Certified Storm Water Operator Practice Exam

When should temporary SESC measures be removed during the stabilization process?

1. After vegetation is established

2. Once inspections are completed

3. Before maintenance is arranged

4. Only after rain events

The correct answer is: After vegetation is established

The appropriate time to remove temporary Soil Erosion and Sediment Control (SESC) measures is after vegetation is established. This is because the primary purpose of these measures is to prevent erosion and sedimentation while the site is being stabilized, typically through the growth of vegetation. Once the vegetation has been adequately established, it serves as a natural barrier against erosion, and the need for temporary measures diminishes. Established vegetation has root systems that stabilize the soil, making it less prone to erosion, thereby allowing for the safe removal of temporary controls. Other options suggest different criteria for the removal of temporary SESC measures, but these do not align with best practices for stabilization. For instance, inspections can assess the effectiveness of the current measures but do not determine readiness for removal; the presence of vegetation is a more critical indicator. Similarly, considerations related to maintenance and rain events may influence timing, but they are secondary to the stabilization achieved through vegetation growth. Removing SESC measures prematurely, without established vegetation, could lead to increased erosion and sediment issues, undermining the overall goal of the stabilization process.