AEP AEP Hazardous Materials & Waste Management 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), which agency regulates PCBs in the United States?
- OSHA
- EPA (Correct answer)
- DOT
- FEMA
Correct answer: EPA
The EPA regulates PCBs under TSCA Section 6(e), which includes requirements for use, storage, and disposal of polychlorinated biphenyls.
Question 2: What concentration of PCBs in soil typically triggers TSCA cleanup requirements for unrestricted use?
- 1 ppm
- 10 ppm
- 25 ppm
- 50 ppm (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 50 ppm
TSCA regulations generally require PCB-contaminated soil to be cleaned up to below 50 ppm for unrestricted use at non-residential sites.
Question 3: Which type of storage unit is NOT subject to RCRA hazardous waste regulations if it meets specific conditions?
- Tank
- Landfill
- Satellite accumulation area (Correct answer)
- Surface impoundment
Correct answer: Satellite accumulation area
Satellite accumulation areas (SAAs) are exempt from most RCRA storage requirements as long as they meet conditions such as the 55-gallon limit and proximity to the point of generation.
Question 4: Which federal agency regulates the transportation of hazardous materials on public roads?
- EPA
- OSHA
- DOT (Correct answer)
- NRC
Correct answer: DOT
The Department of Transportation (DOT) regulates hazardous materials transportation under the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) in 49 CFR.
Question 5: What is the correct term for the process of converting hazardous waste into less toxic substances through biological, chemical, or physical means?
- Sequestration
- Immobilization
- Treatment (Correct answer)
- Containment
Correct answer: Treatment
Treatment refers to any method, technique, or process designed to change the physical, chemical, or biological character of hazardous waste to neutralize or reduce its hazard.
Question 6: A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is defined by which ASTM standard?
- ASTM E1527 (Correct answer)
- ASTM E1903
- ASTM D5792
- ASTM E2247
Correct answer: ASTM E1527
ASTM E1527 defines the standard practice for Phase I Environmental Site Assessments, which are used to identify recognized environmental conditions (RECs).
AEP AEP Hazardous Materials & Waste Management 2
Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), which agency regulates PCBs in the United States?