CEP Air Quality & Atmospheric Science Flashcards

Which greenhouse gas has the highest 100-year Global Warming Potential (GWP) among those commonly reported?

Answer: Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6)

SF6 has a 100-year GWP of approximately 23,500, far exceeding CO2 (1), CH4 (28), and N2O (265), making it the most potent common greenhouse gas by weight.

Under the Clean Air Act's Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) program, a major stationary source must undergo which review before construction?

Answer: Best Available Control Technology analysis

PSD permits require a Best Available Control Technology (BACT) analysis to ensure major new or modified sources use the most stringent feasible emission controls.

An 'attainment area' that is redesignated due to worsening air quality becomes a 'maintenance area' under what plan requirement?

Answer: State Implementation Plan maintenance plan

Areas redesignated to attainment must develop a maintenance plan as part of the State Implementation Plan (SIP) to demonstrate continued compliance with NAAQS.

Which pollutant is primarily responsible for stratospheric ozone depletion and is regulated under the Montreal Protocol?

Answer: Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)

CFCs release chlorine atoms in the stratosphere that catalytically destroy ozone molecules; the Montreal Protocol phases out their production and use globally.

In air quality environmental review, the 'receptor' is best defined as:

Answer: A location or person potentially exposed to air pollutants

A receptor is a location—or the person/ecosystem at that location—where air pollutant concentrations are evaluated for potential health or environmental impacts.

Which EPA air quality index (AQI) value range is classified as 'Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups'?

Answer: 101–150

An AQI of 101–150 indicates air quality that is unhealthy for sensitive groups such as children, the elderly, and those with respiratory or heart disease.