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Material Facts Related to Environmental Issues - pt. 2 Questions and Answers 2024
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Material Facts Related to Environmental Issues - pt. 2
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Material Facts Related to EnvironmentalIssues - pt. 2
What are underground storage tanks (USTs)? - answer these are tanks in the ground
underneath properties that store chemicals, fuels, toxic wastes, and other potentially
harmful substances
At what point could an underground storage tank (UST) become hazardous? - answer
when they become old & rust, if they are not installed correctly or are not operating
adequately. This makes the prone to leakage - meaning the toxic substance contained
within the tanks leak into the surrounding groundwater, contaminating wells & polluting
the soil. In addition to contaminating drinking water, a leaking UST can present other
health and environmental risks, including the potential for fire and explosion
Underground storage tanks pose a hazard primarily because:
a. since they are underground, the tanks are rarely cleaned
b. they can become exposed to radon gas underground, thereby contaminating the tank
c. when they become old and rust, it makes them prone to leakage
d. they can collapse under the weight of the home - answerc
What role does the EPA play & how are they involved with the standardization of USTs?
- answerbecause of the potential hazards USTs pose, they are heavily regulated by the
EPA (environmental protection agency). The EPA's technical regulations for USTs are
designed to reduce the chance of releases from USTs, detect leaks and spills when
they do occur, and secure a prompt cleanup. UST owners and operators are
responsible for reporting and cleaning up any releases.
-The EPA also designed the financial responsibility regulations to ensure that, in the
event of a leak or spill, an owner or operator will have the resources to pay for costs
associated with cleaning up releases and compensating third parties.
T/F - the EPA estimates that approximately 40% of the tanks are leaking - answerT
Not all tanks require strict oversight by the EPA. What types of tanks are exempt from
EPA regulations? - answer1. farm & residential tanks of 1,100 gallons or less capacity
holding motor fuel used for non commercial purposes
2. tanks storing heating oil used on the premises where it is stored
3. tanks on or above the floor of underground areas, such as basements or tunnels
4.septic tanks and systems for collecting stormwater and wastewater
5. flow-through process tanks
6. tanks of 110 gallons or less capacity
7. emergency spill and overfill tanks
, T/F - In addition to the federal regulations imposed by the EPA, individual states may
also have even stricter regulations on USTs. In such cases, the EPA allows the stricter
state laws to operate in lieu of the federal laws. In other words, states may have more
stringent regulations than the federal requirements - answerT
this describes water held underground in the soil or in pores and crevices in rock -
answergroundwater
Groundwater contamination refers to the contamination of what? - answernot only the
runoff at ground level, but also udnerground water systems that are sources for public
water supplies and privat wells
T/F - the source of the water supply on a property is not considered a material fact -
answerF - The source of the water supply on a property is considered a material fact.
Often, the buyer may inquire about whether or not the water supply has been
professionally tested for contamination.
These are places that are designed to receive specific kinds of waste, including
municipal solid waste, construction & demolition debris, and hazardous waste -
answerwaste disposal sites, or landfills
What could happen if a landfill is constructed improperly (ex - on the wrong type of soil?
- answerthey can leak waste into nearby wells, creating health hazards affecting the
local water supply. Because of this, construction & maintaince of waste disposal sites
are heavily regulated
this is a naturally occurring mineral that has been used in paint to protect wood from
damage by water; it also has been used in manufacturing and installation of water
pipes. - answerLead
When did lead become a health hazard? - answerwhen it is ingested or inhaled (this is
mainly a concern with young children who could peel off paint & eat it).
T/F - Lead-based paints were used in the U.S. prior to 1978 because of their durability,
until it was discovered that lead poisoning poses a serious health risk - answerT
T/F - In 1977, the federal government banned the use of lead-based paint, and a federal
disclosure was required for all homes built prior to 1978 - answerT
How could we become exposed to lead today? - answer- lead-based paint is sometimes
present under layers of newer paint. Deteriorating lead-based paint (peeling, chipping,
chalking, cracking, damaged, or damp) is a hazard and needs immediate attention
- lead dust can also be tracked into the home from soil outside that is contaminated by
deteriorated lead-based paint on the exterior of the home.
- lead can enter drinking water through corrosion of plumbing materials, especially
where the water has high acidity or low mineral content that corrodes pipes and fixtures
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