Environmental Health Regulations and Law Flashcards

Which federal agency is primarily responsible for implementing and enforcing environmental health laws in the United States?

Answer: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the primary federal agency responsible for developing and enforcing environmental regulations to protect human health and the environment.

What does NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act) require for major federal actions?

Answer: Preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to evaluate potential environmental effects

NEPA requires federal agencies to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for any major federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment.

Under the Clean Water Act, what are 'point source' pollutants?

Answer: Pollution discharged from a discrete conveyance such as a pipe, ditch, or channel

Point source pollution under the Clean Water Act refers to pollutants discharged from identifiable, discrete conveyances such as pipes, ditches, channels, or conduits directly into water bodies.

What is the purpose of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program?

Answer: To regulate discharges of pollutants from point sources into waters of the United States

The NPDES permit program, established under the Clean Water Act, regulates the discharge of pollutants from point sources into surface waters, requiring permits that specify effluent limits.

What is the 'Precautionary Principle' as applied in environmental health regulation?

Answer: Taking protective action to prevent harm even when scientific certainty is incomplete if there are reasonable grounds for concern

The Precautionary Principle holds that regulatory protective action should be taken to prevent potential harm even when complete scientific certainty of causation has not been established, especially for serious or irreversible threats.

What is a 'Superfund' site under CERCLA (Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act)?

Answer: A site contaminated with hazardous substances that has been listed on the National Priorities List for cleanup

CERCLA Superfund sites are contaminated locations listed on the National Priorities List that are targeted for federal-led cleanup of hazardous substance releases that threaten human health or the environment.