodies. By having these measures in place beforehand, operators can manage stormwater runoff more effectively and comply with regulatory requirements aimed at protecting water quality. While control measures need to be considered during the planning phase, the actual installation must occur prior to any earth disturbance to be fully effective. Waiting until after planning or upon completion would not provide the necessary environmental safeguards that are essential to minimizing impacts during active construction or land alteration activities. Therefore, integrating these measures before starting the work is an essential best practice in stormwater management.