CPI Environmental Impact Considerations 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) before beginning a large installation project?
- To determine the structural load capacity of the site
- To identify existing or potential environmental contamination on the property (Correct answer)
- To calculate the energy efficiency rating of the proposed system
- To verify zoning permits are current
Correct answer: To identify existing or potential environmental contamination on the property
A Phase I ESA reviews historical records and conducts a site inspection to identify recognized environmental conditions such as contamination from prior industrial use.
Question 2: Which of the following refrigerant disposal practices is a violation of Section 608 of the Clean Air Act?
- Recovering refrigerant into an approved cylinder before equipment service
- Venting refrigerant intentionally into the atmosphere (Correct answer)
- Logging recovered refrigerant amounts in a service record
- Using EPA-certified recovery equipment
Correct answer: Venting refrigerant intentionally into the atmosphere
Section 608 explicitly prohibits the intentional venting of refrigerants covered under the rule; violations can result in fines up to $44,539 per day per violation.
Question 3: A fire suppression system uses clean agent FM-200. Which environmental property differentiates FM-200 from older halon systems?
- FM-200 has zero ozone depletion potential (Correct answer)
- FM-200 has a lower flammability rating
- FM-200 requires higher storage pressure
- FM-200 is a water-based suppression agent
Correct answer: FM-200 has zero ozone depletion potential
FM-200 (HFC-227ea) has an ozone depletion potential (ODP) of zero, unlike halon 1301, which has an ODP of 10 and is banned for new installations under the Montreal Protocol.
Question 4: When trenching for underground electrical conduit near a wetland buffer zone, what regulatory requirement typically applies?
- Only state building codes apply near wetlands
- Section 404 of the Clean Water Act may require a permit for work that could discharge fill material (Correct answer)
- No additional permits are needed as long as conduit is plastic
- Wetland buffers only apply to commercial projects over 10,000 sq ft
Correct answer: Section 404 of the Clean Water Act may require a permit for work that could discharge fill material
Section 404 of the CWA requires Army Corps of Engineers permits for activities that discharge dredged or fill material into waters of the US, including adjacent wetlands.
Question 5: What is the recommended practice for managing excess concrete washwater from a mixer on an installation site?
- Discharge it directly into the nearest storm drain
- Allow it to flow onto adjacent unpaved soil away from water bodies
- Contain it in a designated washout pit or portable washout container (Correct answer)
- Neutralize it with vinegar before surface disposal
Correct answer: Contain it in a designated washout pit or portable washout container
Concrete washwater is highly alkaline (pH 11–13) and a regulated pollutant; EPA construction stormwater permits require containment in dedicated washout areas to prevent discharge.
Question 6: Which labeling system is MOST commonly used by US installers to quickly identify environmental and health hazards of chemical products on-site?
- ISO 9001 product certification marks
- OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom) Safety Data Sheets and GHS labels (Correct answer)
- EPA Safer Choice seal
- NFPA 704 diamond placard only
Correct answer: OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom) Safety Data Sheets and GHS labels
OSHA's HazCom Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) requires GHS-compliant labels and Safety Data Sheets for all hazardous chemicals, giving workers standardized hazard and safe-handling information.
Question 7: A building's old ballasted rooftop HVAC unit contains PCB-contaminated oil. Under which law must its disposal be managed?
- Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
- Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) PCB regulations (Correct answer)
- Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)
- Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) only
Correct answer: Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) PCB regulations
TSCA Section 6(e) and 40 CFR Part 761 specifically govern the use, storage, and disposal of PCBs, requiring manifesting and disposal at approved facilities.
CPI Environmental Impact Considerations 3
What is the primary purpose of a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) before beginning a large installation project?