AICP Environmental and Sustainability Planning 5

Question 1

A coastal city is updating its general plan to address sea level rise. Which approach best represents 'managed retreat'?

Accepted Answer

Relocating development away from vulnerable coastal areas over time

Answer

Managed retreat involves strategically relocating structures, infrastructure, and communities away from chronically flooded or eroding coastal areas rather than defending them in place.

Question 2

Under Clean Water Act Section 404, which federal agency issues permits for the discharge of dredged or fill material into waters of the United States?

Accepted Answer

Army Corps of Engineers

Answer

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers administers the Section 404 permit program for discharge of dredged or fill material into wetlands and other waters of the United States.

Question 3

Which planning tool specifically requires local governments to inventory natural hazards and develop policies to reduce risk as part of a state-mandated process?

Accepted Answer

Local Hazard Mitigation Plan

Answer

Local Hazard Mitigation Plans, required under the Stafford Act and administered by FEMA, require communities to identify hazards, assess vulnerability, and adopt mitigation strategies to remain eligible for pre-disaster mitigation grants.

Question 4

Bioswales and rain gardens in urban areas primarily serve which stormwater management function?

Accepted Answer

Filtering and infiltrating stormwater to reduce runoff volume and pollutant loads

Answer

Bioswales and rain gardens are green infrastructure practices that slow, filter, and infiltrate stormwater runoff, reducing both the volume discharged to receiving waters and the pollutant loads carried by runoff.

Question 5

A planner is applying the precautionary principle to a proposed chemical plant siting. This principle most closely means:

Accepted Answer

Taking preventive action when there is credible evidence of harm, even without full scientific certainty

Answer

The precautionary principle holds that when an action raises threats of harm to human health or the environment, precautionary measures should be taken even if some cause-and-effect relationships are not fully established scientifically.

AICP - American Institute of Certified Planners Practice Test

AICP - American Institute of Certified Planners Practice Test

AICP Environmental and Sustainability Planning 5