Environmental Compliance Inspector Inspection and Sampling Procedures 3

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?

Accepted Answer

EPA Method 5 (filterable particulate matter)

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Compare the effluent data against background monitoring data and permit effluent limits

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Small Quantity Generator (SQG)

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

That the containment can hold the volume of the largest tank plus freeboard for precipitation

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

State Implementation Plan (SIP) fugitive dust regulations

Answer

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.

Environmental Compliance Inspector Practice Test

Environmental Compliance Inspector Practice Test

Environmental Compliance Inspector Inspection and Sampling Procedures 3