CPWM Regulatory Compliance & Environmental Safety

Question 1

Which U.S. law establishes cradle‑to‑grave management of hazardous waste?

Accepted Answer

Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)

Answer

The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), enacted in 1976, is the principal federal law in the United States governing the disposal of solid waste and hazardous waste. Specifically, Subtitle C of RCRA establishes a comprehensive 'cradle-to-grave' system for managing hazardous waste, tracking it from its generation through transport, treatment, storage, and final disposal.

Question 2

Under OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard, employers must provide workers with:

Accepted Answer

Safety Data Sheets for each hazardous chemical

Answer

Under OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom), employers are legally required to provide workers with Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) for all hazardous chemicals in the workplace. SDSs contain critical information about chemical hazards, safe handling procedures, emergency measures, and protective equipment. This ensures employees are informed and equipped to work safely with hazardous materials.

Question 3

A Large Quantity Generator (LQG) must ship accumulated hazardous waste off‑site within:

Accepted Answer

90 days

Answer

Under RCRA regulations, a Large Quantity Generator (LQG) of hazardous waste is permitted to accumulate hazardous waste on-site for a maximum of 90 days. This timeframe allows generators to accumulate sufficient quantities for cost-effective transportation and disposal. Exceeding this 90-day limit generally requires the facility to obtain a hazardous waste storage permit, which involves more stringent requirements.

Question 4

NPDES permits issued under the Clean Water Act regulate:

Accepted Answer

Discharges of pollutants into navigable waters

Answer

The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program, established under the Clean Water Act, specifically regulates direct discharges of pollutants from point sources into navigable waters. Its purpose is to control water pollution by setting limits on what can be discharged and requiring facilities to obtain a permit before discharging any pollutants. This helps protect and restore the quality of the nation's waterways.

Question 5

CERCLA, also known as Superfund, primarily addresses:

Accepted Answer

Remediation of contaminated sites and cost recovery

Answer

The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), commonly known as Superfund, primarily addresses the cleanup of uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous waste sites. Its core functions include identifying responsible parties, ensuring the remediation of contaminated sites, and enabling the government to recover cleanup costs. This legislation aims to protect public health and the environment from the dangers posed by historical contamination.

(CPWM) Certified Professional in Waste Management Practice Test

(CPWM) Certified Professional in Waste Management Practice Test

CPWM Regulatory Compliance & Environmental Safety