CPM CPM Environmental Compliance & Sustainability 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does the EPA's Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) Form R report track?
- Workplace injuries and illnesses at manufacturing facilities
- Releases and transfers of listed toxic chemicals to the environment (Correct answer)
- Hazardous waste disposal volumes and methods
- Greenhouse gas emissions for mandatory GHG reporting
Correct answer: Releases and transfers of listed toxic chemicals to the environment
TRI Form R (required under EPCRA Section 313) reports annual releases, transfers, and waste management activities for listed toxic chemicals at qualifying facilities.
Question 2: A plant manager implements an energy efficiency program targeting a 20% reduction in energy intensity. Which US DOE voluntary program provides tools and recognition for industrial energy management?
- EPA ENERGY STAR for Industry
- DOE Superior Energy Performance (SEP) / ISO 50001 (Correct answer)
- EPA Green Lights Program
- OSHA VPP (Voluntary Protection Program)
Correct answer: DOE Superior Energy Performance (SEP) / ISO 50001
The DOE's Superior Energy Performance program, aligned with ISO 50001, certifies industrial facilities for systematic energy management and verified energy savings.
Question 3: Under the Clean Air Act, what is a 'Significant New Alternatives Policy' (SNAP) program concerned with?
- Permits for new manufacturing facilities in non-attainment areas
- Acceptable substitutes for ozone-depleting substances (Correct answer)
- New source performance standards for large industrial boilers
- Greenhouse gas reporting thresholds for major emitters
Correct answer: Acceptable substitutes for ozone-depleting substances
EPA's SNAP program evaluates and lists acceptable and unacceptable substitutes for ozone-depleting substances used in refrigeration, aerosols, and other industrial applications.
Question 4: A plant's stormwater discharges are regulated under which permit type?
- RCRA Part B Permit
- NPDES Multi-Sector General Permit (MSGP) for Industrial Stormwater (Correct answer)
- Title V Air Operating Permit
- SPCC Stormwater Authorization
Correct answer: NPDES Multi-Sector General Permit (MSGP) for Industrial Stormwater
Industrial facilities that discharge stormwater associated with industrial activity must obtain coverage under the EPA's NPDES Multi-Sector General Permit (MSGP) or an equivalent state permit.
Question 5: Which sustainability framework uses Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 categories to classify greenhouse gas emissions?
- GRI Standards
- GHG Protocol Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard (Correct answer)
- ISO 14064
- CDP Climate Disclosure Framework
Correct answer: GHG Protocol Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard
The GHG Protocol defines Scope 1 (direct emissions), Scope 2 (purchased energy), and Scope 3 (value chain emissions) as the three categories for corporate greenhouse gas accounting.
Question 6: What is the concept of 'waste minimization' as encouraged under RCRA for hazardous waste generators?
- Increasing recycling rates to meet state solid waste diversion goals
- Reducing the volume or toxicity of hazardous waste generated at the source or through recycling (Correct answer)
- Transferring hazardous waste management responsibility to licensed contractors
- Substituting regulated hazardous wastes with non-listed solid wastes
Correct answer: Reducing the volume or toxicity of hazardous waste generated at the source or through recycling
RCRA waste minimization requires LQGs to certify they have a program in place to reduce hazardous waste volume or toxicity through source reduction and recycling.
CPM CPM Environmental Compliance & Sustainability 2
What does the EPA's Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) Form R report track?