ICC Environmental Standards and Permits 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which federal environmental law requires contractors to notify the EPA before demolishing or renovating buildings containing asbestos?
- RCRA
- NESHAP (National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants) (Correct answer)
- TSCA
- CERCLA
Correct answer: NESHAP (National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants)
NESHAP regulations require notification to the EPA and Illinois EPA before any asbestos abatement or demolition activities.
Question 2: In Illinois, which agency must be notified before disturbing lead-based paint in pre-1978 residential structures?
- Illinois Department of Transportation
- Illinois EPA and IDPH (Department of Public Health) (Correct answer)
- Illinois Commerce Commission only
- Local county clerk
Correct answer: Illinois EPA and IDPH (Department of Public Health)
Illinois EPA and the Illinois Department of Public Health oversee lead-based paint regulations, requiring notification and certified contractors for abatement.
Question 3: What is a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) required for in Illinois?
- All projects regardless of size
- Construction sites disturbing one or more acres of land (Correct answer)
- Only projects near rivers
- Underground utility work only
Correct answer: Construction sites disturbing one or more acres of land
Illinois EPA requires a SWPPP for construction sites that disturb one or more acres to prevent sediment and pollutants from entering waterways.
Question 4: Before disposing of construction debris in Illinois, a contractor must verify that materials do not contain:
- Recyclable wood
- Regulated hazardous waste requiring special disposal (Correct answer)
- Standard Portland cement
- Untreated lumber
Correct answer: Regulated hazardous waste requiring special disposal
Regulated hazardous waste such as asbestos, lead paint debris, and contaminated soil requires special disposal methods under Illinois EPA rules.
Question 5: Which Illinois permit is required before discharging stormwater from a construction site into a waterway?
- ICC Operating Permit
- NPDES Construction General Permit (issued by Illinois EPA) (Correct answer)
- Army Corps of Engineers Section 404 permit only
- Local municipal water permit
Correct answer: NPDES Construction General Permit (issued by Illinois EPA)
The NPDES Construction General Permit from Illinois EPA is required to authorize stormwater discharges from construction sites.
Question 6: Contractors working in Illinois wetlands must obtain a permit from which federal agency?
- FEMA
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) (Correct answer)
- U.S. Department of Agriculture
- Federal Highway Administration
Correct answer: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers regulates activities in wetlands and navigable waters under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act.
ICC Environmental Standards and Permits 1
Which federal environmental law requires contractors to notify the EPA before demolishing or renovating buildings containing asbestos?