NETTCP Environmental Impact & Sustainability in Transportation 5

Question 1

Which strategy is most effective for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from existing freight trucking operations along New England highway corridors?

Accepted Answer

Transitioning to alternative fuels such as compressed natural gas (CNG) or electric powertrains

Answer

Alternative fuel vehicles and electric trucks significantly reduce tailpipe CO2 and criteria pollutant emissions from the freight sector, which is a major contributor to transportation emissions.

Question 2

What is the purpose of an Erosion and Sediment Control (ESC) plan during highway construction in New England?

Accepted Answer

To prevent disturbed soil from washing into streams and wetlands during and after construction

Answer

ESC plans specify best management practices like silt fences, sediment basins, and temporary seeding to prevent sediment-laden stormwater from degrading nearby water bodies during land disturbance.

Question 3

How does a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system improve environmental outcomes compared to expanding highway capacity?

Accepted Answer

BRT moves more people per lane with lower emissions per passenger-mile than single-occupancy vehicles

Answer

By carrying large numbers of passengers efficiently, BRT achieves much lower emissions per person-mile than cars, and dedicated lanes prevent the induced demand that causes highway expansion to fill with new traffic.

Question 4

Which invasive plant species commonly spread along highway rights-of-way in New England, threatening native ecosystems?

Accepted Answer

Japanese knotweed, multiflora rose, and Oriental bittersweet

Answer

Japanese knotweed, multiflora rose, and Oriental bittersweet exploit disturbed soil along roadsides, outcompeting native vegetation and altering habitat structure in adjacent natural areas.

Question 5

What does the term 'life cycle assessment' (LCA) evaluate when applied to a transportation infrastructure project?

Accepted Answer

The total environmental impacts from raw material extraction through construction, operation, maintenance, and end-of-life disposal

Answer

LCA quantifies environmental burdens including energy use, emissions, and resource consumption across all phases of an infrastructure project's life, enabling comparison of alternative designs.

(NETTCP) New England Transportation Technician Certification Program Practice Test

(NETTCP) New England Transportation Technician Certification Program Practice Test

NETTCP Environmental Impact & Sustainability in Transportation 5