CME Environmental Engineering & Sustainability 3

Question 1

A municipality plans to install a landfill gas-to-energy system. Landfill gas typically consists of approximately what percentage of methane?

Accepted Answer

45–60%

Answer

Landfill gas is typically composed of approximately 45–60% methane and 40–55% carbon dioxide, with trace amounts of other gases.

Question 2

Which U.S. regulatory program requires large municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s) to obtain permits controlling stormwater runoff?

Accepted Answer

Clean Water Act Phase I and Phase II MS4 rules

Answer

EPA's Phase I (1990) and Phase II (1999) MS4 rules under the CWA NPDES program require municipalities to reduce pollutants in stormwater discharges.

Question 3

In green infrastructure design, which practice is most effective at capturing and infiltrating stormwater at the source before it enters the storm drain system?

Accepted Answer

Bioretention cell (rain garden)

Answer

Bioretention cells infiltrate and filter stormwater at or near the point of rainfall, making them highly effective at source-level control.

Question 4

A municipal engineer calculates the carbon footprint of a water distribution system. Which operational component typically contributes the most greenhouse gas emissions?

Accepted Answer

Energy use for pumping

Answer

Energy consumption for pumping water through distribution systems is the dominant source of GHG emissions in water utilities, often representing over 80% of total emissions.

Question 5

Which environmental assessment tool is required for federal projects under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) that may significantly affect the environment?

Accepted Answer

Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)

Answer

NEPA requires federal agencies to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for major federal actions that significantly affect the quality of the human environment.

(CME) Certified Municipal Engineer Practice Test

(CME) Certified Municipal Engineer Practice Test

CME Environmental Engineering & Sustainability 3