Basic Plan Reading and Plan Review

Question 1

What are contour lines?

Answer 1

Lines on a map connecting points on a land surface that are the same elevation above sea level.

(Module 7 / Page 3)

Question 2

If contour lines are close together, what might you conclude about that section of a site?

Answer 2

That section of the site is a steep slope

Module 7 / Page 3

Question 3

When looking at a plan, in what direction does water drain in relation to contour lines?

Answer 3

Water always flows perpendicular to the contour lines

Module 7 / Page 4

Question 4

Erosion and Sediment plans should have two separate parts. What are they?

Answer 4

Narrative and Illustrative

Module 7 / Page 2

Question 5

When reading a set of plans, how can you determine if there is a valley on your site?

Answer 5

A valley is represented by contours that point towards the high number.

(Module 7 / Page 5)

Question 6

When reading a set of plans, how can you determine if there is a summit on your site?

Answer 6

There should be spot elevation

Module 7 / Page 6

Question 7

What might a low area without a clear drainage way on a plan indicate?

Answer 7

A low area may indicate drainage through an underground system

(Module 7 / Page 6)

Question 8

What is another term for a cavernous area with disappearing streams and springs?

Answer 8

Karst System

Module 7 / Page 7

Question 9

What does cut and fill refer to?

Answer 9

The excavation in one area and the depositing of material nearby

(Module 7 / Page 3)

Question 10

If a plan shows a slope is a 4:1 ratio, what would be the percentage of the slope?

Answer 10

25%. 1/4 * 100 = 25

Module 7 / Page 9

Question 11

What would be steeper, a 5 to 1 slope, or a 2:1 slope?

Answer 11

A 2:1 slope would be much steeper

Module 7 / Page 9

Question 12

If a slope continued for 75 feet and the elevations at the top and bottom respectively are 520.50 and 510.00, what is the slope percentage?

Bonus point: is this slope a critical erosion hazard?

Answer 12

14%

(520.50 - 510.0)/75 * 100 = 14%

This slope would not be considered a critical erosion hazard since it is less than 15%.

(Module 7 / Page 4) and (Module 2 / Page 19)

Question 13

If a slope is shown on the plans with contour lines getting closer together near the lower elevations, would it be considered concave or convex?

Bonus: is there a high potential for erosion?

Answer 13

Convex. Convex is steeper at the bottom than the top.

Yes. There is a high erosion potential

(Module 7 / Page 8)

Question 14

True or false: the Erosion and Sediment details can be shown on the main plan of the construction drawings.

Answer 14

False. The E and S plans should be “an independent document” with the ability to “stand-alone”. Other irrelevant details may clutter the E and S plan.

(Module 7 / Pages 10-11)

Question 15

Why is a narrative an important part of an Erosion and Sediment Control plan?

Answer 15

Because it can contain information not apparent on a site plan.

(Module 7 / Page 11)

Question 16

Which of the following does not need to be part of the ESC Plan narrative?

A) existing soil characteristics
B) Proposed location of control measures
C) proposed maintenance plans
D) project description
E) Chesapeake Bay Protection Area requirements

Answer 16

B) the proposed location of control measure might be better represented in the site plan

All the other would be very helpful in the narrative

(Module 7 / Page 11)

Question 17

Who is responsible for preparing a plan?

Answer 17

The owner or lessee

Module 7 / Page 10

Question 18

Describe some things that might make a plan more complicated.

Answer 18

• larger land disturbance
• steeper slopes
• close proximity to water or sensitive habitats
• close proximity to dense populations
• close proximity to high value properties

(Module 7 / Page 14)

Question 19

During the review of an ESC plan, how long does a locality have to notify the plan submitter the plan will not be approved?

Answer 19

45 days. There are 45 days to check the completeness of an ESC plan.

(Module 7 / Page 15)

Question 20

What action should a plan reviewer take if the plans are unclear?

Answer 20

The plan reviewer should reject the plans and ask the submitter to make revisions.

(Module 7 / Page 15)

Question 21

What length of time does a reviewer have to consider a variance request? What occurs if the plan reviewer exceeds that time period?

Answer 21

10 days. At the end of 10 days the variance is automatically denied.

(Module 7 / Page 16)

Question 22

What is an unacceptable reason for a variance request?

Answer 22

Variances will not be approved for Economic Reasons. Example: “It’s too expensive”

(Module 7 / Page 16)

Question 23

How must variance request be submitted to a plan reviewer?

Answer 23

In writing

Module 7 / Page 16

Question 24

In what situation would an engineer submit a variance request?

Answer 24

If a site has a situation where a minimum standard cannot be complied with or cannot be installed the way it is shown in the plans

(Module 7 / Page 16)

Question 25

Does an Erosion and Sediment Control plan need to reference every Minimum Standard?

Answer 25

No.

The plan needs to address all APPLICABLE Minimum Standards.

(Module 7 / Page 17)

Question 26

What might a section called “Off-Site Areas” in the narrative be referring to?

Answer 26

Borrow sites or stockpiles

Any land disturbing activities occurring off site

(Module 7 / Page 17)

Question 27

Which of the following should be included in the plan portion of an Erosion and Sediment Control plan:

• Final contours
• Existing Vegetation
• Critical erosion areas
• Soils
• Vicinity map

Answer 27

All of them. They all should be shown on the ESC plan.

Module 7 / Page 18-19

Question 28

What is the review time for subsequent submittals?

Answer 28

45 days

Module 7 / Page 19

Question 29

What should be included under the Maintenance portion of the narrative?

Answer 29

The plans for regular inspections and repair of ESC structures.

(Module 7 / Page 18)

Question 30

What happens if an ESC plan has been submitted and the VESCP authority has not taken any action within the time specified?

Answer 30

The plan shall be deemed approved

62.1-44.15:55 B