Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping Flashcards
7 cards from real CESSWI practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping flashcards as text
Where should a concrete washout area be located on a construction site to prevent stormwater contamination?
Answer: At least 50 feet from storm drains, streams, and other water bodies
Concrete washout areas must be sited at least 50 feet from storm drains, streams, and water bodies to prevent highly alkaline concrete wastewater from entering waterways.
Which of the following is the BEST practice for storing bulk fuels and lubricants on a construction site?
Answer: Place containers inside secondary containment capable of holding 110% of the largest container's volume
Secondary containment sized to 110% of the largest container volume is the standard practice to capture spills before they reach stormwater conveyances.
A construction crew spills hydraulic fluid near a storm drain. What is the FIRST action the inspector should ensure is taken?
Answer: Stop the source of the spill and prevent it from entering the storm drain
The immediate priority in any spill response is to stop the source and prevent the material from reaching the storm drain or waterway, before documentation and notification steps.
Construction site solid waste, such as packaging and scrap materials, must be managed to prevent stormwater pollution. What is the required minimum frequency for solid waste removal from most active construction sites?
Answer: Weekly, or more frequently if waste containers are full
NPDES construction general permits typically require solid waste removal at least weekly to prevent materials from becoming pollutants in stormwater runoff.
Portable sanitary facilities (portable toilets) on construction sites should be positioned to minimize stormwater contamination. Which placement is MOST appropriate?
Answer: On stable, level ground away from drainage channels, storm drains, and water bodies
Portable toilets should be placed on stable, level ground well away from drainage channels and water bodies to prevent overturning and accidental discharge during storm events.
Which of the following materials stored on a construction site poses the GREATEST pH-related risk to aquatic life if it enters a waterway via stormwater runoff?
Answer: Concrete and mortar washout water
Concrete and mortar washout water has a very high pH (often above 12) and is highly caustic, posing severe toxicity risks to aquatic organisms even in small quantities.
Under good housekeeping practices, how should paints, solvents, and other hazardous construction chemicals be stored on site?
Answer: In original labeled containers under cover, within secondary containment, away from drains
Hazardous chemicals must remain in original labeled containers, be stored under cover within secondary containment, and be kept away from storm drains to prevent spills and runoff contamination.