Environmental Compliance Inspector FREE Environmental Compliance Inspector Hazardous Waste Management Questions and Answers 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under RCRA, what is the maximum accumulation time for hazardous waste at a large quantity generator (LQG) site before a permit is required?
- 90 days (Correct answer)
- 180 days
- 270 days
- 365 days
Correct answer: 90 days
Large quantity generators may accumulate hazardous waste on-site for up to 90 days without a storage permit under 40 CFR 262.17.
Question 2: Which EPA hazardous waste listing covers wastes from non-specific sources such as spent halogenated solvents?
- F-list (Correct answer)
- K-list
- P-list
- U-list
Correct answer: F-list
The F-list (40 CFR 261.31) identifies hazardous wastes from non-specific sources, including commonly used industrial solvents.
Question 3: What document must accompany hazardous waste during transport from the generator to the designated treatment, storage, or disposal facility?
- Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest (Correct answer)
- Bill of Lading
- Material Safety Data Sheet
- Chain of Custody Form
Correct answer: Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest
The Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest (EPA Form 8700-22) is legally required to track hazardous waste from cradle to grave during transportation.
Question 4: A facility discovers an unlabeled drum leaking an unknown substance into the soil. What is the inspector's FIRST required action under emergency response protocols?
- Secure the area and prevent further release (Correct answer)
- Collect a sample for laboratory analysis
- Contact the facility owner for waste identification
- Issue a notice of violation immediately
Correct answer: Secure the area and prevent further release
Containing the release and securing the area takes priority to protect human health and the environment before any investigation steps.
Question 5: Which characteristic of hazardous waste is determined by the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP)?
- Toxicity (Correct answer)
- Ignitability
- Reactivity
- Corrosivity
Correct answer: Toxicity
The TCLP test (SW-846 Method 1311) specifically identifies the toxicity characteristic by simulating landfill leaching conditions.
Question 6: What is the minimum financial assurance requirement that owners of hazardous waste treatment, storage, and disposal facilities must maintain?
- Closure and post-closure cost estimates with approved financial mechanisms (Correct answer)
- A $1 million general liability policy only
- An annual EPA registration fee
- A refundable bond equal to facility construction costs
Correct answer: Closure and post-closure cost estimates with approved financial mechanisms
RCRA Subtitle C requires TSD facility owners to maintain closure and post-closure financial assurance through approved mechanisms such as trust funds, surety bonds, or insurance.
Under RCRA, what is the maximum accumulation time for hazardous waste at a large quantity generator (LQG) site before a permit is required?