ETC ETC Environmental Engineering & Sustainability 1

Question 1

What US federal agency is primarily responsible for setting and enforcing environmental regulations?

Accepted Answer

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Answer

The US EPA administers major environmental laws including the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and RCRA, setting standards and enforcing compliance.

Question 2

What does NPDES stand for in stormwater management?

Accepted Answer

National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System

Answer

The NPDES permit program under the Clean Water Act regulates point source discharges of pollutants into waters of the US, including construction site stormwater.

Question 3

What is a SWPPP in construction site environmental compliance?

Accepted Answer

Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan

Answer

A SWPPP identifies potential pollutant sources, BMPs to minimize runoff contamination, and inspection and maintenance procedures required under the NPDES construction general permit.

Question 4

What does BOD measure in water quality analysis?

Accepted Answer

Biochemical Oxygen Demand, the oxygen needed by microbes to decompose organic matter

Answer

BOD measures the dissolved oxygen consumed by biological organisms decomposing organic matter in water over a standard 5-day period at 20 degrees C.

Question 5

What is the purpose of a silt fence on a construction site?

Accepted Answer

To trap sediment-laden runoff and prevent it from leaving the site

Answer

A silt fence is a temporary sediment control BMP that filters sediment from stormwater runoff at the site perimeter, reducing off-site soil erosion impacts.

(ETC) Engineering Technician Certification Practice Test

(ETC) Engineering Technician Certification Practice Test

ETC ETC Environmental Engineering & Sustainability 1