CDS Regulatory Compliance & Environmental Impact 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under NESHAP regulations, what is the minimum threshold of friable asbestos-containing material (ACM) that triggers mandatory pre-demolition notification to the EPA?
- 80 linear feet or 15 square feet
- 160 linear feet or 260 square feet (Correct answer)
- 260 linear feet or 160 square feet
- 50 linear feet or 10 square feet
Correct answer: 160 linear feet or 260 square feet
NESHAP requires notification when a facility has at least 160 linear feet of asbestos on pipes or 260 square feet on other components.
Question 2: Which federal law primarily governs the disposal of solid waste generated during demolition activities, including construction and demolition (C&D) debris?
- Clean Air Act (CAA)
- Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) (Correct answer)
- Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA)
- Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)
Correct answer: Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
RCRA is the primary federal law governing solid waste disposal, including C&D debris from demolition sites.
Question 3: A demolition contractor discovers polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in fluorescent light ballasts during site assessment. Under TSCA regulations, which agency must be notified before disposal?
- OSHA
- EPA (Correct answer)
- Army Corps of Engineers
- State fire marshal
Correct answer: EPA
PCBs are regulated under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), which is enforced by the EPA, requiring specific disposal procedures and notifications.
Question 4: What is the primary purpose of a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) on a demolition site?
- To document asbestos removal procedures
- To prevent pollutants from entering storm drains and waterways via runoff (Correct answer)
- To establish noise abatement schedules
- To track hazardous waste manifest records
Correct answer: To prevent pollutants from entering storm drains and waterways via runoff
A SWPPP identifies potential pollutant sources and describes best management practices to prevent stormwater contamination.
Question 5: Under the Clean Air Act, which permit is required for a demolition project at a facility that is considered a 'major source' of air pollutants?
- Title I Construction Permit
- Title V Operating Permit (Correct answer)
- National Emission Standard Permit
- Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) Permit
Correct answer: Title V Operating Permit
Title V of the Clean Air Act requires major sources of air pollution to obtain an operating permit that consolidates all applicable requirements.
Question 6: When demolishing a building near a navigable waterway, which federal permit is typically required from the Army Corps of Engineers?
- Section 402 permit
- Section 404 permit
- Section 10 permit (Correct answer)
- Section 7 consultation permit
Correct answer: Section 10 permit
Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act requires Army Corps of Engineers permits for structures or work in or affecting navigable waters.
Question 7: A demolition site is found to contain underground storage tanks (USTs). Which federal regulation primarily governs the proper closure and remediation of these tanks?
- CERCLA Subtitle C
- RCRA Subtitle I (Correct answer)
- TSCA Section 6
- CAA Section 112
Correct answer: RCRA Subtitle I
RCRA Subtitle I specifically regulates underground storage tanks, including requirements for their closure and any associated soil/groundwater cleanup.
CDS Regulatory Compliance & Environmental Impact 2
Under NESHAP regulations, what is the minimum threshold of friable asbestos-containing material (ACM) that triggers mandatory pre-demolition notification to the EPA?