National Environmental Policy Act Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of an aerobic bioreactor landfill?

To recirculate leachate and inject air to enhance microbial activity (correct)

To store hazardous materials safely

To allow waste to decompose without any moisture

To manage municipal solid waste without utilizing liquid

Which of the following correctly describes the term 'potentiometric surface'?

The boundary that separates solid waste from liquid waste in a landfill

The measurement of hydraulic conductivity in an aquifer

The point where saturated and unsaturated zones meet

The level at which groundwater would rise in tightly cased wells (correct)

Which statement about REACH is true?

It stands for Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and restriction of chemicals. (correct)

It pertains only to hazardous waste landfills.

It is primarily focused on aerobic waste treatment methods.

It is a regulation for the disposal of household waste in landfills.

What is a distinct feature of hazardous waste landfills?

They are specifically used for the disposal of hazardous waste only. Signup and view all the answers

What is the intention of 'just in time' management concerning hazardous materials?

To minimize the quantity of stored hazardous materials Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main duties of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)?

Gathering information on trends in environmental quality Signup and view all the answers

What does an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) primarily evaluate?

The need for the proposal and its alternatives Signup and view all the answers

Which agency is responsible for reviewing and commenting on NEPA documents alongside other federal agencies?

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Signup and view all the answers

What role does a Lead Agency play in the NEPA process?

It supervises the preparation of the environmental analysis Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of conducting an Environmental Assessment/Finding of No Significant Impact (EA/FONSI)?

To determine if significant environmental impacts are likely Signup and view all the answers

Who can participate in the NEPA process?

The public through hearings and comments Signup and view all the answers

What does the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) primarily do upon accepting a referral?

Creates recommendations aligned with NEPA’s policy goals Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT classified as universal waste?

Used oil Signup and view all the answers

What is the threshold amount of universal waste a business must exceed to be subject to the universal waste rule?

100 kg per month Signup and view all the answers

What type of equipment is considered mercury-containing equipment under the universal waste classification?

Thermostats Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered used oil?

Oil used as hydraulic fluid Signup and view all the answers

What benefit does the universal waste rule provide to businesses?

It reduces storage time limits. Signup and view all the answers

Which oils are excluded from the EPA's definition of used oil?

Animal oils Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum amount of used oil that can be exempt from regulations per calendar year from vehicles or machinery?

25 gallons Signup and view all the answers

What kind of contaminants can make oil classified as used oil?

Physical or chemical impurities Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following practices is regulated by the used oil management standards?

Storage of used oil Signup and view all the answers

What type of batteries are considered universal waste?

Nickel-cadmium batteries Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of acute hazardous wastes?

They are fatal to humans and animals even in low doses. Signup and view all the answers

What does Subtitle C of the RCRA establish?

A cradle-to-grave management system for hazardous waste. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a requirement for generators of hazardous waste?

Obtaining a federal permit irrespective of waste amount. Signup and view all the answers

What are Land Disposal Restrictions (LDRs) intended to ensure?

Hazardous waste must meet treatment standards before land disposal. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true about tanks storing hazardous waste?

They must meet specific emission standards for volatile organics. Signup and view all the answers

What is a requirement for agricultural producers disposing of waste pesticides?

They are exempt as long as they triple rinse containers and follow disposal instructions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of a chelating agent?

To form multiple chemical bonds to a metal ion Signup and view all the answers

What describes hazardous materials (hazmat)?

Any substance that can harm people, organisms, property, or the environment. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following compounds is characterized by a carbonyl functional group?

Aldehyde Signup and view all the answers

How long can hazardous waste be accumulated without a permit under certain conditions?

Up to 90 days or 180 days depending on the amount of waste generated. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'nitrification' refer to?

The conversion of ammoniacal nitrogen to nitrate ion Signup and view all the answers

What entails the process for classifying solid and hazardous wastes?

Identifying whether a waste is hazardous or solid, with potential exemptions. Signup and view all the answers

Which technique is most effective for separating organic compounds?

Gas chromatography Signup and view all the answers

What is the composition of silane?

SiH4 Signup and view all the answers

What is the estimated contribution of transportation to air pollution in the USA?

60% Signup and view all the answers

What is the latent heat of vaporization of water in Btu/lb?

970 Btu/lb Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following substances is known for its application in lower temperature oxidation of pollutants?

Catalytic combustion technology Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes coliform bacteria in terms of water quality?

They serve as an indicator of microbial contamination Signup and view all the answers

What defines the critical pressure of a substance?

Pressure at which no liquid-vapor phase transition occurs at any temperature Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)

NEPA duties and functions include gathering information on environmental quality, evaluating federal programs, developing national environmental policies, conducting studies, surveys, research and analyses relating to ecosystems.

Environmental Assessment/Finding of No Significant Impact (EA/FONSI)

An EA/FONSI is a preliminary evaluation of a proposed action.
It includes discussions on the need for the proposal, alternatives (when there's conflict over resource use), environmental impacts, and agencies consulted.

Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)

EIS is a detailed assessment of a proposed action and alternatives.
It includes discussions on the purpose and need, alternatives, environmental consequences, and lists of preparers, agencies, organizations, and persons.
An index and appendix might be included if necessary.

Lead Agency

Designated to supervise the preparation of the environmental analysis.
Can work with state, tribal, or local agencies as joint lead agencies.
Responsible for preparing the environmental analysis.

Cooperating Agency

Agencies with special expertise in environmental issues.
Assist the lead agency.
May be a federal, state, tribal, or local agency.

Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ)

CEQ's role in NEPA is to develop findings and recommendations consistent with Section 101 policy goals when accepting a referral.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

EPA role includes preparing and reviewing NEPA documents.
Required to review and comment publicly on the environmental impacts of major federal actions.

Public's Role in NEPA

Public can participate in NEPA by attending hearings, meetings, and submitting comments to the lead agency.
Comments must be considered.

Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)

Amended the Solid Waste Disposal Act of 1965.
National goals: Protecting human health/environment from waste, conserving energy/resources, reducing waste, ensuring environmentally sound waste management.
Encourages states to develop comprehensive plans to manage hazardous/nonhazardous industrial solid waste and municipal solid waste (MSW).
Sets criteria for MSW landfills and other disposal facilities.
Prohibits open dumping.
Controls hazardous waste from generation to ultimate disposal.

Hazardous Waste (Materials)

Materials that exhibit ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, or toxicity are considered hazardous waste.
Facilities handling hazardous waste need permits from EPA or a licensed state agency.
RCRA mandates compliance with permitting requirements.

Hazardous Materials (Hazmat)

Hazmat includes any solid, liquid, or gas that can harm people, property, or the environment.

Universal Waste

Includes batteries, pesticides, lamps, and aerosols.
RCRA regulates this waste, easing the burden on businesses.
Allows for bulk accumulation and transportation, avoiding hazardous waste rules in certain cases.

Used Oil Management Standards

Standards are provided for storage, transport, burning, processing and refining used oil.
- This includes synthetic and refined oils which are contaminated by impurities.
- Animal and vegetable oils are excluded

Underground Storage Tanks (USTs)

Regulates tanks containing hazardous substances or petroleum products.
Includes requirements for design, release detection, and financial responsibility.
Certain tanks are excluded from regulation.
Agricultural tanks and tanks in farm areas are excluded from regulation.

Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA)

Regulates existing and new chemical substances.
Pre-manufacture notice (PMN) requirements for chemicals
Bona Fide Intent to Manufacture or Import Notice

Clean Air Act (CAA)

National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).
Sets and achieves NAAQS for public health and welfare.

Acid Deposition Control

Acid rain or acid precipitation is a broad term that includes any form of precipitation with acidic components.
It is generated from the emission of sulphur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) into the atmosphere.

Acid Rain Threats

Acid rain arises from the burning of fossil fuels.
This contributes to the emission of sulphur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) into the atmosphere.
This leads to acid rain.

Title IV: Acid Deposition Control

Goal is to reduce harmful levels of acid rain.

Disposal or Remediation of contaminated soil from industrial sites.

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Description

Explore the key components of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) through this informative quiz. Understand the roles of Environmental Assessments, Finding of No Significant Impact, and Environmental Impact Statements, along with the responsibilities of lead agencies. Test your knowledge on the processes and purposes behind these environmental analyses.