CEM Air Quality Management & Monitoring 3

Question 1

Best Available Control Technology (BACT) is required for which type of source under the Clean Air Act?

Accepted Answer

Major new or modified sources in Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) attainment areas

Answer

BACT is required for major new or modified stationary sources subject to PSD permitting in attainment areas and is determined on a case-by-case basis considering energy, environmental, and economic impacts.

Question 2

How does Lowest Achievable Emission Rate (LAER) differ from Best Available Control Technology (BACT)?

Accepted Answer

LAER does not consider cost and applies to major sources in nonattainment areas

Answer

LAER is the most stringent emission limitation achievable without regard to cost and is required for major sources seeking NSR permits in nonattainment areas, whereas BACT allows cost consideration.

Question 3

Which air pollution control device captures particulate matter by passing exhaust gases through porous fabric bags?

Accepted Answer

Baghouse filter

Answer

A baghouse (fabric filter) uses arrays of fabric bags to physically capture particulate matter as gas passes through, achieving high collection efficiencies for fine particles.

Question 4

Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) is primarily installed to control which air pollutant?

Accepted Answer

Nitrogen oxides (NOₓ)

Answer

SCR uses a catalyst combined with a reductant (typically ammonia or urea) to convert NOx into molecular nitrogen and water vapor, achieving NOx removal efficiencies of 80–90%.

Question 5

When calculating a facility's 'potential to emit' (PTE) for permitting purposes, which assumption is used?

Accepted Answer

Maximum emissions from all units operating at full design capacity for 8,760 hours per year without controls

Answer

PTE is calculated as the maximum emissions a facility could generate assuming all emission units operate at full design capacity continuously for a full year (8,760 hours) without any operational restrictions.

CEM - Certified Environmental Manager Practice Test

CEM - Certified Environmental Manager Practice Test

CEM Air Quality Management & Monitoring 3