CPWM Hazardous Waste Management 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under RCRA, what is the maximum accumulation time for large quantity generators (LQGs) before hazardous waste must be shipped offsite?
- 30 days
- 90 days (Correct answer)
- 180 days
- 270 days
Correct answer: 90 days
LQGs must ship hazardous waste offsite or to an approved facility within 90 days of accumulation start.
Question 2: Which EPA form is used to track hazardous waste shipments from generator to disposal facility?
- EPA Form 8700-12
- Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest (Correct answer)
- EPA Form 7520-1
- CERCLA Notification Form
Correct answer: Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest
The Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest (EPA Form 8700-22) tracks hazardous waste from cradle to grave.
Question 3: What characteristic defines a hazardous waste as 'reactive' under 40 CFR Part 261?
- pH below 2 or above 12.5
- Flash point below 60°C
- Tendency to explode or release toxic gases when exposed to water or pressure (Correct answer)
- Leaching toxic metals above regulatory thresholds
Correct answer: Tendency to explode or release toxic gases when exposed to water or pressure
Reactive wastes are unstable under normal conditions and can explode, react violently with water, or generate toxic gases.
Question 4: A facility generates 150 kg of hazardous waste per month. Under the 2016 Generator Improvements Rule, how is it classified?
- Very Small Quantity Generator (VSQG)
- Small Quantity Generator (SQG) (Correct answer)
- Large Quantity Generator (LQG)
- Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generator (CESQG)
Correct answer: Small Quantity Generator (SQG)
SQGs generate between 100 and 1,000 kg of hazardous waste per calendar month.
Question 5: Which section of RCRA establishes the 'cradle-to-grave' hazardous waste management system?
- Subtitle C (Correct answer)
- Subtitle D
- Subtitle F
- Subtitle I
Correct answer: Subtitle C
RCRA Subtitle C establishes federal requirements for hazardous waste from generation through final disposal.
Question 6: What is the primary purpose of a Waste Minimization Program under RCRA?
- Reducing liability under CERCLA
- Reducing the volume or toxicity of hazardous waste generated at the source (Correct answer)
- Lowering TSDF permit fees
- Eliminating the manifest requirement for small shipments
Correct answer: Reducing the volume or toxicity of hazardous waste generated at the source
Waste minimization focuses on source reduction and recycling to decrease the quantity and hazard of waste generated.
Question 7: Which federal law requires notification to the National Response Center when a hazardous substance release exceeds its Reportable Quantity (RQ)?
- RCRA
- CERCLA (Correct answer)
- EPCRA Section 302
- Clean Water Act Section 311
Correct answer: CERCLA
CERCLA Section 103 mandates immediate NRC notification when a hazardous substance release meets or exceeds its RQ.
CPWM Hazardous Waste Management 2
Under RCRA, what is the maximum accumulation time for large quantity generators (LQGs) before hazardous waste must be shipped offsite?