CEA Water Quality & Waste Management 2

Question 1

Under the Clean Water Act Section 402, which permit program governs point source discharges of pollutants into navigable waters?

Accepted Answer

NPDES

Answer

The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) under CWA Section 402 regulates point source discharges to navigable waters.

Question 2

A facility discharges wastewater with a biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) of 250 mg/L. What is the primary environmental concern of high BOD in receiving waters?

Accepted Answer

Depletion of dissolved oxygen harming aquatic life

Answer

High BOD causes microbial decomposition that consumes dissolved oxygen, creating hypoxic conditions that kill fish and other aquatic organisms.

Question 3

Which RCRA solid waste classification requires the most stringent management standards, including permitted treatment, storage, and disposal facilities?

Accepted Answer

Hazardous waste

Answer

RCRA Subtitle C hazardous waste requires the most stringent controls, including generator standards, manifest tracking, and permitted TSDFs.

Question 4

An environmental auditor reviewing a municipal solid waste landfill should verify the presence of which federally required component under 40 CFR Part 258?

Accepted Answer

Composite liner with leachate collection and detection system

Answer

40 CFR Part 258 (Subtitle D) requires municipal solid waste landfills to have a composite liner system and leachate collection and removal system.

Question 5

Which parameter is used to characterize the acidity or alkalinity of wastewater and must be maintained within a specific range for effective biological treatment?

Accepted Answer

pH

Answer

pH must typically be maintained between 6.5–8.5 for effective biological wastewater treatment, as extreme values inhibit microbial activity.

(CEA) Certified Environmental Auditor Practice Test

(CEA) Certified Environmental Auditor Practice Test

CEA Water Quality & Waste Management 2