Mixed Deck — All CEP Topics Flashcards

An environmental planner must analyze the significance of a federal action under NEPA. Which factor is NOT among the standard criteria used to determine significance?

Answer: The project's total cost to taxpayers

CEQ regulations identify 10 intensity factors for significance, including context and intensity criteria, but project cost is not among them.

Under the Clean Water Act, what is the 'antidegradation policy' designed to protect?

Answer: Existing uses and high-quality waters from being degraded below current conditions

Antidegradation policy requires that existing uses be protected and maintained, and that high-quality waters not be lowered in quality unless economically and socially justified.

In an EIA, 'level of significance' for an impact is typically determined by evaluating both:

Answer: Context and intensity

CEQ regulations specify that significance is evaluated based on the context (local, regional, national) and intensity (severity) of the impact.

Which document must an applicant submit to initiate formal Section 7 ESA consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?

Answer: Biological Assessment

A Biological Assessment (BA) is prepared by the project proponent to analyze potential effects on listed species and triggers formal Section 7 consultation.

Which federal law established the National Wilderness Preservation System in the United States?

Answer: Wilderness Act (1964)

The Wilderness Act of 1964 created the National Wilderness Preservation System, protecting lands where human impact is minimal.

In remote sensing, what does NDVI measure?

Answer: Vegetation health and density

The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) uses near-infrared and red bands to quantify vegetation health and density, ranging from -1 to +1.

Which soil property is MOST directly evaluated using an Atterberg limit test?

Answer: Plasticity and shrink-swell behavior of fine-grained soils

Atterberg limits (liquid limit, plastic limit, shrinkage limit) characterize the moisture content boundaries at which fine-grained soils transition between solid, plastic, and liquid states, directly reflecting plasticity and shrink-swell potential.

Which parameter is measured by a secchi disk in a lacustrine field survey?

Answer: Water transparency or turbidity

A secchi disk is lowered until it disappears from view, and that depth is the secchi depth, a simple index of water column transparency.

The 'no net loss' policy in the United States is primarily associated with which resource?

Answer: Wetlands

The federal 'no net loss' policy for wetlands aims to balance unavoidable wetland losses with restoration or creation of equivalent wetland acreage and function.

In environmental planning, a 'soil survey' conducted by the USDA NRCS and published in Web Soil Survey is BEST used for which purpose?

Answer: Planning-level assessment of soil suitability for land use, conservation, and development

NRCS soil surveys are designed for planning-level decisions about agricultural use, conservation, and land development suitability, but they are not substitutes for site-specific investigations required for engineering or legal determinations.

Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) differs from project-level EIA primarily because SEA:

Answer: Evaluates environmental implications of policies, plans, and programs

SEA addresses the environmental impacts of strategic decisions (policies, plans, programs) before project-level decisions are made, enabling upstream integration of environmental considerations.

In conducting a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) per ASTM E1527-21, which activity is NOT included in the standard scope?

Answer: Soil and groundwater sampling and analysis

Phase I ESAs involve records review, site reconnaissance, and interviews only; soil and groundwater sampling belongs to Phase II ESA scope.

What is peer review in CEP Environmental Impact Assessment?

Answer: Quality evaluation by qualified colleagues for improvement

Peer review provides objective assessment by qualified professionals to identify improvements and ensure accountability.

Which coordinate system is recommended by the National Spatial Reference System for high-accuracy local survey and GIS work in the United States?

Answer: State Plane Coordinate System

The State Plane Coordinate System divides the U.S. into zones designed to minimize distortion for local and statewide projects, providing high accuracy for infrastructure and parcel mapping.

What differentiates quantitative from qualitative data in CEP?

Answer: Quantitative is numerical; qualitative is descriptive and categorical

Quantitative data is numerical and measurable; qualitative data provides descriptive context and depth.

In a community-scale greenhouse gas inventory, which Scope category encompasses value chain emissions that are not owned or directly controlled by the reporting city?

Answer: Scope 3

Scope 3 encompasses all other indirect emissions in an organization's value chain, such as employee commuting, waste disposal, and supply chain activities not owned or controlled by the city.

A planner reviewing an industrial facility's environmental compliance finds it discharges into a 'water quality limited segment.' What does this designation mean?

Answer: The water body exceeds quality standards and cannot assimilate additional pollutant loads

Water quality limited segments are water bodies that fail to meet standards even after applying technology-based controls, triggering TMDL development to limit total pollutant loading.

What is the importance of continuing education for CEP professionals in Soil Science & Analysis?

Answer: Maintaining current knowledge and adapting to industry changes

Continuing education keeps professionals current with developments and best practices while meeting certification requirements.

What is typically included in the environmental impact report?

Answer: Environmental effects, mitigation, and alternatives

An environmental impact report typically includes a detailed analysis of the project's potential environmental effects, both positive and negative. It also outlines proposed mitigation measures to reduce adverse impacts and explores alternative project designs or locations that could be more environmentally friendly. These elements provide a comprehensive overview for decision-makers.

What is a common consequence of non-compliance with environmental regulations?

Answer: Fines and penalties

Non-compliance with environmental regulations can lead to serious legal and financial consequences for individuals and organizations. Regulatory agencies, such as the EPA, are empowered to impose significant fines, penalties, and even criminal charges for violations. These measures are designed to deter non-compliance and ensure adherence to environmental protection standards.