SMSTS Environmental Compliance 3

Question 1

What does 'biodiversity net gain' require of developers in England under the Environment Act 2021?

Accepted Answer

A 10% measurable improvement in biodiversity compared to the pre-development baseline

Answer

The Environment Act 2021 mandates a mandatory 10% biodiversity net gain, measured using a government metric, for most new developments.

Question 2

Which authority should be notified if construction work is likely to disturb a protected species such as great crested newts?

Accepted Answer

Natural England (or the relevant devolved nature body)

Answer

Natural England issues mitigation licenses for protected species, and developers must apply for a European Protected Species license before disturbing their habitats.

Question 3

What is a 'site waste management plan' (SWMP) primarily used for?

Accepted Answer

Planning and recording how waste will be managed and minimized on site

Answer

A SWMP sets out how waste will be minimized, segregated, reused, recycled, and disposed of, supporting legal compliance and cost efficiency.

Question 4

Which of the following construction activities requires an abstraction license from the Environment Agency?

Accepted Answer

Pumping groundwater from an excavation above permitted thresholds

Answer

Abstracting water above exemption thresholds requires a license under the Water Resources Act 1991, administered by the Environment Agency.

Question 5

A neighbor reports that muddy water from a construction site is flowing into a local stream. Under which legislation could the site manager be prosecuted?

Accepted Answer

The Water Resources Act 1991

Answer

Allowing polluted water to enter a watercourse is an offense under the Water Resources Act 1991, which prohibits causing or knowingly permitting water pollution.

(SMSTS) Site Management Safety Training Scheme Practice Test

(SMSTS) Site Management Safety Training Scheme Practice Test

SMSTS Environmental Compliance 3