Environmental Compliance Flashcards

Because ammonia is an EPCRA extremely hazardous substance, what is its Tier II reporting threshold?

Answer: 500 pounds or the TPQ, whichever is less

For extremely hazardous substances like ammonia, the Tier II threshold is 500 pounds or the threshold planning quantity, whichever is lower.

What are the ozone depletion potential (ODP) and global warming potential (GWP) of ammonia (R-717)?

Answer: ODP 0, GWP 0

Ammonia neither depletes ozone nor contributes meaningfully to global warming, which is one of its environmental advantages.

An operator drains oil from an ammonia system's oil pot; how should the collected oil be handled?

Answer: Collect it in approved containers and dispose of it per waste regulations

Drained oil may contain ammonia and must be stored and disposed of according to applicable environmental and waste regulations.

Ammonia-laden water from a purger bubbler or diffusion tank should NOT be discharged to which location?

Answer: A storm drain

Ammonia is toxic to aquatic life, so ammonia-contaminated water must never enter storm drains that flow to surface waters.

Which law regulates discharges of ammonia into waters of the United States?

Answer: The Clean Water Act

The Clean Water Act and its NPDES permit program govern pollutant discharges, including ammonia, to surface waters.

Under the RMP rule, which program level generally applies to an ammonia refrigeration process subject to OSHA PSM?

Answer: Program 3

Processes subject to OSHA PSM that are not Program 1 eligible fall under RMP Program 3.

Which release scenario must an RMP worst-case analysis for a toxic gas such as ammonia assume?

Answer: Release of the largest vessel's contents over 10 minutes

The worst-case scenario assumes the greatest quantity in the largest vessel is released over 10 minutes.