AARC Hazardous Fluid & Material Management 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An auto recycler generates 850 kg of hazardous waste in one month. Under RCRA, this facility is classified as a:
- Very Small Quantity Generator (VSQG)
- Small Quantity Generator (SQG) (Correct answer)
- Large Quantity Generator (LQG)
- Conditionally Exempt Generator
Correct answer: Small Quantity Generator (SQG)
Generators producing 100–1,000 kg/month are classified as SQGs under 40 CFR Part 262, which carries specific storage time, container, and reporting requirements.
Question 2: Which of the following automotive materials is specifically targeted for collection under the End-of-Life Vehicle Solutions (ELVS) program?
- Used motor oil
- Mercury-containing switches and convenience lighting (Correct answer)
- Spent tires
- Lead wheel weights
Correct answer: Mercury-containing switches and convenience lighting
The ELVS program was established to collect and recycle mercury switches and mercury-containing convenience lighting from end-of-life vehicles to prevent mercury releases.
Question 3: Transmission fluid leaking from a stored vehicle onto unpaved ground at an auto recycler yard is most directly regulated under which law?
- CERCLA (Superfund)
- RCRA Subtitle D (solid waste)
- Clean Water Act NPDES stormwater permit (Correct answer)
- Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)
Correct answer: Clean Water Act NPDES stormwater permit
Stormwater runoff carrying petroleum fluids from auto recycler yards must be managed under an NPDES industrial stormwater permit to prevent water quality violations.
Question 4: What personal protective equipment (PPE) is minimally required when draining gasoline from a fuel tank at an auto recycling facility?
- Hard hat and steel-toed boots only
- Chemical-resistant gloves, safety glasses, and flame-resistant clothing (Correct answer)
- Standard latex gloves and a dust mask
- A self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) only
Correct answer: Chemical-resistant gloves, safety glasses, and flame-resistant clothing
Gasoline is flammable and a skin/eye irritant; chemical-resistant gloves, safety glasses, and flame-resistant clothing protect against ignition and chemical contact hazards.
Question 5: Which statement correctly describes the 'waste-oil-as-fuel' exemption under EPA's used oil management rules?
- Any used oil can be burned as fuel without restriction
- Used oil that is not mixed with listed hazardous waste may be burned as fuel in approved heaters (Correct answer)
- Used oil fuel burning is prohibited by federal law in all states
- The exemption applies only to virgin oil burned as fuel
Correct answer: Used oil that is not mixed with listed hazardous waste may be burned as fuel in approved heaters
40 CFR Part 279 allows used oil that is not mixed with listed hazardous waste to be burned in used oil-fired space heaters of ≤500,000 BTU/hr capacity.
Question 6: Coolant (antifreeze) containing ethylene glycol that tests above hazardous waste thresholds for heavy metals must be managed as:
- Recyclable material with no special requirements
- Hazardous waste subject to RCRA Subtitle C requirements (Correct answer)
- Universal waste under 40 CFR Part 273
- Non-hazardous solid waste
Correct answer: Hazardous waste subject to RCRA Subtitle C requirements
Antifreeze that is characteristically hazardous due to toxicity (e.g., high lead or benzene content) must be managed under full RCRA hazardous waste rules.
Question 7: What is the correct procedure for handling a leaking battery acid spill from a lead-acid battery at an auto recycler?
- Dilute immediately with large volumes of water and direct to the floor drain
- Neutralize with baking soda or lime, contain the material, and dispose as hazardous waste (Correct answer)
- Cover with dry sand and leave until it evaporates
- Absorb with paper towels and place in the regular trash
Correct answer: Neutralize with baking soda or lime, contain the material, and dispose as hazardous waste
Battery acid (sulfuric acid) spills should be neutralized with an alkaline material, contained to prevent runoff, and the resulting sludge disposed of as hazardous waste.
AARC Hazardous Fluid & Material Management 4
An auto recycler generates 850 kg of hazardous waste in one month.
Under RCRA, this facility is classified as a: