Environmental Regulations & Policy Flashcards

Under the Worker Protection Standard (WPS) for agricultural pesticides, how long must pesticide application records be retained by the employer?

Answer: 2 years

The EPA's Worker Protection Standard requires employers to retain pesticide application records for a minimum of 2 years after the date of pesticide application.

A grounds manager notices an invasive plant species spreading near a riparian corridor. Which federal program provides guidance and funding for invasive species management on public and private lands?

Answer: National Invasive Species Council (NISC) and associated federal agency programs

The National Invasive Species Council coordinates federal invasive species efforts, and multiple member agencies (USDA, DOI, EPA) offer programs, technical guidance, and funding for invasive species management.

Which of the following actions by a grounds manager would most likely require a Section 404 permit from the Army Corps of Engineers?

Answer: Filling a low-lying wet area to create a new sports field

Placing fill material in wetlands or waters of the U.S. requires a Section 404 permit; filling a wet area (likely a wetland) to build a sports field is a classic example requiring this permit.

The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires federal agencies to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for projects that:

Answer: May significantly affect the quality of the human environment

NEPA requires federal agencies to prepare an EIS for 'major federal actions significantly affecting the quality of the human environment,' ensuring environmental factors are considered in federal decision-making.

Which nutrient management practice is required or strongly incentivized under many state nonpoint source pollution programs to minimize phosphorus runoff from maintained turf?

Answer: Soil testing before fertilizer applications to match nutrient needs

Soil testing before fertilization is the cornerstone of responsible nutrient management, preventing over-application and reducing phosphorus runoff that causes eutrophication in water bodies.

Under the Clean Air Act, which pollutant category from outdoor power equipment used in grounds maintenance is primarily regulated through EPA's nonroad engine emissions standards?

Answer: Hydrocarbons (HC) and nitrogen oxides (NOx)

EPA's nonroad engine emission standards (40 CFR Part 1054) primarily regulate hydrocarbons (HC) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) from small nonroad engines used in lawn and garden equipment.

A grounds manager discovers that a contractor dumped waste oil in a drainage ditch on the property. Under CERCLA, who bears liability for the cleanup?

Answer: Both the contractor and property owner may be held liable under joint and several liability

CERCLA's joint and several liability framework can hold multiple parties responsible, including current property owners and waste generators/transporters, regardless of fault or knowledge.