AEP AEP Air Quality & Atmospheric Science 1

Question 1

The Clean Air Act requires EPA to set National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for how many 'criteria pollutants'?

Accepted Answer

6

Answer

The EPA sets NAAQS for six criteria pollutants: particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), ozone, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and lead.

Question 2

Which NAAQS pollutant is primarily formed through photochemical reactions between NOx and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in sunlight?

Accepted Answer

Ground-level ozone

Answer

Ground-level ozone (tropospheric ozone) forms when NOx and VOCs react in the presence of sunlight, making it a secondary pollutant rather than a directly emitted one.

Question 3

Under the Clean Air Act, what designation is given to areas that do not meet NAAQS for a specific pollutant?

Accepted Answer

Non-attainment area

Answer

Areas that fail to meet NAAQS are designated as non-attainment areas and must develop State Implementation Plans (SIPs) to achieve compliance.

Question 4

Which emission control program under the Clean Air Act uses a 'cap-and-trade' approach for sulfur dioxide?

Accepted Answer

Acid Rain Program

Answer

The Acid Rain Program (Title IV of the CAA) established a cap-and-trade system for SO2 and NOx emissions from power plants to address acid deposition.

Question 5

What does the acronym 'PSD' stand for in Clean Air Act permitting?

Accepted Answer

Prevention of Significant Deterioration

Answer

Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) is a Clean Air Act permitting program that applies to new major sources or major modifications in attainment areas.

AEP - Associate Environmental Professional Certification Practice Test

AEP - Associate Environmental Professional Certification Practice Test

AEP AEP Air Quality & Atmospheric Science 1