ENV SP Natural World & Ecology 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does the 'Natural World' category assess in the Envision framework?
- How well infrastructure projects protect and restore ecosystems, habitats, and biodiversity (Correct answer)
- The scenic beauty of the project location
- Whether the project uses natural gas as its energy source
- The number of trees visible from the project site
Correct answer: How well infrastructure projects protect and restore ecosystems, habitats, and biodiversity
The Natural World category evaluates a project's impact on ecosystems, habitats, biodiversity, and natural resources, rewarding efforts to protect and restore natural systems.
Question 2: How does Envision address biodiversity protection in infrastructure projects?
- By requiring assessment and mitigation of impacts on native species and habitat connectivity (Correct answer)
- By only considering endangered species listed on federal registers
- By ignoring biodiversity as it is not relevant to infrastructure
- By requiring projects to create zoos near construction sites
Correct answer: By requiring assessment and mitigation of impacts on native species and habitat connectivity
Envision credits projects that assess impacts on biodiversity, avoid sensitive habitats, maintain wildlife corridors, and restore or enhance ecosystems affected by construction.
Question 3: What is a wetland mitigation bank?
- A preserved or restored wetland area that generates credits to offset wetland impacts from other projects (Correct answer)
- A financial institution that funds wetland research
- A database of all wetlands in the United States
- A type of flood insurance for properties near wetlands
Correct answer: A preserved or restored wetland area that generates credits to offset wetland impacts from other projects
Wetland mitigation banks are sites where wetlands have been restored, created, or preserved to generate credits that developers can purchase to offset unavoidable wetland impacts from their projects.
Question 4: Why does Envision promote the use of native plant species in landscaping?
- Native plants require less water and maintenance and support local wildlife and pollinators (Correct answer)
- Native plants are always less expensive than non-native species
- Envision does not address landscaping choices
- Non-native plants provide better erosion control
Correct answer: Native plants require less water and maintenance and support local wildlife and pollinators
Native plants are adapted to local conditions, requiring less water, fertilizer, and maintenance while providing habitat for local wildlife, pollinators, and beneficial insects.
Question 5: What is an environmental impact assessment (EIA) as referenced in Envision?
- A systematic process evaluating potential environmental effects of a proposed project (Correct answer)
- A financial analysis of environmental cleanup costs
- A post-construction survey of wildlife populations
- An aesthetic evaluation of the project design
Correct answer: A systematic process evaluating potential environmental effects of a proposed project
An EIA systematically identifies, predicts, and evaluates the potential environmental impacts of a proposed project, informing design decisions and mitigation measures.
Question 6: How should infrastructure projects manage stormwater runoff according to Envision?
- By using low-impact development techniques that mimic natural hydrologic processes (Correct answer)
- By channeling all runoff directly into the nearest water body
- By paving all surfaces to prevent water infiltration
- Stormwater management is not addressed in Envision
Correct answer: By using low-impact development techniques that mimic natural hydrologic processes
Envision promotes low-impact development (LID) techniques such as bioretention, permeable pavement, and rain gardens that manage stormwater on-site, mimicking natural water cycles.
ENV SP Natural World & Ecology 1
What does the 'Natural World' category assess in the Envision framework?