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
Which of the following activities on a construction site is most likely to cause a statutory nuisance under the Environmental Protection Act 1990?
Answer: Continuous pile driving causing vibration to neighboring residential properties
Statutory nuisance includes noise and vibration that unreasonably interfere with the use and enjoyment of neighboring property, and local authorities can serve abatement notices.
What is the primary purpose of a habitat survey carried out before site clearance begins?
Answer: To identify protected species and habitats that require mitigation or licensing
Pre-clearance habitat surveys identify protected species and habitats so that appropriate mitigation, avoidance measures, or licenses can be arranged before work starts.
Under the Clean Air Act 1993, which on-site activity could result in prosecution if not properly managed?
Answer: Burning waste materials in an open fire on site
The Clean Air Act 1993 prohibits the emission of dark smoke from premises, and burning waste on a construction site without an exemption is an offense.
What environmental risk is specifically associated with lime stabilization of ground on a construction site?
Answer: Highly alkaline runoff that can severely raise the pH of nearby watercourses
Lime is highly alkaline (pH 12+) and runoff from lime-stabilized ground can dramatically raise stream pH, killing aquatic life.
Which of the following best describes 'environmental monitoring' during the construction phase?
Answer: Regular measurement of noise, dust, water quality, and ecology to ensure compliance with permit conditions
Environmental monitoring is an ongoing program of measurement and inspection to confirm that environmental controls are effective and permit limits are not exceeded.
A site manager discovers that a subcontractor has been fly-tipping waste from the site on a public road. What is the site manager's legal position?
Answer: The site manager and principal contractor may share liability under the duty of care
The duty of care extends throughout the waste chain; the principal contractor can be held liable if proper waste transfer documentation and oversight were not in place.
Which of the following is the most appropriate way to manage surplus excavated soil that cannot be reused on site?
Answer: Transfer it to a licensed landfill or permitted soil recovery facility with a waste transfer note
Surplus soil is classified as waste and must be managed under the duty of care, either sent to a licensed facility or classified as a waste exemption if being reused off-site.