CEA Water Quality & Waste Management 4

Question 1

Which wastewater treatment process removes nitrogen through sequential anoxic and aerobic zones where bacteria convert ammonia to nitrogen gas?

Accepted Answer

Biological nitrification-denitrification

Answer

Biological nitrification-denitrification uses nitrifying bacteria (aerobic) and denitrifying bacteria (anoxic) to convert ammonia to nitrate and then to nitrogen gas.

Question 2

A CEA auditor finds that a company's waste oil storage tanks lack secondary containment. Which regulation is most likely violated?

Accepted Answer

40 CFR Part 279 used oil management standards

Answer

40 CFR Part 279 establishes used oil management standards including secondary containment requirements for used oil storage tanks.

Question 3

Under the Clean Water Act, what is the distinction between a 'point source' and a 'nonpoint source' discharge?

Accepted Answer

Point sources are confined discrete conveyances; nonpoint sources are diffuse runoff

Answer

Point sources are identifiable, confined conveyances (pipes, ditches) subject to NPDES permits, while nonpoint sources are diffuse pollutant inputs such as agricultural runoff not regulated by NPDES.

Question 4

Which characteristic makes a solid waste 'ignitable' under RCRA hazardous waste regulations (40 CFR Part 261.21)?

Accepted Answer

Flash point below 60°C (140°F) for liquids

Answer

A liquid waste is ignitable (hazardous characteristic D001) if it has a flash point below 60°C (140°F) as determined by standardized test methods.

Question 5

An auditor discovers a facility has an unpermitted discharge of process wastewater to a storm drain connected to a local creek. Which enforcement action is EPA most likely to pursue initially?

Accepted Answer

Administrative compliance order under CWA Section 309

Answer

EPA typically begins with an administrative compliance order under CWA Section 309(a) requiring the facility to cease the unauthorized discharge and come into compliance.

(CEA) Certified Environmental Auditor Practice Test

(CEA) Certified Environmental Auditor Practice Test

CEA Water Quality & Waste Management 4