Environmental Compliance Flashcards

Which compliance strategy involves a facility conducting its own systematic evaluation of operations to identify potential violations before a regulatory inspection?

Answer: Environmental Audit or Self-Assessment

Environmental audits or self-assessments are proactive internal reviews that identify compliance gaps, allowing facilities to correct issues before they become regulatory violations.

A construction project disturbing more than one acre of land must obtain what type of stormwater permit coverage under the Clean Water Act?

Answer: General Construction Stormwater Permit (CGP) coverage via NOI

Construction sites disturbing one or more acres must obtain coverage under EPA's Construction General Permit by filing a Notice of Intent and implementing a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan.

Under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), when is a full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) required rather than an Environmental Assessment (EA)?

Answer: When a federal action may significantly affect the quality of the human environment

An EIS is required when a federal agency determines through an EA or categorical exclusion review that a proposed action may significantly affect the human environment.

Which term describes the legal principle that holds multiple parties jointly and individually liable for the full cost of environmental cleanup regardless of their proportional contribution to contamination?

Answer: Joint and several liability

Joint and several liability under CERCLA means any potentially responsible party can be held liable for the entire cleanup cost, even if they contributed only a small fraction of the contamination.

What is the primary compliance requirement under the Safe Drinking Water Act's Underground Injection Control (UIC) program?

Answer: Preventing contamination of underground sources of drinking water through injection well permits

The UIC program regulates the construction, operation, and closure of injection wells to prevent contamination of underground sources of drinking water used for public water supplies.

A facility receives a Notice of Violation (NOV) from a regulatory agency. Which of the following is the MOST appropriate initial response?

Answer: Review the NOV carefully, consult legal counsel, and respond within the specified timeframe

A NOV requires a prompt, documented response that acknowledges receipt, outlines corrective actions, and engages legal counsel to protect the facility's rights while addressing the alleged violation.

Under the Clean Air Act, which standard applies to new and modified major sources of air pollution in areas that do not meet NAAQS (nonattainment areas)?

Answer: Lowest Achievable Emission Rate (LAER)

LAER is the most stringent emissions limitation achieved in practice by similar sources and applies to major new or modified sources in nonattainment areas under New Source Review.