Environmental Impact & Sustainability in Transportation Flashcards
7 cards from real NETTCP practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Environmental Impact & Sustainability in Transportation flashcards as text
Which federal regulation requires transportation agencies to assess the environmental impacts of major highway projects before approval?
Answer: National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
NEPA requires federal agencies to evaluate environmental effects of major projects through Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) or Environmental Assessments (EA).
What is the primary purpose of a stormwater retention basin installed near a highway?
Answer: To capture and treat runoff before it enters natural waterways
Retention basins capture stormwater runoff from roadways, allowing pollutants to settle and reducing peak flow rates into natural water bodies.
Which greenhouse gas is most directly associated with vehicle tailpipe emissions in transportation?
Answer: Carbon dioxide (CO2)
CO2 is the dominant greenhouse gas from combustion of fossil fuels in vehicle engines and represents the largest share of transportation emissions.
What does the term 'context-sensitive design' mean in sustainable transportation planning?
Answer: Designing infrastructure that fits the surrounding community and natural environment
Context-sensitive design balances transportation needs with community values, natural resources, and aesthetic considerations specific to each project location.
In New England, which environmental concern is most closely associated with road salt application during winter maintenance?
Answer: Contamination of freshwater aquifers and wetlands
Road salt leaches into groundwater and surface water, elevating chloride levels that harm aquatic ecosystems and can contaminate drinking water wells.
What is the main environmental benefit of using recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) in road construction?
Answer: It reduces the demand for virgin materials and lowers energy consumption
RAP reduces the need for new bitumen and aggregate, conserving natural resources and reducing the energy and emissions associated with producing virgin materials.
Which air pollutant from diesel vehicles is most strongly linked to particulate matter (PM2.5) formation and respiratory health impacts?
Answer: Diesel exhaust particles and black carbon
Diesel exhaust contains fine particles and black carbon that directly form PM2.5, which penetrates deep into lung tissue and causes significant health effects.