Environmental Compliance Flashcards
7 cards from real SMSTS 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 Compliance flashcards as text
What does 'biodiversity net gain' require of developers in England under the Environment Act 2021?
Answer: A 10% measurable improvement in biodiversity compared to the pre-development baseline
The Environment Act 2021 mandates a mandatory 10% biodiversity net gain, measured using a government metric, for most new developments.
Which authority should be notified if construction work is likely to disturb a protected species such as great crested newts?
Answer: Natural England (or the relevant devolved nature body)
Natural England issues mitigation licenses for protected species, and developers must apply for a European Protected Species license before disturbing their habitats.
What is a 'site waste management plan' (SWMP) primarily used for?
Answer: Planning and recording how waste will be managed and minimized on site
A SWMP sets out how waste will be minimized, segregated, reused, recycled, and disposed of, supporting legal compliance and cost efficiency.
Which of the following construction activities requires an abstraction license from the Environment Agency?
Answer: Pumping groundwater from an excavation above permitted thresholds
Abstracting water above exemption thresholds requires a license under the Water Resources Act 1991, administered by the Environment Agency.
A neighbor reports that muddy water from a construction site is flowing into a local stream. Under which legislation could the site manager be prosecuted?
Answer: The Water Resources Act 1991
Allowing polluted water to enter a watercourse is an offense under the Water Resources Act 1991, which prohibits causing or knowingly permitting water pollution.
When creating a site drainage plan, silt-laden water from excavations should be directed to:
Answer: A settlement tank or lagoon before any discharge
Silt-laden water must be treated in settlement tanks or lagoons to remove suspended solids before any permitted discharge.
Which of the following is a key requirement when storing cement bags on a construction site to prevent environmental harm?
Answer: Store under cover on a raised, impermeable surface away from drains
Cement is highly alkaline and can cause severe water pollution; storing it undercover on a raised impermeable surface prevents rain contact and runoff.