CPP CPP Site Assessment & Due Diligence 2

Question 1

What is a 'wetland delineation' and who is qualified to perform one in the US?

Accepted Answer

A field investigation identifying wetland boundaries using hydrology, hydric soils, and hydrophytic vegetation criteria

Answer

Wetland delineations use the Army Corps of Engineers 3-parameter approach (hydrology, soils, vegetation) to identify and map wetland boundaries; qualified environmental scientists or engineers conduct them.

Question 2

What is a 'Jurisdictional Determination' (JD) from the Army Corps of Engineers?

Accepted Answer

An official Corps determination of whether waters or wetlands on a site are subject to Section 404 jurisdiction

Answer

A Jurisdictional Determination is the Corps' official finding about whether specific areas qualify as waters of the US and are subject to Section 404 permitting requirements.

Question 3

In conducting site due diligence, what is a 'regulatory database search' designed to reveal?

Accepted Answer

Properties listed on federal and state environmental databases as contaminated or regulated sites near the subject property

Answer

Regulatory database searches identify properties listed on EPA, state, and local databases (Superfund, RCRA, UST, leaking underground storage tank lists) near the subject property that could indicate contamination concerns.

Question 4

What is the purpose of a 'geophysical survey' during site investigation?

Accepted Answer

To detect subsurface features like buried tanks, utilities, or debris using non-invasive methods

Answer

Geophysical methods like ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and electromagnetic induction (EMI) detect subsurface anomalies without drilling, helping locate buried tanks, drums, utilities, or fill areas before sampling.

Question 5

What is an 'underground storage tank' (UST) regulatory concern in property due diligence?

Accepted Answer

USTs are major sources of soil and groundwater contamination from leaking petroleum products, creating significant CERCLA liability

Answer

Leaking USTs are one of the most common sources of soil and groundwater contamination in the US, with EPA's UST program regulating their installation, operation, and closure to prevent and address releases.

CPP - Certified Permitting Professional Practice Test

CPP - Certified Permitting Professional Practice Test

CPP CPP Site Assessment & Due Diligence 2