Air Quality Compliance 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 Compliance flashcards as text
A facility reports a deviation from its Title V permit emission limit. Under what timeframe must it typically notify the permitting authority?
Answer: Within 24 hours with a written follow-up within 2 days
Most Title V permits require prompt (24-hour) notification of deviations with a written follow-up within 2 working days.
Which New Source Performance Standard (NSPS) applies to volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from petroleum refineries?
Answer: 40 CFR Part 60, Subpart J
Subpart J of 40 CFR Part 60 covers standards of performance for petroleum refineries.
An inspector is reviewing a facility's fugitive emission control plan. Which equipment component type is typically the largest source of fugitive VOC emissions at a chemical plant?
Answer: Valves
Valves are typically the single largest source of fugitive VOC emissions due to their large number at chemical facilities.
What is the primary regulatory mechanism for addressing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from large stationary sources under the Clean Air Act?
Answer: GHG Reporting Program (40 CFR Part 98) and PSD/Title V permitting thresholds
The GHG Reporting Program requires reporting by large emitters, and PSD/Title V thresholds of 75,000–100,000 tpy CO2e trigger permitting.
During a facility inspection, an inspector finds that a thermal oxidizer is operating at 1,450°F when the permit requires a minimum of 1,600°F. What is the most appropriate immediate action?
Answer: Document the deviation and review operating logs to determine frequency and duration
Inspectors should document the deviation, gather operating data to assess severity, and then determine appropriate enforcement action.
Under the Risk Management Program (RMP) under CAA Section 112(r), which threshold for chlorine triggers Program 3 requirements?
Answer: 10,000 pounds
Chlorine has a threshold quantity of 2,500 pounds under the RMP rule, but Program 3 also depends on NAICS code and accident history; 10,000 pounds is the general RMP trigger for many substances — for chlorine the threshold is specifically 2,500 lbs.
Which ambient air quality standard is set to protect public welfare (e.g., visibility, crops, materials) rather than public health?
Answer: Secondary NAAQS
Secondary NAAQS are designed to protect public welfare, while primary standards protect public health.