Air Quality and Emissions Flashcards
7 cards from real Environmental Compliance Inspector practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Air Quality and Emissions flashcards as text
Under the Clean Air Act, what is the primary purpose of a State Implementation Plan (SIP)?
Answer: To demonstrate how a state will attain and maintain NAAQS
A SIP outlines the specific measures a state will use to achieve and maintain National Ambient Air Quality Standards within its borders.
Which of the following is classified as a 'criteria pollutant' under the NAAQS framework?
Answer: Particulate matter (PM2.5)
PM2.5 is one of six criteria pollutants for which EPA has established NAAQS; benzene and mercury are regulated as hazardous air pollutants instead.
A facility subject to Title V permitting must submit a compliance certification to the permitting authority at least:
Answer: Annually
Title V regulations require sources to submit annual compliance certifications to the permitting authority and EPA.
What does the term 'Potential to Emit' (PTE) represent for a stationary source?
Answer: Maximum capacity emissions assuming continuous operation with no controls
PTE is the maximum rate at which a source could emit a pollutant operating at full capacity 24/7 with no add-on controls.
During a stack test, Method 9 (EPA Reference Method) is used to measure:
Answer: Visible emissions opacity
EPA Method 9 is the visual determination of the opacity of emissions from stationary sources, performed by a certified observer.
Which program requires facilities that emit 100 tons/year or more of a regulated pollutant to obtain a federal operating permit?
Answer: Title V Operating Permit Program
Title V of the Clean Air Act establishes the major source operating permit program for facilities emitting 100 tons/year or more of a regulated pollutant.
An inspector observes a boiler at a facility running without its baghouse operational. The most immediate regulatory concern is:
Answer: Excess particulate matter emissions violating permit limits
Operating combustion equipment without functioning particulate controls typically results in permit limit exceedances for PM emissions.