CMM Environmental Sustainability 2

Question 1

Which federal law requires municipalities to develop Stormwater Management Programs to reduce pollutants in stormwater runoff?

Accepted Answer

National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II

Answer

NPDES Phase II requires small municipalities to obtain permits and implement stormwater management programs to control runoff pollutants.

Question 2

A city wants to reduce its urban heat island effect. Which strategy would be MOST effective?

Accepted Answer

Planting urban tree canopy and installing green roofs

Answer

Urban trees and green roofs reduce surface temperatures through shade and evapotranspiration, directly countering the heat island effect.

Question 3

What is the purpose of a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit?

Accepted Answer

To control pollutants entering waterways through storm drains

Answer

An MS4 permit requires municipalities to implement best management practices to prevent pollutants in stormwater from entering local waterways.

Question 4

A municipality is evaluating its solid waste program. Which approach best reflects the EPA's waste management hierarchy?

Accepted Answer

Source Reduction → Reuse → Recycling → Recovery → Disposal

Answer

EPA's waste hierarchy prioritizes source reduction and reuse at the top, followed by recycling, energy recovery, and disposal as a last resort.

Question 5

Which greenhouse gas is primarily associated with municipal landfill operations?

Accepted Answer

Methane (CH4)

Answer

Decomposing organic waste in landfills produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas that many municipalities capture for energy generation.

(CMM) Certified Municipal Manager Practice Test