CH Environmental Impact Assessment 3

Question 1

Which federal permit is typically required before conducting hydrographic surveys that involve discharge of any pollutant into US waters?

Accepted Answer

NPDES permit

Answer

The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit under the Clean Water Act governs discharges of pollutants into US waters.

Question 2

Cumulative impact analysis in an EIA examines:

Accepted Answer

The combined effects of the proposed action with other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable actions

Answer

Cumulative impacts assess how the proposed action combines with other activities to affect the environment over time and space.

Question 3

A hydrographer discovers unexploded ordnance (UXO) on the seafloor during an EIA baseline survey. The first priority action should be to:

Accepted Answer

Immediately notify authorities and halt survey operations in the area

Answer

UXO discovery requires immediate notification of relevant authorities and cessation of operations in the area for safety and legal compliance.

Question 4

Which baseline data type is most relevant for assessing hydrographic survey impacts on submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV)?

Accepted Answer

Light attenuation and water clarity measurements

Answer

SAV growth depends on light availability; turbidity and light attenuation data establish baseline conditions and predict survey-related impacts.

Question 5

The Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) defines 'harassment' in the context of acoustic surveys as causing:

Accepted Answer

A significant disruption of normal behavioral patterns

Answer

Level B harassment under the MMPA includes acts that have the potential to disturb a marine mammal by disrupting its normal behavioral patterns.

(CH) Certified Hydrographer Practice Test