Environmental Compliance & Spill Response Flashcards

What is the correct first step when a petroleum worker discovers a significant surface spill?

Answer: Stop the source of the spill if safe to do so

The first priority is to stop the source of the spill when it is safe to do so, preventing additional release before initiating containment and notification.

Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene are collectively known as what group of petroleum contaminants?

Answer: BTEX compounds

BTEX is an acronym for benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene — common groundwater contaminants associated with petroleum spills.

Underground Storage Tanks (USTs) containing petroleum products in the U.S. are primarily regulated under which law?

Answer: Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Subtitle I

RCRA Subtitle I and EPA's UST regulations govern the design, installation, operation, and cleanup requirements for underground petroleum storage tanks.

What type of soil remediation technique uses microorganisms to break down petroleum hydrocarbons in contaminated soil?

Answer: Bioremediation

Bioremediation uses naturally occurring or introduced microorganisms to metabolize and break down petroleum hydrocarbons into less harmful compounds.

Which document must petroleum facilities with significant oil storage submit to the EPA detailing emergency response procedures?

Answer: Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) Plan

Facilities meeting EPA oil storage thresholds must prepare and implement an SPCC Plan that details prevention measures and emergency response procedures.

When responding to a petroleum spill near a waterway, what is the purpose of deploying containment booms?

Answer: To prevent the oil slick from spreading further on the water surface

Containment booms are floating barriers deployed on water to encircle and prevent the lateral spread of oil, concentrating it for skimming or recovery.