Practice Test Geeks(CES) Certified Environmental Scientist Practice Test
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Environmental Regulations & Compliance Standards Flashcards

7 cards from real CES practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Environmental Regulations & Compliance Standards flashcards as text

  1. Under RCRA, what distinguishes a 'listed' hazardous waste from a 'characteristic' hazardous waste?

    Answer: Listed wastes are specifically named by EPA based on origin or chemical composition; characteristic wastes exhibit ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, or toxicity

    Listed wastes are EPA-designated waste streams from specific processes or discarded chemicals; characteristic wastes are identified by testing for four defined physical or chemical properties.

  2. Which provision of the Clean Air Act governs the accidental release prevention program for facilities handling extremely hazardous substances?

    Answer: Section 112(r) Risk Management Program

    CAA Section 112(r) established the Risk Management Program, which requires facilities handling threshold quantities of listed substances to prepare and implement risk management plans.

  3. Under NEPA, a 'categorical exclusion' (CE) means that a proposed federal action:

    Answer: Has been found to not individually or cumulatively have significant environmental effects and requires no EA or EIS

    A categorical exclusion is a category of actions that an agency has determined do not individually or cumulatively have significant environmental impacts, exempting them from EA or EIS requirements.

  4. The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) excludes which of the following from the definition of 'hazardous substance'?

    Answer: Petroleum and crude oil (in their unrefined state)

    Petroleum and crude oil are expressly excluded from CERCLA's definition of hazardous substance under the 'petroleum exclusion,' though refined petroleum products may be covered.

  5. Under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), which agency has primary authority to regulate the sale, distribution, and use of pesticides in the United States?

    Answer: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

    EPA is the primary federal agency responsible for regulating pesticides under FIFRA, including registration, labeling, and use requirements.

  6. Which environmental justice principle requires federal agencies to identify and address disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects on minority and low-income populations?

    Answer: Executive Order 12898

    Executive Order 12898 (1994) directed federal agencies to make environmental justice part of their mission by addressing disproportionate impacts on minority and low-income populations.

  7. A consultant performs an All Appropriate Inquiries (AAI) Phase I Environmental Site Assessment. What standard governs the minimum requirements for a compliant AAI investigation under CERCLA?

    Answer: 40 CFR Part 312 and ASTM E1527-21

    EPA's AAI rule (40 CFR Part 312) and ASTM E1527-21 together define the federal standard for Phase I ESAs that qualify for CERCLA liability protections.