Epa Core Knowledge Epa Core Knowledge Pollution Prevention & Control

Question 1

What is the hierarchy of pollution prevention approaches according to EPA's Pollution Prevention Act of 1990?

Accepted Answer

Source reduction, recycling, treatment, then disposal

Answer

Treatment, recycling, source reduction, then disposal

Answer

Disposal, treatment, recycling, then source reduction

Answer

Recycling, source reduction, treatment, then disposal

Question 2

What is a Best Available Technology (BAT) standard under the Clean Water Act?

Accepted Answer

The most effective pollution control technology that is economically achievable for a given industry

Answer

Any commercially available treatment technology regardless of cost

Answer

The cheapest method an industry can use to reduce discharge

Answer

Technology that achieves zero discharge of pollutants

Question 3

Which federal law primarily governs the management and disposal of hazardous waste in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)

Answer

Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA)

Answer

Clean Air Act

Answer

Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)

Question 4

What is a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP)?

Accepted Answer

A site-specific plan that identifies pollution sources and describes control measures to reduce stormwater contaminants

Answer

A municipal ordinance restricting impervious surface coverage

Answer

An EPA permit for discharging treated wastewater to surface water

Answer

A federal program requiring all municipalities to install stormwater treatment systems

Question 5

What does the term 'secondary containment' mean in pollution prevention?

Accepted Answer

A backup structure designed to contain spills or leaks from primary storage containers

Answer

A treatment system installed after the primary treatment unit

Answer

Secondary barriers placed around hazardous waste disposal cells

Answer

A redundant monitoring system for detecting leaks

Question 6

Under RCRA, what is the regulatory definition of a hazardous waste?

Accepted Answer

A solid waste that is listed or exhibits characteristics of ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, or toxicity

Answer

Any waste that contains chemical compounds at concentrations above detection limits

Answer

All industrial wastewater discharged without a permit

Answer

Waste that requires special packaging before transport