Environmental Health & Safety Issues Exam Elaborations
1. What is LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and what is its significance?
LEED is a building rating system developed by the U.S. Green Buildings Council that establishes
industry standards for green building design, construction, operation, and maintenance. Its significance
lies in providing a framework for creating sustainable and high-performance buildings, promoting
environmental responsibility, and offering third-party verification of a building's green credentials.
2. Explain CERCLA (Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability
Act) and its primary objective.
CERCLA, also known as Superfund, is a United States federal law enacted in 1980. Its primary
objective is to facilitate the cleanup of abandoned or uncontrolled sites contaminated with hazardous
substances. It also imposes strict liability for cleanup costs on potentially responsible parties (PRPs).
3. Define PRP (Potentially Responsible Party) in the context of environmental liability.
A PRP is a term used in environmental law, particularly under CERCLA, to identify individuals or
entities that are legally obligated to initiate and bear the costs for cleaning up hazardous waste sites.
Liability can be strict, meaning fault is not a prerequisite.
4. What is the USGBC (U.S. Green Building Council) and its role in sustainability?
The USGBC is a non-profit trade organization that promotes sustainability within the built
environment. Its role is to advance the design, construction, and operation of green buildings through
the development of rating systems like LEED, education, and advocacy.
5. Define sustainability in a broad environmental context.
Sustainability refers to the ability to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of
future generations to meet their own needs. In an environmental context, it implies practices that avoid
the depletion of natural resources and maintain ecological balance.
6. Describe the PDCA (Plan, Do, Check, Act) cycle and its application in EHS management.
PDCA is an iterative four-step management method used for the control and continuous improvement
of processes and products. In EHS management, it provides a framework for facility managers to plan
environmental and safety initiatives, implement them, monitor their effectiveness, and take corrective
actions for improvement.
,7. What are the three main types of health considered in EHS?
The three main types of health considered in Environmental Health and Safety are physical health (the
condition of the body), psychological health (mental and emotional well-being), and social health (the
ability to interact and form meaningful relationships with others).
8. What is ISO (International Organization for Standardization) and its relevance to EHS?
ISO is an independent, non-governmental international organization that develops and publishes a wide
range of international standards. Its relevance to EHS is significant through standards like the ISO
14000 series, which provides frameworks for environmental management systems.
9. What is ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) and its role in standardization?
ASTM International is a global standards organization that develops and publishes voluntary consensus
technical standards for a wide range of materials, products, systems, and services. These standards can
be relevant to EHS in areas like testing and material specifications.
10. Describe an ESA (Environmental Site Assessment) and its purpose.
An ESA is a process used to evaluate a property for existing environmental problems resulting from
past operations and potential environmental problems that could occur from current or proposed
operations. Its purpose is to identify potential environmental liabilities associated with a property, often
in the context of real estate transactions.
11. Explain the AAI (All Appropriate Inquiries) Rule and its significance in property acquisition.
The AAI Rule outlines the requirements for conducting due diligence to assess the environmental
conditions of a property prior to its acquisition. Complying with AAI provides potential liability
protections under CERCLA for innocent landowners, bona fide prospective purchasers, and contiguous
property owners.
12. Define a Brownfield site and the challenges associated with its redevelopment.
A Brownfield site is a commercial or industrial property where the development, expansion, or reuse
may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or
contaminant. Redevelopment challenges often include the need for environmental assessment,
remediation, and securing funding.
13. What are Brownfields and what are the typical characteristics that define them?
Brownfields are abandoned or underutilized industrial and commercial properties with perceived or
actual environmental contamination. They are typically characterized by potential or known pollution,
economic stagnation, and challenges for redevelopment.
,14. What is Superfund and how does it relate to CERCLA?
Superfund is the common name for the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and
Liability Act (CERCLA). It is a government program established to locate, investigate, and clean up the
nation's worst uncontrolled and abandoned toxic waste sites.
15. Describe xeriscaping and its environmental benefits.
Xeriscaping is a landscape design approach that uses locally grown plants adapted to the regional
climate and requires little to no supplemental irrigation beyond natural rainfall. Its environmental
benefits include reduced water consumption, lower maintenance, and the creation of habitats for local
wildlife.
16. What are VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and what are some common sources?
VOCs are organic chemicals that have a high vapor pressure at ordinary room temperature. They are
emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids and can be hazardous to human health and the
environment. Common sources include paint fumes, vehicle emissions, and burning fuels.
17. What is OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and its primary mission?
OSHA is a federal agency within the U.S. Department of Labor responsible for ensuring safe and
healthful working conditions for workers by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training,
outreach, education, and assistance.
18. What are the three main types of environments considered in an EHS context?
The three main types of environments are the built environment (human-made surroundings), the
natural environment (including air, water, and land), and the social environment (interactions and
relationships among people).
19. What is SARA (Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act) and how did it modify
CERCLA?
SARA is a United States federal law passed in 1986 that amended CERCLA. It addressed the health
and safety of the community at large, emphasized the importance of permanent remedies and innovative
treatment technologies, and increased the Superfund trust fund.
20. Describe a Property Condition Assessment and its typical focus.
A Property Condition Assessment is a due diligence process associated with commercial real estate that
evaluates the physical condition of a property. While related to real estate, the core assessment typically
excludes in-depth engineering work and focuses on identifying significant deficiencies and potential
costs for repair or replacement.
, 21. Define SARA and its key provisions.
SARA (Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act) is a 1986 amendment to CERCLA that
focused on community health and safety related to hazardous waste sites. Key provisions included
increased state involvement, the establishment of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-
Know Act (EPCRA), and stricter cleanup standards.
22. Explain the concept of "Cradle to Grave" in waste management.
"Cradle to Grave" refers to the principle of managing a waste stream from its point of generation
(creation) through its entire lifecycle to its final disposal. This concept emphasizes responsibility for the
potential impacts on human health and the environment throughout the waste's existence.
23. How are environmental hazards typically categorized?
Environmental hazards are typically categorized based on the environmental medium they affect: air
hazards (e.g., pollutants), water hazards (e.g., contamination), and soil hazards (e.g., pollutants,
contamination).
24. Describe a Phase One Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) and its key components.
A Phase One ESA is a preliminary, non-intrusive investigation into a property's environmental history
and current conditions. Key components include a review of historical records, a site reconnaissance,
interviews with facility personnel and others, and an evaluation of adjacent and surrounding properties
to identify potential environmental concerns.
25. What are the primary goals of the ISO 14000 Series of standards?
The primary goals of the ISO 14000 Series are to promote better environmental stewardship by
providing organizations with frameworks to: (a) minimize their negative environmental impacts, (b)
comply with applicable environmental laws and regulations, and (c) continually improve their
environmental performance.
26. What is the purpose of an E.M.S. (Environmental Management System)?
The purpose of an E.M.S. is to provide a structured framework for property owners and organizations to
manage, maintain, and monitor environmental issues related to their facilities or properties. It helps to
identify, control, and reduce environmental impacts.
27. List some key benefits of implementing an E.M.S.
Key benefits of an E.M.S. include: improved environmental performance, enhanced regulatory
compliance, prevention of pollution, reduced environmental risks, increased operational efficiency,
reduced costs, enhanced employee morale and recruitment, and an improved public image.
1. What is LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and what is its significance?
LEED is a building rating system developed by the U.S. Green Buildings Council that establishes
industry standards for green building design, construction, operation, and maintenance. Its significance
lies in providing a framework for creating sustainable and high-performance buildings, promoting
environmental responsibility, and offering third-party verification of a building's green credentials.
2. Explain CERCLA (Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability
Act) and its primary objective.
CERCLA, also known as Superfund, is a United States federal law enacted in 1980. Its primary
objective is to facilitate the cleanup of abandoned or uncontrolled sites contaminated with hazardous
substances. It also imposes strict liability for cleanup costs on potentially responsible parties (PRPs).
3. Define PRP (Potentially Responsible Party) in the context of environmental liability.
A PRP is a term used in environmental law, particularly under CERCLA, to identify individuals or
entities that are legally obligated to initiate and bear the costs for cleaning up hazardous waste sites.
Liability can be strict, meaning fault is not a prerequisite.
4. What is the USGBC (U.S. Green Building Council) and its role in sustainability?
The USGBC is a non-profit trade organization that promotes sustainability within the built
environment. Its role is to advance the design, construction, and operation of green buildings through
the development of rating systems like LEED, education, and advocacy.
5. Define sustainability in a broad environmental context.
Sustainability refers to the ability to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of
future generations to meet their own needs. In an environmental context, it implies practices that avoid
the depletion of natural resources and maintain ecological balance.
6. Describe the PDCA (Plan, Do, Check, Act) cycle and its application in EHS management.
PDCA is an iterative four-step management method used for the control and continuous improvement
of processes and products. In EHS management, it provides a framework for facility managers to plan
environmental and safety initiatives, implement them, monitor their effectiveness, and take corrective
actions for improvement.
,7. What are the three main types of health considered in EHS?
The three main types of health considered in Environmental Health and Safety are physical health (the
condition of the body), psychological health (mental and emotional well-being), and social health (the
ability to interact and form meaningful relationships with others).
8. What is ISO (International Organization for Standardization) and its relevance to EHS?
ISO is an independent, non-governmental international organization that develops and publishes a wide
range of international standards. Its relevance to EHS is significant through standards like the ISO
14000 series, which provides frameworks for environmental management systems.
9. What is ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) and its role in standardization?
ASTM International is a global standards organization that develops and publishes voluntary consensus
technical standards for a wide range of materials, products, systems, and services. These standards can
be relevant to EHS in areas like testing and material specifications.
10. Describe an ESA (Environmental Site Assessment) and its purpose.
An ESA is a process used to evaluate a property for existing environmental problems resulting from
past operations and potential environmental problems that could occur from current or proposed
operations. Its purpose is to identify potential environmental liabilities associated with a property, often
in the context of real estate transactions.
11. Explain the AAI (All Appropriate Inquiries) Rule and its significance in property acquisition.
The AAI Rule outlines the requirements for conducting due diligence to assess the environmental
conditions of a property prior to its acquisition. Complying with AAI provides potential liability
protections under CERCLA for innocent landowners, bona fide prospective purchasers, and contiguous
property owners.
12. Define a Brownfield site and the challenges associated with its redevelopment.
A Brownfield site is a commercial or industrial property where the development, expansion, or reuse
may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or
contaminant. Redevelopment challenges often include the need for environmental assessment,
remediation, and securing funding.
13. What are Brownfields and what are the typical characteristics that define them?
Brownfields are abandoned or underutilized industrial and commercial properties with perceived or
actual environmental contamination. They are typically characterized by potential or known pollution,
economic stagnation, and challenges for redevelopment.
,14. What is Superfund and how does it relate to CERCLA?
Superfund is the common name for the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and
Liability Act (CERCLA). It is a government program established to locate, investigate, and clean up the
nation's worst uncontrolled and abandoned toxic waste sites.
15. Describe xeriscaping and its environmental benefits.
Xeriscaping is a landscape design approach that uses locally grown plants adapted to the regional
climate and requires little to no supplemental irrigation beyond natural rainfall. Its environmental
benefits include reduced water consumption, lower maintenance, and the creation of habitats for local
wildlife.
16. What are VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and what are some common sources?
VOCs are organic chemicals that have a high vapor pressure at ordinary room temperature. They are
emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids and can be hazardous to human health and the
environment. Common sources include paint fumes, vehicle emissions, and burning fuels.
17. What is OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and its primary mission?
OSHA is a federal agency within the U.S. Department of Labor responsible for ensuring safe and
healthful working conditions for workers by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training,
outreach, education, and assistance.
18. What are the three main types of environments considered in an EHS context?
The three main types of environments are the built environment (human-made surroundings), the
natural environment (including air, water, and land), and the social environment (interactions and
relationships among people).
19. What is SARA (Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act) and how did it modify
CERCLA?
SARA is a United States federal law passed in 1986 that amended CERCLA. It addressed the health
and safety of the community at large, emphasized the importance of permanent remedies and innovative
treatment technologies, and increased the Superfund trust fund.
20. Describe a Property Condition Assessment and its typical focus.
A Property Condition Assessment is a due diligence process associated with commercial real estate that
evaluates the physical condition of a property. While related to real estate, the core assessment typically
excludes in-depth engineering work and focuses on identifying significant deficiencies and potential
costs for repair or replacement.
, 21. Define SARA and its key provisions.
SARA (Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act) is a 1986 amendment to CERCLA that
focused on community health and safety related to hazardous waste sites. Key provisions included
increased state involvement, the establishment of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-
Know Act (EPCRA), and stricter cleanup standards.
22. Explain the concept of "Cradle to Grave" in waste management.
"Cradle to Grave" refers to the principle of managing a waste stream from its point of generation
(creation) through its entire lifecycle to its final disposal. This concept emphasizes responsibility for the
potential impacts on human health and the environment throughout the waste's existence.
23. How are environmental hazards typically categorized?
Environmental hazards are typically categorized based on the environmental medium they affect: air
hazards (e.g., pollutants), water hazards (e.g., contamination), and soil hazards (e.g., pollutants,
contamination).
24. Describe a Phase One Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) and its key components.
A Phase One ESA is a preliminary, non-intrusive investigation into a property's environmental history
and current conditions. Key components include a review of historical records, a site reconnaissance,
interviews with facility personnel and others, and an evaluation of adjacent and surrounding properties
to identify potential environmental concerns.
25. What are the primary goals of the ISO 14000 Series of standards?
The primary goals of the ISO 14000 Series are to promote better environmental stewardship by
providing organizations with frameworks to: (a) minimize their negative environmental impacts, (b)
comply with applicable environmental laws and regulations, and (c) continually improve their
environmental performance.
26. What is the purpose of an E.M.S. (Environmental Management System)?
The purpose of an E.M.S. is to provide a structured framework for property owners and organizations to
manage, maintain, and monitor environmental issues related to their facilities or properties. It helps to
identify, control, and reduce environmental impacts.
27. List some key benefits of implementing an E.M.S.
Key benefits of an E.M.S. include: improved environmental performance, enhanced regulatory
compliance, prevention of pollution, reduced environmental risks, increased operational efficiency,
reduced costs, enhanced employee morale and recruitment, and an improved public image.
