Infrastructure & Utilities Permitting Flashcards
6 cards from real CPP practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Infrastructure & Utilities Permitting flashcards as text
Which provision of the Clean Air Act requires major new or modified stationary sources in attainment areas to obtain a Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) permit?
Answer: Clean Air Act Part C (Prevention of Significant Deterioration), applicable to sources exceeding major source thresholds
PSD permits are required for new major sources and major modifications in attainment areas; they require Best Available Control Technology (BACT) analysis and air quality impact assessment.
What is a 'crossing permit' in the context of rail or highway infrastructure?
Answer: A permit from a railroad or highway authority authorizing utilities or other infrastructure to cross under, over, or through their right-of-way
Utilities and pipeline operators must obtain crossing permits from railroad companies (under federal regulations) or highway agencies when their infrastructure crosses an existing ROW.
What is a 'State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan' and how does it relate to infrastructure permitting?
Answer: A low-interest federal-state loan program for water and wastewater infrastructure projects; projects receiving SRF funds must comply with federal environmental requirements including NEPA
SRF loans through EPA's Clean Water SRF and Drinking Water SRF programs are conditioned on compliance with NEPA, cross-cutters (Davis-Bacon, Section 401/404), and other federal requirements.
Under PHMSA regulations, which pipeline operator requirement is most relevant to the permitting process for hazardous liquid pipelines?
Answer: Submission of an Integrity Management Program and compliance with 49 CFR Part 195 before operating in High Consequence Areas (HCAs)
PHMSA's 49 CFR Part 195 requires hazardous liquid pipeline operators to conduct integrity assessments and implement integrity management programs, particularly in HCAs near populated areas or sensitive resources.
What is the significance of the '404(b)(1) Guidelines' in wetland permitting for infrastructure projects?
Answer: They are the substantive criteria used by the Army Corps and EPA to evaluate whether Section 404 permit applications should be approved, requiring analysis of alternatives, impacts, and mitigation
The 404(b)(1) Guidelines require applicants to demonstrate that no practicable alternative with less impact exists and that all impacts are avoided, minimized, and mitigated through a mitigation sequence.
What is a 'state Section 401 Water Quality Certification' and when is it required?
Answer: A state certification required for any federally licensed or permitted activity that may discharge to waters within the state, confirming the activity will comply with state water quality standards
Section 401 of the Clean Water Act requires states to certify (or waive) that federally permitted activities comply with state water quality standards; states can add conditions or deny certification.