SMSTS Environmental Compliance 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, what is the primary duty of a site manager regarding waste?
- Minimize waste generation and ensure proper disposal (Correct answer)
- Dispose of waste in the nearest landfill
- Burn non-hazardous waste on site to reduce volume
- Delegate waste management entirely to subcontractors
Correct answer: Minimize waste generation and ensure proper disposal
The Environmental Protection Act 1990 imposes a duty of care on all those who handle waste to prevent unauthorized disposal and ensure lawful management.
Question 2: Which document must accompany the transfer of hazardous waste from a construction site?
- A consignment note (Correct answer)
- A site permit
- A waste reduction plan
- A health and safety file
Correct answer: A consignment note
Hazardous waste must be accompanied by a consignment note that tracks its movement from the point of production to the disposal facility.
Question 3: What is the minimum distance that a concrete washout area should typically be from a watercourse?
- 10 meters (Correct answer)
- 5 meters
- 2 meters
- 50 meters
Correct answer: 10 meters
Best practice guidance recommends concrete washout areas be at least 10 meters from any watercourse to prevent alkaline runoff entering waterways.
Question 4: When is an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) typically required for a construction project?
- For projects likely to have significant effects on the environment (Correct answer)
- For all projects over $1 million in value
- Only for projects in National Parks
- Whenever more than 10 workers are on site
Correct answer: For projects likely to have significant effects on the environment
An EIA is required under the Town and Country Planning (EIA) Regulations for projects where significant environmental effects are likely.
Question 5: Which of the following best describes 'controlled waste' in a construction context?
- Household, industrial, and commercial waste subject to legal controls (Correct answer)
- Only radioactive materials on site
- Waste that has been sorted and recycled
- Soil and excavated materials only
Correct answer: Household, industrial, and commercial waste subject to legal controls
Controlled waste includes household, industrial, and commercial waste and is subject to the duty of care requirements under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
Question 6: A spill of diesel fuel occurs near a drainage gully on site. What is the FIRST action the site manager should take?
- Stop the source and contain the spill immediately (Correct answer)
- Call the Environment Agency before doing anything
- Hose the spill into the drain to dilute it
- Notify head office and wait for instructions
Correct answer: Stop the source and contain the spill immediately
The first priority in any spill is to stop the source and contain it to prevent further spread, particularly toward drains or watercourses.
Question 7: Which regulation specifically governs the storage of oil and fuel on construction sites in England?
- The Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) Regulations 2001 (Correct answer)
- The Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005
- COSHH Regulations 2002
- The Water Resources Act 1991
Correct answer: The Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) Regulations 2001
The Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) Regulations 2001 set out requirements for secondary containment and storage of oils above 200 liters.
SMSTS Environmental Compliance 2
Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, what is the primary duty of a site manager regarding waste?