Environmental Compliance Inspector Air Quality and Emissions 3

Question 1

Which regulation specifically governs the phase-out and management of ozone-depleting substances in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Clean Air Act Section 608 (Refrigerant Management)

Answer

Section 608 of the Clean Air Act establishes the refrigerant management program, requiring proper handling, recovery, and disposal of ozone-depleting refrigerants.

Question 2

A 'major modification' under New Source Review (NSR) Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) rules triggers review when a physical change causes a significant net emissions increase. For NOx in an attainment area, the significance threshold is:

Accepted Answer

40 tons per year

Answer

For NOx, the PSD significance level is 40 tons per year; projects below this threshold do not trigger PSD major modification review.

Question 3

An environmental inspector reviewing a facility's CEMS data notices 10% of valid operating hours show exceedances. Under 40 CFR Part 75, excess emission reports must be submitted:

Accepted Answer

Quarterly, within 30 days after the end of each quarter

Answer

40 CFR Part 75 requires quarterly excess emissions reports submitted within 30 days of each quarter's end to EPA's ECMPS system.

Question 4

The National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for Major Sources set emission limits based on:

Accepted Answer

Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT)

Answer

NESHAP for major sources (also called MACT standards) require use of Maximum Achievable Control Technology, reflecting the best-performing 12% of sources.

Question 5

Under the Clean Air Act's Acid Rain Program (Title IV), what is the primary mechanism used to control SO2 emissions from power plants?

Accepted Answer

A cap-and-trade allowance system

Answer

Title IV created a national SO2 cap-and-trade program where each allowance permits emission of one ton of SO2, and sources must hold enough allowances to cover their emissions.

Environmental Compliance Inspector Practice Test

Environmental Compliance Inspector Practice Test

Environmental Compliance Inspector Air Quality and Emissions 3