CPC CPC Environmental Compliance & Sustainability 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the purpose of a 'construction and demolition (C&D) waste management plan'?
- Estimate the project cost of waste disposal
- Identify materials to be recycled, salvaged, or landfilled and set diversion targets (Correct answer)
- Comply with worker safety regulations only
- Determine the number of dumpsters needed
Correct answer: Identify materials to be recycled, salvaged, or landfilled and set diversion targets
A C&D waste management plan sets waste diversion goals, identifies recyclable materials, designates recycling facilities, and tracks actual diversion rates.
Question 2: Which environmental review process under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires a full assessment of significant environmental impacts for federally funded projects?
- Categorical Exclusion (CE)
- Environmental Assessment (EA)
- Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) (Correct answer)
- Record of Decision (ROD)
Correct answer: Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
An EIS is required for major federal actions significantly affecting the environment, providing a thorough analysis of alternatives and mitigation measures.
Question 3: Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) plans under EPA regulations are required for construction sites that:
- Use any diesel fuel on-site
- Store more than 1,320 gallons of petroleum products in aboveground containers (Correct answer)
- Have more than 10 workers on-site
- Are located in a floodplain
Correct answer: Store more than 1,320 gallons of petroleum products in aboveground containers
SPCC regulations (40 CFR Part 112) require plans for facilities storing over 1,320 gallons of oil in aboveground containers, to prevent spills from reaching waterways.
Question 4: What is the primary goal of an 'Environmental Management System (EMS)' on a large construction project?
- Replace all government permits
- Systematically identify, manage, and reduce environmental impacts throughout the project (Correct answer)
- Track subcontractor bid prices
- Monitor worker overtime hours
Correct answer: Systematically identify, manage, and reduce environmental impacts throughout the project
An EMS provides a structured framework (often based on ISO 14001) to identify environmental aspects, set objectives, and continually improve environmental performance.
Question 5: Under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA/Superfund), which party can be held liable for site cleanup costs?
- Only the original waste generator
- Only the current property owner
- Potentially responsible parties (PRPs) including current owners, past owners, generators, and transporters (Correct answer)
- Only licensed contractors who disturbed contaminated soil
Correct answer: Potentially responsible parties (PRPs) including current owners, past owners, generators, and transporters
CERCLA imposes strict, joint-and-several liability on all PRPs — current owners, past owners, waste generators, and transporters — regardless of fault or negligence.
Question 6: What is the purpose of a 'turbidity curtain' installed in a waterway adjacent to a construction project?
- Prevent fish from entering the work zone
- Contain suspended sediment within a defined area to protect water quality (Correct answer)
- Redirect water flow around the site
- Prevent equipment from falling into the water
Correct answer: Contain suspended sediment within a defined area to protect water quality
Turbidity (silt) curtains are floating fabric barriers that confine sediment-laden water, allowing suspended particles to settle before water is released.
CPC CPC Environmental Compliance & Sustainability 2
What is the purpose of a 'construction and demolition (C&D) waste management plan'?