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

Section 106 requires federal agencies to consult with the SHPO before approving any undertaking that might affect properties listed or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.

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 programmatic agreement (PA) is a binding document that resolves complex Section 106 cases, often used for phased projects, large programs, or situations where effects cannot be fully assessed at approval.

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

State water quality standards, including narrative criteria and numeric criteria for parameters like TSS, phosphorus, and metals, define acceptable water quality and serve as the basis for evaluating nonpoint source impacts.

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

Under transportation conformity, an area's transportation plan emissions must not exceed the SIP's motor vehicle emission budget; projects contributing within 2% of the budget may still require 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

Green infrastructure uses natural hydrologic processes — infiltration, evapotranspiration, and filtration — through features like bioswales, rain gardens, and permeable pavements to manage stormwater volume and quality.

CTE - Certified Transportation Engineer Practice Test

CTE - Certified Transportation Engineer Practice Test

CTE Environmental Impact & Sustainability 3