Environmental Compliance & Permits Flashcards

Under the NPDES Construction General Permit, what is the maximum allowable turbidity benchmark for discharges to impaired water bodies in Kansas?

Answer: 25 NTU above background

NPDES CGP benchmarks for turbidity at impaired water bodies are set at 25 NTU above background to protect water quality.

A KDOT inspector notices a contractor disturbed a wetland buffer without a Section 404 permit. What is the FIRST action the inspector should take?

Answer: Issue a stop-work order and notify the KDOT environmental office

Unpermitted wetland disturbance requires an immediate stop-work order and escalation to KDOT's environmental office to avoid further violation.

Which federal agency has primary authority to regulate discharge of dredge and fill material into waters of the United States under Section 404?

Answer: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers administers Section 404 permits for dredge and fill activities in waters of the U.S.

What document outlines mitigation measures for a project to avoid, minimize, and compensate for impacts to protected species?

Answer: Biological Opinion (BO)

A Biological Opinion from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service specifies required mitigation measures for protected species under Section 7 of the ESA.

During grading operations, a contractor uncovers what appears to be human skeletal remains. Under Kansas law, work must halt within how many feet of the discovery?

Answer: 100 feet

Kansas law requires work to stop within 100 feet of suspected human remains until the county coroner and SHPO are notified.

Which permit type under the Clean Water Act allows routine KDOT activities such as minor road widening in non-impaired streams with minimal impact?

Answer: Nationwide Permit (NWP)

Nationwide Permits are pre-authorized general permits for categories of activities with minimal environmental impact, streamlining approval for routine work.

A KDOT project site has an active Threatened & Endangered species survey requirement. When is the optimal window to conduct surveys for the American burying beetle in Kansas?

Answer: May through September when beetles are active above ground

American burying beetle surveys must occur during their active season (May–September) when adults can be detected using baited pitfall traps.