CWD Environmental Impact Assessment 3

Question 1

Which wetland type is MOST likely to provide the greatest carbon sequestration function relevant to EIA climate change analysis?

Accepted Answer

Peatland (bog or fen)

Answer

Peatlands accumulate carbon in thick organic soil layers over millennia, giving them the highest carbon sequestration capacity per unit area.

Question 2

Under the Clean Water Act Section 401, a state water quality certification may be denied if:

Accepted Answer

The proposed discharge would violate state water quality standards

Answer

Section 401 certification can be denied or conditioned when a state determines a federal permit activity would violate its water quality standards.

Question 3

A delineation report prepared for EIA purposes must identify the wetland boundary based on which three criteria?

Accepted Answer

Hydrophytic vegetation, hydric soils, and wetland hydrology

Answer

The 1987 Corps Wetland Delineation Manual requires the presence of hydrophytic vegetation, hydric soils, and wetland hydrology for a positive wetland determination.

Question 4

Which agency must concur with a 'no effect' determination for threatened or endangered species before a Section 404 permit can be issued?

Accepted Answer

No agency concurrence is needed for a 'no effect' determination

Answer

A 'no effect' determination by the action agency does not require concurrence from USFWS or NOAA Fisheries; only 'may affect' determinations trigger formal consultation.

Question 5

In an EIA alternatives analysis for a project requiring Section 404 authorization, the 'no-action alternative' serves primarily to:

Accepted Answer

Establish the regulatory baseline against which project impacts are measured

Answer

The no-action alternative establishes the environmental baseline and context for comparing the impacts of proposed project alternatives.

(CWD) Certified Wetland Delineator Practice Test

(CWD) Certified Wetland Delineator Practice Test

CWD Environmental Impact Assessment 3