CTE Environmental Impact & Sustainability 3

Question 1

Under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, when must consultation with the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) occur?

Accepted Answer

Before the federal agency approves an undertaking that may affect historic properties

Answer

Only after construction plans are finalized

Answer

Only when the project disturbs Native American lands

Answer

After the ROD is issued for EIS projects

Question 2

What is a 'programmatic agreement' in the Section 106 historic preservation process?

Accepted Answer

A binding agreement between the agency, SHPO, ACHP, and others to manage complex or phased undertakings

Answer

A contract with historic preservation consultants

Answer

SHPO's written finding of no adverse effect

Answer

A mitigation measure for demolishing historic structures

Question 3

Which water quality standard is most relevant for evaluating highway project runoff impacts on receiving streams?

Accepted Answer

Narrative and numeric criteria in state water quality standards

Answer

Primary drinking water standards

Answer

Secondary drinking water standards

Answer

NPDES effluent guidelines for point sources

Question 4

What is the 'Rule of Two Percent' in transportation air quality conformity analysis?

Accepted Answer

Projects within 2% of the SIP motor vehicle emission budget trigger full conformity analysis

Answer

Projects must reduce VMT by 2% to achieve conformity

Answer

Projects in nonattainment areas are exempt from conformity if they represent less than 2% of regional emissions

Answer

Projects with less than 2% traffic increase are categorically excluded from hot-spot analysis

Question 5

What is 'green infrastructure' in the context of highway stormwater management?

Accepted Answer

Natural systems and processes — bioswales, permeable pavement, rain gardens — that manage stormwater on-site

Answer

Use of recycled materials in pavement construction

Answer

Federal green building certification for highway maintenance facilities

Answer

Planting trees in highway medians for aesthetics

Question 6

Which federal law requires consultation when a transportation project may affect threatened or endangered species or their critical habitat?

Accepted Answer

Endangered Species Act Section 7

Answer

Clean Water Act Section 404

Answer

National Environmental Policy Act

Answer

National Historic Preservation Act Section 106