FREE Environmental Compliance Inspector Federal Environmental Regulations Questions and Answers

Question 1

Under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), who must be notified immediately if a facility releases a hazardous substance in an amount equal to or greater than its Reportable Quantity (RQ)?

Accepted Answer

The National Response Center (NRC)

Answer

The local fire department

Answer

The State Emergency Response Commission (SERC)

Answer

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Regional Office

Question 2

A facility generates 1,200 kg of non-acute hazardous waste and 0.5 kg of acutely hazardous waste in a calendar month. Under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), how would this facility be classified?

Accepted Answer

Large Quantity Generator (LQG)

Answer

Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generator (CESQG)

Answer

Small Quantity Generator (SQG)

Answer

Very Small Quantity Generator (VSQG)

Question 3

An inspector is reviewing a manufacturing plant's obligations under the Clean Air Act (CAA). The plant is planning a modification that will significantly increase its emissions of a regulated pollutant. Which CAA program is specifically designed to set technology-based emission standards for such new or modified stationary sources?

Accepted Answer

New Source Performance Standards (NSPS)

Answer

National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)

Answer

Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT)

Answer

Acid Rain Program

Question 4

A facility that stores 12,000 pounds of a hazardous chemical (that is not an Extremely Hazardous Substance) is required to submit a Tier II form by March 1st each year. Which federal regulation mandates this reporting?

Accepted Answer

Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA)

Answer

Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)

Answer

Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)

Answer

Clean Water Act (CWA)

Question 5

Which of the following activities would most likely require a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit under the Clean Water Act?

Accepted Answer

A manufacturing facility discharging treated wastewater from a pipe directly into a river

Answer

Discharging wastewater to a publicly owned treatment works (POTW)

Answer

A construction project that disturbs 0.5 acres of land

Answer

A farm releasing agricultural runoff from a field into a ditch

Question 6

A chemical company experiences a spill of 50 gallons of a substance defined as 'oil' under the Clean Water Act (CWA). The spill creates a visible sheen on an adjacent navigable waterway. What is the immediate reporting requirement under Section 311 of the CWA?

Accepted Answer

Immediately notify the National Response Center (NRC).

Answer

Report the spill in writing to the EPA Regional Administrator within 60 days.

Answer

No reporting is required as the volume is less than 1,000 gallons.

Answer

Clean up the spill and document it in the facility's internal logbook.