NEHA Environmental Health Regulations and Law 3

Question 1

Which federal law primarily governs the safety of public drinking water supplies in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)

Answer

Clean Water Act

Answer

Resource Conservation and Recovery Act

Answer

National Environmental Policy Act

Question 2

What is the significance of 'Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs)' under the Safe Drinking Water Act?

Accepted Answer

They are legally enforceable standards for the maximum permissible concentration of contaminants in public drinking water

Answer

They are aspirational goals with no legal force

Answer

They apply only to bottled water

Answer

They are set by individual states without EPA input

Question 3

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, what does OSHA's 'General Duty Clause' require of employers?

Accepted Answer

Employers must furnish a place of employment free from recognized hazards causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm

Answer

Employers must pay workers hazard pay for dangerous conditions

Answer

Employers must provide annual safety training regardless of job hazards

Answer

Employers must install air filtration systems in all workplaces

Question 4

What is a 'consent order' in environmental enforcement?

Accepted Answer

A legally binding agreement between a regulatory agency and a regulated party that resolves violations and specifies corrective actions

Answer

A court order requiring immediate facility closure

Answer

An administrative citation for minor violations

Answer

A permit allowing temporary non-compliance

Question 5

What does the Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) under SDWA require water systems to do?

Accepted Answer

Monitor drinking water at customer taps and take action levels if lead or copper concentrations exceed regulatory thresholds

Answer

Remove all lead pipes within 30 days of detection

Answer

Test all household plumbing annually at government expense

Answer

Prohibit the use of copper pipes in new construction

Question 6

What is the 'enforcement discretion' principle in environmental health regulation?

Accepted Answer

The authority of regulators to prioritize enforcement resources and determine appropriate responses based on severity, good faith, and compliance history

Answer

The requirement that all violations must be penalized equally

Answer

The prohibition of informal compliance assistance

Answer

The mandate to pursue criminal charges for all violations