CPESC Exam Review - Course Outline

All times shown are approximate.

Click here to view the Table of Contents for the CPESC Exam Review Study Guide

1. Site Planning and Management

Duration: 45 minutes

This module introduces the student to the CPESC certification program. General information on the examination structure and format are provided. The principles of soil detachment and sediment transport are covered. Special emphasis is placed upon sedimentation and its impacts on water quality. Students will focus on construction-related erosion and discuss the various types of pollutant export during these activities. Site planning is covered and emphasizes the importance of developing a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) to address the dynamic phases of the construction site operations. Construction sequencing and scheduling is featured along with the appropriate management practices for each phase of construction activity.

Agenda:

1. Introduction
2. Why We Care
3. Resource Planning
4. Erosion and Sediment Hazards Associated with Urban Developments
5. Factors that Influence Erosion
6. Land Development Plans
7. Erosion and Sediment Control Plan
8. The Planning Process
9. Implementation of Erosion and Sediment Control
10. Planning Assistance
11. Considerations in Construction Sequences Scheduling

2. Rules and Regulations

Duration: 60 minutes

Rules and Regulations are presented from a nationwide U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) perspective. Elements of the Clean Water Act (CWA) are outlined and specific sections are discussed in detail, including Section 401-Water Quality Certification; Section 402 - National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES); and Section 404 - Discharge of dredged or fill material into waters of the United States. This module gives a historical background on construction activities subject to NPDES under Phase I of implementation and gives current details on activities subject to Phase II. Water Quality Standards are discussed as well as the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) process as it relates to Section 303(d) of the CWA. The permit application requirements for construction sites are emphasized as well as the various components of the SWPPP. General details associated with NPDES enforcement and penalties are also summarized.

Agenda:

1. Federal Regulations
2. State Regulations
3. Permit Application Requirements for Construction Activity
4. Local Regulations

3. Erosion Prediction

Duration: 90 minutes

Erosion prediction is an important component in planning, designing, and evaluating erosion and sediment control practices. This module emphasizes the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) for annual soil loss prediction and the Modified Universal Soil Loss Equation (MUSLE) for storm event sediment yield. Students will work through several example exercises to obtain a proficiency level in applying these equations to construction site scenarios. Scientific calculators with exponent functions are required for this module.

Agenda:

1. Erosion Prediction
2. Revised Universal Soil-Loss Equation (RUSLE)
3. Modified Universal Soil-Loss Equation (MUSLE)
4. Procedure for Estimating Gross
5. Review Problems

4. Runoff Management

Duration: 90 minutes

Runoff management or Runoff prediction is another important component in planning, designing, and evaluating various elements of erosion and sediment control/ storm water management plans. Rainfall/ runoff principles are covered throughout this module. Runoff management measures for site implementation are also featured. The student uses the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Runoff Curve Number Method to predict runoff volume from pre/during/post construction sites using several work exercises. Hydrology concepts associated with rainfall distribution, time of concentration, hydrologic soil groups, curve numbers, and runoff prediction are emphasized. Scientific calculators with exponent functions are required for this module.

Agenda:

1. Planning Considerations for Runoff Management
2. Hydrologic Cycle
3. The Hydrograph
4. Factors Affecting Runoff
5. Precipitation
6. Time Parameters
7. Soil Permeability
8. Runoff Equation
9. Runoff Management Measures
10. Review Problems

5. Soil Stabilization (Erosion Control)

Duration: 60 minutes

Erosion control and soil stabilization are critical issues for any land disturbing activity. This module covers examples of management practices that can be implemented at various phases of construction. Temporary and permanent methods including structural and non-structural measures are explored. Vegetative establishment techniques are outlined. Nutrient management strategies related to fertilizer application are detailed as well.

Agenda:

1. Soil Stabilization
2. Vegetative Measures
3. Biotechnical Protection Measures
4. Soil Tackifiers or Stabilizers
5. Fertilizer Calculation Example
6. Calculating Pure Live Seed
7. Review Problems

6. Sediment Control

Duration: 60 minutes

Sediment control management practices contain sediment- laden runoff prior to discharge from construction sites. This module discusses design considerations for perimeter sediment control features as well as treatments for interior drop inlets and catch basins. Alternative practices for dewatering or containment of sediment at construction site work zones are discussed. Turbidity abatement is also covered. This module includes an exercise involving the development of a SWPPP for a proposed small commercial construction site.

Agenda:

1. Introduction
2. Sediment Control Management Practice
3. Capture Devices
4. Review Problem