Environmental Laws
Which law regulates hazardous and solid waste cradle-to-grave?
RCRA
Who enforces most U.S. federal environmental laws?
EPA
What does “cradle-to-grave” mean?
Generators remain responsible until final disposal
Which law requires SWPPPs on construction sites over 1 acre?
CWA
What is an NOV?
Notice of Violation
Which law requires Environmental Impact Statements (EIS)?
NEPA
Which state agency handles environmental enforcement in Kansas?
KDHE
Which waste code covers ignitable wastes?
D001
What does BMP stand for?
Best Management Practice
What are the two main penalty components?
Gravity-based + economic benefit
Which law created Superfund cleanups?
CERCLA
Which state agency oversees compliance in Missouri?
MO DNR
Which waste code covers discarded commercial chemical products?
U-codes
Which permit regulates wastewater/stormwater discharges?
NPDES
Why does EPA add economic benefit penalties?
To remove unfair cost savings from noncompliance
Which law sets National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)?
CAA
Which EPA region covers Kansas and Missouri?
Region 7
Which type of waste is linked to specific industries (e.g., petroleum refining)?
K-listed wastes
Which law sets Title V air permits?
CAA
Why might a penalty be reduced?
Cooperation, good compliance history, voluntary correction
Which law regulates stormwater discharges and permits?
CWA
What does NOV stand for?
Notice of Violation
Which RCRA rule requires closed containers?
40 CFR §265.173
Which pollutant standard is set by NAAQS?
Criteria pollutants (ozone, lead, CO, NO₂, SO₂, PM)
What happens after an NOV?
Fines, cleanup orders, possible criminal investigations
Which law came after Love Canal?
CERCLA
What tool shows violations and enforcement data?
ECHO database
What is the first step in a waste audit?
Identify audit goals
Give one example of a stormwater BMP.
Silt fence, berm, sediment basin, detention pond
What tool does EPA use to detect violations from above?
Drones, satellite imagery
Which law requires TRI chemical release reporting?
EPCRA
Who can file complaints leading to inspections?
Whistleblowers, neighbors, the public
Which voluntary program certifies green buildings?
LEED
Which law regulates asbestos in water/air discharges?
Both CAA (air pollutants) and RCRA (waste disposal)
What’s the difference between gravity and economic benefit penalties?
Gravity = seriousness of violation; Economic = avoided costs
Which law is linked to LEED waste diversion goals?
RCRA (waste hierarchy)
Which agency enforces NPDES permits?
EPA + state agencies (KDHE, MO DNR)
Name two common violations in waste management.
Open containers, missing labels, no accumulation dates
What role does climate change play in stormwater violations?
Heavier rains increase runoff and compliance risks
Give an example of cradle-to-grave liability issue.
Contractor storing unlabeled drums on gravel — generator still liable for cleanup.
Which law was influenced by the Santa Barbara oil spill?
NEPA
Who enforces Title V air permits?
Who enforces Title V air permits?
Which agency issues EPA ID numbers for waste generators?
EPA (or state agencies delegated by EPA)
Which agency enforces Clean Air Act standards in states?
EPA + state environmental agencies
What does the EPA consider when calculating the gravity-based portion of a penalty?
The seriousness of the violation, potential harm to human health and the environment, and the length of time the violation continued.
Which law created cradle-to-grave liability for hazardous waste?
RCRA
What are the three main roles of the EPA under federal law?
(1) Set environmental standards and regulations,
(2) enforce compliance through inspections and penalties
(3) provide research, guidance, and technical support to states and the public.
What’s the business case for recycling in construction?
Lowers disposal costs, creates revenue, improves bids/contracts
What is the penalty for operating without a Title V air permit?
Fines, NOVs, and mandatory compliance actions
What is the maximum civil penalty EPA can assess per day, per violation (as of recent adjustments)?
Over $50,000 per day, per violation (adjusted annually for inflation — check CFR for exact amount).