FREE CEI Site Inspection & Sampling Techniques Questions and Answers

Question 1

What is the primary purpose of site inspection in environmental auditing?

Accepted Answer

To verify site conditions and hazards

Answer

In environmental auditing, a site inspection is a critical step to physically assess the property and gather firsthand information. Its primary purpose is to verify current site conditions, identify potential environmental hazards, and observe operational practices. This helps confirm compliance with regulations and detect any unrecorded issues.

Question 2

Which sampling method collects samples systematically at regular intervals?

Accepted Answer

Systematic sampling

Answer

Systematic sampling involves selecting samples at regular, predetermined intervals from a larger population or area. For example, taking a soil sample every 10 meters along a transect. This method ensures even coverage and can be more efficient than random sampling, making it useful for detecting patterns or variations across a site.

Question 3

What equipment is commonly used to collect soil samples?

Accepted Answer

Soil auger

Answer

A soil auger is a specialized tool designed to bore into the ground and extract intact soil cores or disturbed soil samples from various depths. This allows environmental inspectors to collect representative samples for laboratory analysis to assess contamination levels, soil composition, or other environmental parameters. Other options like water or air samplers are for different media, and a thermometer measures temperature, not collects samples.

Question 4

Which factor is important when choosing sampling locations?

Accepted Answer

Representativeness

Answer

When choosing sampling locations, representativeness is crucial because the samples collected must accurately reflect the conditions of the entire area or population being studied. This ensures that the data obtained from the samples can be reliably extrapolated to make informed decisions about the site. Random convenience, accessibility only, or visibility do not guarantee that the samples will be indicative of the overall environmental conditions.

Question 5

What is the purpose of chain of custody in sampling?

Accepted Answer

To maintain sample integrity

Answer

Chain of custody is a critical procedure in environmental sampling that documents the chronological possession and handling of samples from collection to analysis. Its purpose is to maintain sample integrity by ensuring that samples are not tampered with, contaminated, or mishandled, thereby preserving their evidentiary value. This meticulous record-keeping provides an unbroken trail of accountability, which is essential for the legal defensibility and scientific validity of the analytical results.

CEI - Certified Environmental Inspector Practice Test

CEI - Certified Environmental Inspector Practice Test

FREE CEI Site Inspection & Sampling Techniques Questions and Answers