CEP Water Quality & Management 2

Question 1

Which federal regulation established the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program?

Accepted Answer

Clean Water Act

Answer

The Clean Water Act of 1972 established the NPDES permit program to control point source discharges of pollutants into waters of the United States.

Question 2

What is the primary purpose of a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) calculation?

Accepted Answer

Determining the maximum pollutant load a water body can receive while meeting water quality standards

Answer

A TMDL specifies the maximum amount of a pollutant that a water body can receive from all sources and still meet water quality standards.

Question 3

Which process removes nitrogen from wastewater by converting nitrates to nitrogen gas?

Accepted Answer

Denitrification

Answer

Denitrification is the biological process where bacteria convert nitrates and nitrites to nitrogen gas, removing nitrogen from wastewater.

Question 4

Under the Safe Drinking Water Act, which agency sets Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for public water supplies?

Accepted Answer

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Answer

The U.S. EPA establishes MCLs for contaminants in public drinking water systems under authority granted by the Safe Drinking Water Act.

Question 5

What type of water pollution originates from diffuse, non-specific locations such as agricultural runoff?

Accepted Answer

Nonpoint source pollution

Answer

Nonpoint source pollution comes from diffuse sources like agricultural lands, urban runoff, and atmospheric deposition rather than a single identifiable discharge point.

(CEP) Certified Environmental Planner Practice Test

(CEP) Certified Environmental Planner Practice Test

CEP Water Quality & Management 2