CGM Environmental Regulations & Policy 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under the Clean Water Act, what is the primary purpose of a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP)?
- To increase irrigation efficiency on turf areas
- To identify potential pollution sources and describe practices to reduce pollutants in stormwater discharges (Correct answer)
- To regulate pesticide application schedules near water bodies
- To establish nitrogen loading limits for groundwater
Correct 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.
Question 2: Which federal agency administers the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program?
- USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (Correct answer)
- Army Corps of Engineers
Correct 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.
Question 3: A grounds manager discovers an underground storage tank (UST) leaking petroleum on the property. Under federal law, who must be notified within 24 hours?
- Only the property owner
- The local fire marshal only
- The EPA and/or appropriate state agency (Correct answer)
- OSHA regional office
Correct 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.
Question 4: What does the term 'Waters of the United States' (WOTUS) determine in grounds management?
- Which irrigation water sources are federally subsidized
- Which water bodies are subject to federal jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act (Correct answer)
- The minimum buffer required around all ponds and lakes
- The maximum allowable chemical application rates near water
Correct 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.
Question 5: 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:
- Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generator
- Small Quantity Generator
- Large Quantity Generator (Correct answer)
- Universal Waste Handler
Correct 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.
Question 6: 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?
- Section 303
- Section 319
- Section 401
- Section 404 (Correct answer)
Correct 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.
Question 7: 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?
- Safe Drinking Water Act
- Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) (Correct answer)
- Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act
- Toxic Substances Control Act
Correct 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.
CGM Environmental Regulations & Policy 2
Under the Clean Water Act, what is the primary purpose of a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP)?