Practice Test Geeks(HSE) Certified Health Safety Environment Practice Test
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Environmental Regulations and Sustainability Practices Flashcards

7 cards from real HSE practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Environmental Regulations and Sustainability Practices flashcards as text

  1. Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) are set as close as feasible to MCL Goals (MCLGs) because MCLGs are:

    Answer: Non-enforceable health goals set at levels with no known or anticipated adverse effects

    MCLGs are non-enforceable public health goals set at levels causing no known or anticipated adverse health effects with an adequate margin of safety; MCLs are the enforceable standards set as close to MCLGs as feasible.

  2. Which air pollutant classification under the Clean Air Act requires facilities to use Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT)?

    Answer: Hazardous air pollutants (HAPs)

    MACT standards apply to sources of hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) — the 187 substances listed under Clean Air Act Section 112 — based on the best-performing similar sources.

  3. A 'life cycle assessment' (LCA) in environmental sustainability evaluates:

    Answer: Environmental impacts associated with all stages of a product's life from raw material extraction to disposal

    LCA quantifies environmental inputs and outputs (energy, materials, emissions) across all life cycle stages — extraction, manufacturing, use, and end-of-life — to identify improvement opportunities.

  4. Under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), a 'biological opinion' is issued by which agency during Section 7 consultation?

    Answer: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or NOAA Fisheries

    During Section 7 formal consultation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (for terrestrial/freshwater species) or NOAA Fisheries (for marine species) issues a biological opinion on whether a federal action will jeopardize listed species.

  5. Which of the following correctly describes the 'cap and trade' mechanism used in the EPA's Acid Rain Program?

    Answer: A system setting an aggregate emission cap with facilities able to buy and sell allowances to meet individual limits

    Cap and trade sets a total emission ceiling (cap) and issues allowances; facilities that reduce emissions below their allocation can sell surplus allowances to facilities that need more.

  6. A manufacturing facility wants to demonstrate it is 'carbon neutral.' Which combination of actions would correctly support that claim?

    Answer: Measuring Scope 1, 2, and relevant Scope 3 emissions, reducing them, and offsetting remaining emissions with verified carbon credits

    Carbon neutrality requires measuring all relevant emission scopes, implementing reductions, and offsetting any remaining emissions with credible, verified carbon credits.

  7. Under RCRA, which characteristic makes a solid waste 'hazardous' based on its behavior rather than a specific chemical listing?

    Answer: Exhibiting ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, or toxicity (ICRT characteristics)

    RCRA defines hazardous waste by four characteristics — ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, and toxicity (TCLP) — in addition to listed wastes from specific processes or chemicals.