CPWM Regulatory Compliance and Safety 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under RCRA, which characteristic makes a solid waste a hazardous waste based on its ability to corrode metal containers?
- Ignitability
- Corrosivity (Correct answer)
- Reactivity
- Toxicity
Correct answer: Corrosivity
Corrosivity is the RCRA characteristic defined by a pH ≤2 or ≥12.5, or the ability to corrode steel at a rate >6.35 mm/year.
Question 2: Which EPA form must large quantity generators (LQGs) use to report their hazardous waste activities biennially?
- EPA Form 8700-12
- EPA Form 8700-13A
- EPA Form 8700-22 (Correct answer)
- EPA Form 8700-34
Correct answer: EPA Form 8700-22
EPA Form 8700-22 (the Biennial Report) is required for LQGs to report quantities, types, and management of hazardous waste every even-numbered year.
Question 3: Under OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200), how many sections are required on a Safety Data Sheet (SDS)?
- 12
- 14
- 16 (Correct answer)
- 18
Correct answer: 16
The GHS-aligned HazCom Standard requires a standardized 16-section SDS format for all hazardous chemicals.
Question 4: A facility discovers a release of hazardous substance above the reportable quantity. Within what timeframe must they notify the National Response Center?
- 8 hours
- 24 hours
- Immediately (Correct answer)
- 72 hours
Correct answer: Immediately
CERCLA Section 103 requires immediate notification to the NRC (1-800-424-8802) when a reportable quantity of a hazardous substance is released.
Question 5: Which RCRA generator category is required to have a written emergency contingency plan and submit it to local emergency responders?
- Very Small Quantity Generators (VSQGs)
- Small Quantity Generators (SQGs)
- Large Quantity Generators (LQGs) (Correct answer)
- Both SQGs and LQGs
Correct answer: Large Quantity Generators (LQGs)
LQGs must maintain a full written contingency plan that must be submitted to local fire departments, police, and emergency response teams.
Question 6: The Clean Water Act's NPDES permit program regulates pollutant discharges into which media?
- Groundwater aquifers
- Waters of the United States (Correct answer)
- Municipal solid waste landfills
- Underground injection wells
Correct answer: Waters of the United States
The NPDES program under CWA Section 402 controls point-source discharges of pollutants into 'waters of the United States,' including rivers, lakes, and coastal waters.
Question 7: What is the maximum on-site accumulation time allowed for Large Quantity Generators (LQGs) without a storage permit under RCRA?
- 30 days
- 60 days
- 90 days (Correct answer)
- 270 days
Correct answer: 90 days
LQGs may accumulate hazardous waste on-site for up to 90 days without a storage permit, provided all other generator standards are met.
CPWM Regulatory Compliance and Safety 2
Under RCRA, which characteristic makes a solid waste a hazardous waste based on its ability to corrode metal containers?