GCC GCC Environmental Compliance & Sustainability 2

Question 1

What does the term 'impervious surface' refer to in stormwater management?

Accepted Answer

A hard surface such as pavement or roofing that prevents water infiltration into the ground

Answer

Impervious surfaces prevent rainwater from infiltrating the soil, increasing stormwater runoff volume and velocity, which is a key consideration in site design and stormwater management.

Question 2

Under RCRA, which designation identifies waste that poses a substantial hazard due to ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, or toxicity?

Accepted Answer

Hazardous waste

Answer

The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) classifies waste meeting ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, or toxicity criteria as hazardous waste, subject to strict disposal regulations.

Question 3

A contractor discovers underground storage tanks (USTs) on a demolition site. The first regulatory step is to:

Accepted Answer

Notify the appropriate state environmental agency and assess for leaks

Answer

Discovered USTs must be reported to the state environmental agency, which will direct proper assessment, leak testing, and removal procedures to prevent soil and groundwater contamination.

Question 4

Which construction practice helps reduce the urban heat island effect?

Accepted Answer

Installing cool roofs with high solar reflectance

Answer

Cool roofs with high solar reflectance and thermal emittance absorb less heat, reducing building cooling loads and contributing to lower ambient temperatures in urban areas.

Question 5

A 'brownfield' site in construction refers to:

Accepted Answer

A previously developed property with known or suspected contamination

Answer

Brownfield sites are previously used properties where environmental contamination may complicate redevelopment, often eligible for EPA Brownfields funding and requiring Phase I/II Environmental Site Assessments.

(GCC) General Contracting Certification Practice Test

(GCC) General Contracting Certification Practice Test

GCC GCC Environmental Compliance & Sustainability 2