Inspection and Sampling Procedures 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 Inspection and Sampling Procedures flashcards as text
During an air emissions inspection, a stack test is being conducted. What reference method is typically used to measure particulate matter emissions from stationary sources?
Answer: EPA Method 5 (filterable particulate matter)
EPA Method 5 uses an isokinetic probe and filter to collect filterable particulate matter from stationary source exhaust stacks.
A facility claims a wastewater sample showing elevated zinc is due to naturally occurring background levels. How should the inspector evaluate this claim?
Answer: Compare the effluent data against background monitoring data and permit effluent limits
Inspectors must compare discharge monitoring data against permit limits and, where applicable, evaluate background data to determine whether a violation has occurred.
Under RCRA, a facility that generates between 100 and 1,000 kg of hazardous waste per month is classified as which type of generator?
Answer: Small Quantity Generator (SQG)
Facilities generating 100–1,000 kg/month of hazardous waste are classified as Small Quantity Generators (SQGs) with intermediate regulatory requirements.
When performing a visual inspection of a facility's secondary containment for oil storage, what is the inspector primarily verifying?
Answer: That the containment can hold the volume of the largest tank plus freeboard for precipitation
Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) regulations require secondary containment to hold at least the volume of the largest tank plus allowance for precipitation.
An inspector observes a fugitive dust plume from an unpaved haul road at a mining operation. This observation would most likely be documented under which program?
Answer: State Implementation Plan (SIP) fugitive dust regulations
Fugitive dust from unpaved roads at mining and industrial operations is typically regulated under state air quality regulations implementing the State Implementation Plan for particulate matter.
A split sample is collected during a compliance inspection. What is the purpose of the split sample given to the facility?
Answer: To provide the facility an opportunity for independent analysis to verify the inspector's results
Split samples allow the regulated facility to independently verify the analytical results obtained by the regulatory agency, which is an important due-process protection.
Which of the following is a correct procedure when collecting a dissolved oxygen (DO) sample in the field?
Answer: Avoid introducing air bubbles when filling the sample container and seal it immediately
Dissolved oxygen is volatile and reactive; samples must be collected and sealed carefully to prevent atmospheric exchange that would alter the DO concentration.