Environmental Compliance Inspector Inspection and Sampling Procedures 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: 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?
- EPA Method 9 (visible emissions)
- EPA Method 5 (filterable particulate matter) (Correct answer)
- EPA Method 21 (fugitive VOC leaks)
- EPA Method 25A (total gaseous non-methane organics)
Correct 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.
Question 2: A facility claims a wastewater sample showing elevated zinc is due to naturally occurring background levels. How should the inspector evaluate this claim?
- Accept the explanation since natural sources are exempt from permit limits
- Compare the effluent data against background monitoring data and permit effluent limits (Correct answer)
- Immediately issue a notice of violation without further investigation
- Require the facility to cease discharge until zinc levels drop
Correct 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.
Question 3: Under RCRA, a facility that generates between 100 and 1,000 kg of hazardous waste per month is classified as which type of generator?
- Large Quantity Generator (LQG)
- Small Quantity Generator (SQG) (Correct answer)
- Very Small Quantity Generator (VSQG)
- Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generator (CESQG)
Correct 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.
Question 4: When performing a visual inspection of a facility's secondary containment for oil storage, what is the inspector primarily verifying?
- That tank labels comply with DOT placarding requirements
- That the containment can hold the volume of the largest tank plus freeboard for precipitation (Correct answer)
- That all tanks have been pressure-tested within the past year
- That the facility has filed a Tier II chemical inventory report
Correct 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.
Question 5: 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?
- Clean Water Act Section 404 permitting
- State Implementation Plan (SIP) fugitive dust regulations (Correct answer)
- Underground injection control Class V wells
- RCRA corrective action program
Correct 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.
Question 6: A split sample is collected during a compliance inspection. What is the purpose of the split sample given to the facility?
- To allow the facility to use it for process control monitoring
- To provide the facility an opportunity for independent analysis to verify the inspector's results (Correct answer)
- To replace the inspector's sample if it is lost during shipping
- To reduce the cost of laboratory analysis by sharing samples
Correct 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.
Question 7: Which of the following is a correct procedure when collecting a dissolved oxygen (DO) sample in the field?
- Vigorously shake the sample bottle to ensure uniform mixing before sealing
- Avoid introducing air bubbles when filling the sample container and seal it immediately (Correct answer)
- Store the sample in a clear glass bottle exposed to sunlight to maintain photosynthesis
- Add nitric acid preservative to the sample before measuring DO
Correct 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.
Environmental Compliance Inspector Inspection and Sampling Procedures 3
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?