CME Environmental Engineering & Sustainability 2

Question 1

A municipal engineer is designing a stormwater retention pond. Which pollutant removal mechanism is LEAST effective in a wet retention pond?

Accepted Answer

Volatilization of heavy metals

Answer

Heavy metals are not significantly removed by volatilization; they are primarily removed through sedimentation and adsorption to settling particles.

Question 2

Under the Clean Water Act Section 402, which permit program regulates point source discharges of pollutants into navigable waters?

Accepted Answer

NPDES

Answer

The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) under CWA Section 402 regulates point source discharges into waters of the United States.

Question 3

A city is evaluating its solid waste program. The waste hierarchy preferred order from most to least preferred is:

Accepted Answer

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Recover, Dispose

Answer

The EPA waste management hierarchy prioritizes source reduction first, then reuse, recycling, energy recovery, and finally disposal as the last resort.

Question 4

Which greenhouse gas has the highest 100-year Global Warming Potential (GWP) relative to CO₂?

Accepted Answer

Sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆)

Answer

Sulfur hexafluoride has a 100-year GWP of approximately 23,500, the highest of any gas regulated under the Kyoto Protocol.

Question 5

A municipal engineer is assessing a brownfield site. Under CERCLA, which party is generally NOT liable for cleanup costs?

Accepted Answer

A bona fide prospective purchaser who conducted all appropriate inquiry

Answer

CERCLA provides liability protection for bona fide prospective purchasers who conduct all appropriate inquiry and comply with continuing obligations.

(CME) Certified Municipal Engineer Practice Test

(CME) Certified Municipal Engineer Practice Test

CME Environmental Engineering & Sustainability 2