Practice Test Geeks(UMC) Utility Management Certification Practice Test
← All UMC Flashcard Decks

Regulatory and Legal Compliance Flashcards

7 cards from real UMC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Regulatory and Legal Compliance flashcards as text

  1. What is the primary purpose of a state Public Utility Commission (PUC)?

    Answer: To regulate rates and service quality of investor-owned utilities

    State PUCs regulate investor-owned utilities by setting rates, service quality standards, and ensuring utilities operate in the public interest.

  2. Under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), how are hazardous wastes generated by utilities primarily regulated?

    Answer: Through a cradle-to-grave manifest tracking system

    RCRA's cradle-to-grave system tracks hazardous waste from generation through transportation, treatment, storage, and final disposal using manifests.

  3. A water utility exceeds the maximum contaminant level for lead. Under SDWA, which notification is required?

    Answer: Immediate public notification within 24 hours for acute health risks

    Violations posing acute health risks (like high lead levels) require public notification as soon as possible but no later than 24 hours under SDWA rules.

  4. Which type of legal doctrine holds a utility strictly liable for harm caused by abnormally dangerous activities, even without negligence?

    Answer: Strict liability

    Strict liability holds utilities responsible for harm from ultrahazardous activities (like storing large quantities of chemicals) regardless of whether they acted negligently.

  5. What does 'eminent domain' allow a utility to do?

    Answer: Acquire private property for public use with just compensation

    Eminent domain (condemnation) allows utilities to acquire private land necessary for infrastructure development, provided they pay fair market value.

  6. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), what obligation does a utility have regarding its customer service facilities?

    Answer: Facilities must be accessible to individuals with disabilities

    The ADA requires that utility customer service centers and public-facing facilities be physically accessible to individuals with disabilities.

  7. Which document formally authorizes a utility to discharge pollutants into waters of the United States under the Clean Water Act?

    Answer: NPDES Permit

    The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit, issued by EPA or authorized states, is the legal authorization to discharge pollutants to surface waters.