CAR Environmental Compliance & Sustainability 5

Question 1

The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) is relevant to automotive recyclers primarily because of its regulation of:

Accepted Answer

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) found in older vehicle components

Answer

TSCA regulates PCBs, which may be found in older capacitors, transformers, and certain vehicle electrical components from pre-1979 vehicles.

Question 2

Which practice best demonstrates pollution prevention (P2) at an automotive recycling facility?

Accepted Answer

Draining and re-refining used motor oil into new lubricant

Answer

Re-refining used motor oil is a source reduction practice that recovers a valuable resource and eliminates hazardous waste disposal, exemplifying EPA's pollution prevention hierarchy.

Question 3

A recycler operating in a state with an approved RCRA hazardous waste program must comply with:

Accepted Answer

State standards, which may be more stringent than federal minimums

Answer

States with EPA-authorized RCRA programs can set standards equal to or more stringent than federal requirements, and facilities must comply with whichever is stricter.

Question 4

The primary purpose of a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) at an automotive recycling yard is to:

Accepted Answer

Identify potential pollutant sources and describe Best Management Practices to control them

Answer

A SWPPP documents how a facility will identify pollution sources and implement BMPs to prevent contaminants from entering storm water runoff.

Question 5

Electric vehicle (EV) high-voltage battery packs removed during recycling present which unique hazard not present in conventional vehicles?

Accepted Answer

Thermal runaway risk that can cause fire, toxic gas release, and re-ignition hours after extinguishing

Answer

Lithium-ion EV battery packs can undergo thermal runaway, generating intense heat, toxic gases (HF, CO), and re-ignition events that require specialized handling and storage protocols.

(CAR) Certified Automotive Recycler Practice Test

(CAR) Certified Automotive Recycler Practice Test

CAR Environmental Compliance & Sustainability 5