HUD HUD Environmental Hazards and Site Assessment 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which HUD regulation requires an environmental review before committing federal funds to a housing project?
- 24 CFR Part 58 (Environmental Review Procedures) (Correct answer)
- 24 CFR Part 35 (Lead-Based Paint)
- 24 CFR Part 55 (Floodplain Management)
- 24 CFR Part 5 (General Program Requirements)
Correct answer: 24 CFR Part 58 (Environmental Review Procedures)
24 CFR Part 58 establishes environmental review requirements that must be completed before HUD funds are committed, delegating review authority to Responsible Entities such as local governments.
Question 2: What is a 'Phase I Environmental Site Assessment' (ESA) and when does HUD require one?
- A lead paint inspection required for all pre-1978 homes receiving HUD assistance
- A review of historical records and site reconnaissance to identify recognized environmental conditions before HUD fund commitment (Correct answer)
- A soil test required only for new construction on vacant land
- A water quality test required for homes with private wells
Correct answer: A review of historical records and site reconnaissance to identify recognized environmental conditions before HUD fund commitment
A Phase I ESA identifies recognized environmental conditions (RECs) such as underground storage tanks or prior industrial use through records review and site inspection, required by HUD for applicable projects.
Question 3: Under HUD regulations, what does 'clearance testing' verify after lead hazard control work?
- That the contractor is licensed
- That dust lead levels on floors, window sills, and troughs meet HUD's post-work clearance standards (Correct answer)
- That all paint in the unit has been removed
- That the unit has been vacant for 30 days
Correct answer: That dust lead levels on floors, window sills, and troughs meet HUD's post-work clearance standards
Clearance testing after lead hazard control work measures dust lead loading on floors, window sills, and window troughs to verify levels meet HUD's post-work standards before reoccupancy.
Question 4: A HUD inspector finds visible black mold on bathroom walls and a strong musty odor. What is the appropriate action under HQS?
- Document as cosmetic deficiency only
- Document as a fail requiring remediation because mold is a health hazard under HQS (Correct answer)
- Ignore unless the tenant has reported health symptoms
- Document only if the mold covers more than 10 square feet
Correct answer: Document as a fail requiring remediation because mold is a health hazard under HQS
Visible mold is a health hazard and an HQS fail; the cause must be identified and remediated because mold indicates excessive moisture and can cause respiratory health problems.
Question 5: Under HUD's Site and Neighborhood Standards, which condition would disqualify a site for assisted housing?
- Proximity to commercial uses within 1 mile
- Location in an area with an unacceptable environmental health or safety hazard that cannot be mitigated (Correct answer)
- Absence of public transportation within 2 miles
- Location more than 5 miles from a hospital
Correct answer: Location in an area with an unacceptable environmental health or safety hazard that cannot be mitigated
HUD's Site and Neighborhood Standards prohibit assisted housing in locations with unmitigable environmental health or safety hazards such as active contamination, severe air quality violations, or explosive risk.
Question 6: What is 'interim controls' for lead hazards as defined under HUD's Lead Safe Housing Rule?
- Complete removal of all lead-based paint from a housing unit
- Temporary measures that reduce lead exposure while a permanent solution is developed (Correct answer)
- Painting over lead hazards without surface preparation
- Encasing all painted surfaces in plastic sheeting
Correct answer: Temporary measures that reduce lead exposure while a permanent solution is developed
Interim controls are measures such as paint stabilization, specialized cleaning, and friction/impact surface treatment that temporarily reduce lead exposure pending a longer-term solution.
HUD HUD Environmental Hazards and Site Assessment 2
Which HUD regulation requires an environmental review before committing federal funds to a housing project?