EI EI Environmental & Sustainability Engineering 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the purpose of a Preliminary Hazardous Materials Survey (also called a Phase I ESA) when evaluating a site?
- To identify potential environmental contamination without invasive sampling (Correct answer)
- To collect soil and groundwater samples for chemical analysis
- To issue a regulatory compliance certificate
- To determine a site's structural load-bearing capacity
Correct answer: To identify potential environmental contamination without invasive sampling
A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment reviews historical records, regulatory databases, and site conditions to identify recognized environmental conditions without physical sampling.
Question 2: In wastewater treatment, what is the function of the secondary treatment stage?
- Remove dissolved and suspended biological matter through biological processes (Correct answer)
- Screen out large solids and grit from raw sewage
- Disinfect the effluent before discharge
- Remove heavy metals through chemical precipitation
Correct answer: Remove dissolved and suspended biological matter through biological processes
Secondary treatment uses biological processes, such as activated sludge or trickling filters, to remove dissolved organic matter and suspended biological solids after primary settling.
Question 3: Which engineering principle describes designing infrastructure that can handle peak flows while preserving natural hydrology?
- Low Impact Development (LID) (Correct answer)
- Hydraulic Fracturing
- Integrated Resource Management
- Floodplain Encroachment
Correct answer: Low Impact Development (LID)
LID is a stormwater management approach that mimics natural hydrologic processes through techniques such as bioretention, permeable pavement, and green roofs.
Question 4: What does the term 'remediation' mean in the context of environmental engineering?
- The process of cleaning up contaminated soil or groundwater (Correct answer)
- Routine maintenance of stormwater infrastructure
- Issuing environmental impact permits
- Designing pollution prevention plans
Correct answer: The process of cleaning up contaminated soil or groundwater
Remediation refers to the removal or neutralization of contaminants from soil, sediment, or groundwater to restore an environment to acceptable conditions.
Question 5: Under the Clean Air Act, what is a 'criteria pollutant'?
- A common air pollutant for which the EPA has set National Ambient Air Quality Standards (Correct answer)
- Any chemical emitted by industrial facilities requiring a permit
- A pollutant found only in outdoor environments
- A greenhouse gas regulated under the Paris Agreement
Correct answer: A common air pollutant for which the EPA has set National Ambient Air Quality Standards
The EPA identifies six criteria pollutants (e.g., ozone, PM2.5, CO, NO2, SO2, Pb) for which it sets NAAQS to protect public health and the environment.
Question 6: Which sustainable design rating system is most commonly used for evaluating green buildings in the United States?
- LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) (Correct answer)
- BREEAM
- ENERGY STAR
- Living Building Challenge
Correct answer: LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)
LEED, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, is the most widely used green building rating system in the U.S., covering categories such as energy, water, and materials.
EI EI Environmental & Sustainability Engineering 2
What is the purpose of a Preliminary Hazardous Materials Survey (also called a Phase I ESA) when evaluating a site?