Air Quality and Emissions Flashcards
7 cards from real Environmental Compliance Inspector practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Air Quality and Emissions flashcards as text
Which document must a source obtain BEFORE beginning construction of a new major stationary source in an attainment area?
Answer: Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) Preconstruction Permit
A PSD preconstruction permit is required before construction begins for new major sources in areas that meet NAAQS, ensuring the air quality increment is not violated.
Fugitive dust emissions from an unpaved road at an industrial facility are best controlled using which Best Management Practice (BMP)?
Answer: Applying water or chemical dust suppressants
Water application and chemical dust suppressants are the most widely used BMPs for controlling fugitive particulate emissions from unpaved roads.
Under 40 CFR Part 60 (NSPS), a source is required to notify EPA of the commencement of an initial performance test (stack test) at least:
Answer: 30 days in advance
40 CFR Part 60 requires sources to notify the Administrator at least 30 days prior to a performance test so EPA may observe the test.
A facility in a PM2.5 nonattainment area wants to expand its operations significantly. The applicable preconstruction review standard is:
Answer: Lowest Achievable Emission Rate (LAER)
In nonattainment areas, new major sources must apply the Lowest Achievable Emission Rate (LAER), which is more stringent than BACT used in attainment areas.
A tank farm storing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is subject to emission control requirements primarily to address formation of which secondary pollutant?
Answer: Ground-level ozone
VOC emissions are ozone precursors; in the presence of NOx and sunlight, VOCs react to form ground-level ozone, a criteria pollutant.
During an inspection of a major source, an inspector discovers the facility has been operating a new emission unit for 6 months without obtaining the required permit modification. This is classified as:
Answer: Construction and operation without required authorization — a significant violation
Operating a new emission unit without required permit authorization is a serious violation of Clean Air Act permit requirements, regardless of whether emission limits were exceeded.
Which EPA program specifically tracks and inventories greenhouse gas emissions from large facilities emitting 25,000 metric tons CO2e per year or more?
Answer: Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program (GHGRP)
EPA's Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program (40 CFR Part 98) requires facilities emitting ≥25,000 metric tons CO2e/year to report annual GHG emissions.