Environmental Compliance Inspector Hazardous Waste Management Questions and Answers

Question 1

An inspector observes a 55-gallon container of hazardous waste in a designated satellite accumulation area (SAA).
The container is properly labeled and closed, but it is dated three weeks prior.
Which of the following is the most accurate assessment of this situation?

Accepted Answer

This is not a violation, as there is no time limit for accumulating waste in an SAA, only a quantity limit.

Answer

This is a potential violation because once a container in an SAA is full, it must be moved within three days.

Answer

This is a violation because containers in an SAA are not allowed to be dated.

Answer

This is a violation because the maximum allowable quantity in an SAA is 30 gallons.

Question 2

What is the primary objective of the Land Disposal Restrictions (LDR) program under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)?

Accepted Answer

To require that hazardous wastes be treated to reduce their toxicity and/or mobility before being land disposed.

Answer

To promote the recycling and reuse of hazardous materials over disposal.

Answer

To establish a 'cradle-to-grave' tracking system for all hazardous waste using a manifest.

Answer

To ensure that all land disposal facilities have adequate financial assurance for closure and post-closure care.

Question 3

An inspector is reviewing waste streams at a large office complex. Which of the following items, if disposed of as a hazardous waste, is most appropriately managed under the streamlined Universal Waste regulations?

Accepted Answer

Spent fluorescent light bulbs.

Answer

Asbestos-containing insulation materials.

Answer

Used oil from building maintenance equipment.

Answer

Empty aerosol cans that previously held cleaning products.

Question 4

A manufacturing facility generates 1,200 kg of non-acute hazardous waste and 0.5 kg of acute hazardous waste in a calendar month. Based on these quantities, what is the facility's RCRA generator status for that month?

Accepted Answer

Large Quantity Generator (LQG)

Answer

Very Small Quantity Generator (VSQG)

Answer

Small Quantity Generator (SQG)

Answer

Interim Status Generator

Question 5

A Large Quantity Generator (LQG) shipped a hazardous waste off-site using a manifest. 50 days have passed, and the generator has not received the signed copy of the manifest back from the designated treatment, storage, and disposal facility (TSDF). What is the generator's immediate regulatory responsibility?

Accepted Answer

Contact the transporter and/or the TSDF to determine the status of the shipment.

Answer

Immediately file an Exception Report with the EPA.

Answer

Reship an identical amount of waste to a different TSDF.

Answer

Assume the shipment was lost and notify the National Response Center.

Question 6

An automotive repair shop generates used oil from vehicle maintenance. If the shop intends to send the used oil to be recycled, how is it typically regulated under RCRA?

Accepted Answer

It is regulated under the specific, streamlined standards for used oil management in 40 CFR Part 279.

Answer

It must be managed as a characteristic hazardous waste for ignitability.

Answer

It is exempt from all RCRA regulations as long as it is recycled.

Answer

It must be managed as a listed hazardous waste.

An inspector observes a 55-gallon container of hazardous waste in a designated satellite accumulation area (SAA).The container is properly labeled and closed, but it is dated three weeks prior.Which of the following is the most accurate assessment of this situation?

An inspector observes a 55-gallon container of hazardous waste in a designated satellite accumulation area (SAA).
The container is properly labeled and closed, but it is dated three weeks prior.
Which of the following is the most accurate assessment of this situation?