Environmental Regulations & Policy Flashcards

Under the Clean Water Act, what is the primary purpose of a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP)?

Answer: To identify potential pollution sources and describe practices to reduce pollutants in stormwater discharges

A SWPPP identifies pollution sources on a site and outlines best management practices (BMPs) to prevent pollutants from entering stormwater discharges, as required under the Clean Water Act's NPDES permit program.

Which federal agency administers the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program?

Answer: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

The EPA administers the NPDES permit program established under the Clean Water Act, which regulates point source discharges of pollutants into U.S. waters.

A grounds manager discovers an underground storage tank (UST) leaking petroleum on the property. Under federal law, who must be notified within 24 hours?

Answer: The EPA and/or appropriate state agency

Federal UST regulations (40 CFR Part 280) require that releases be reported to the implementing agency (EPA or delegated state agency) within 24 hours of discovery.

What does the term 'Waters of the United States' (WOTUS) determine in grounds management?

Answer: Which water bodies are subject to federal jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act

WOTUS defines which water bodies fall under federal Clean Water Act jurisdiction, determining where Section 404 dredge/fill permits and Section 402 NPDES permits are required.

Under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), a grounds operation that generates more than 1,000 kg of hazardous waste per month is classified as a:

Answer: Large Quantity Generator

RCRA classifies generators producing more than 1,000 kg/month of hazardous waste as Large Quantity Generators (LQGs), subject to the most comprehensive regulatory requirements.

Which section of the Clean Water Act specifically regulates the discharge of dredged or fill material into navigable waters and requires permits for wetland disturbance?

Answer: Section 404

Clean Water Act Section 404, administered jointly by the Army Corps of Engineers and EPA, requires permits for discharge of dredged or fill material into navigable waters, including wetlands.

A grounds manager wants to apply a pesticide near a wetland buffer. Which federal law most directly governs the pesticide's registration and approved uses near such sensitive areas?

Answer: Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA)

FIFRA governs pesticide registration and labeling in the U.S.; the label is the law, and approved uses near sensitive areas like wetlands are dictated by FIFRA-registered label language.