Maryland Brownfields Redevelopment
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1. Which best describes a brownfield site in environmental regulation?
A. A pristine undeveloped forest reserve
B. A site used exclusively for agriculture without contamination history
C. A property where expansion or redevelopment is complicated by
the presence or potential presence of hazardous substances
D. A newly constructed residential housing development
Brownfields are defined as properties where real or perceived
contamination hinders redevelopment or reuse, often requiring
assessment and remediation before safe development.
2. Which U.S. federal law primarily governs liability for contaminated site
cleanup?
A. Clean Water Act
B. Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
C. Toxic Substances Control Act
D. Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and
Liability Act (CERCLA)
, CERCLA establishes liability and funding mechanisms for cleanup of
contaminated sites, including brownfields and Superfund locations.
3. What is the primary purpose of a Phase I Environmental Site
Assessment (ESA)?
A. Soil excavation and removal
B. Laboratory chemical testing of groundwater
C. Identification of potential environmental contamination through
records review and site inspection
D. Installation of remediation systems
Phase I ESA focuses on historical and visual assessment to identify
recognized environmental conditions without physical sampling.
4. Which activity is typically included in a Phase II ESA?
A. Community outreach meetings
B. Soil, groundwater, or soil vapor sampling for laboratory analysis
C. Land zoning approval
D. Property sales negotiation
Phase II ESA involves intrusive testing to confirm or rule out
contamination identified during Phase I.
5. Which agency administers most brownfields programs in Maryland?
A. Maryland Department of Transportation
B. Maryland Department of Agriculture
C. Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE)
D. Maryland State Police
MDE is the primary regulatory body overseeing environmental
cleanup and brownfields redevelopment in the state.
6. What is a key goal of brownfields redevelopment programs?
A. Increase agricultural production
B. Expand wildlife sanctuaries only
C. Return contaminated or underused properties to productive
, economic and community use
D. Eliminate all industrial activity statewide
Brownfields programs aim to revitalize land while protecting human
health and the environment.
7. Which contaminant is commonly associated with former industrial
sites?
A. Vitamin C
B. Potable sodium chloride
C. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
D. Distilled water
VOCs are frequently found at industrial sites and can migrate
through soil and groundwater.
8. What is vapor intrusion?
A. Surface runoff entering storm drains
B. Direct discharge into rivers
C. Migration of contaminated vapors from subsurface into indoor air
spaces
D. Noise pollution from construction sites
Vapor intrusion occurs when volatile chemicals move from soil or
groundwater into buildings.
9. Which law regulates hazardous waste from “cradle to grave”?
A. Clean Air Act
B. Safe Drinking Water Act
C. Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
D. Endangered Species Act
RCRA governs generation, transportation, treatment, and disposal of
hazardous waste.
10. What is a “recognized environmental condition” (REC)?
A. A confirmed safe condition
Certification Exam Practice Questions
And Correct Answers (Verified Answers)
Plus Rationale 2026 Q&A| Instant
Download Pdf
1. Which best describes a brownfield site in environmental regulation?
A. A pristine undeveloped forest reserve
B. A site used exclusively for agriculture without contamination history
C. A property where expansion or redevelopment is complicated by
the presence or potential presence of hazardous substances
D. A newly constructed residential housing development
Brownfields are defined as properties where real or perceived
contamination hinders redevelopment or reuse, often requiring
assessment and remediation before safe development.
2. Which U.S. federal law primarily governs liability for contaminated site
cleanup?
A. Clean Water Act
B. Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
C. Toxic Substances Control Act
D. Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and
Liability Act (CERCLA)
, CERCLA establishes liability and funding mechanisms for cleanup of
contaminated sites, including brownfields and Superfund locations.
3. What is the primary purpose of a Phase I Environmental Site
Assessment (ESA)?
A. Soil excavation and removal
B. Laboratory chemical testing of groundwater
C. Identification of potential environmental contamination through
records review and site inspection
D. Installation of remediation systems
Phase I ESA focuses on historical and visual assessment to identify
recognized environmental conditions without physical sampling.
4. Which activity is typically included in a Phase II ESA?
A. Community outreach meetings
B. Soil, groundwater, or soil vapor sampling for laboratory analysis
C. Land zoning approval
D. Property sales negotiation
Phase II ESA involves intrusive testing to confirm or rule out
contamination identified during Phase I.
5. Which agency administers most brownfields programs in Maryland?
A. Maryland Department of Transportation
B. Maryland Department of Agriculture
C. Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE)
D. Maryland State Police
MDE is the primary regulatory body overseeing environmental
cleanup and brownfields redevelopment in the state.
6. What is a key goal of brownfields redevelopment programs?
A. Increase agricultural production
B. Expand wildlife sanctuaries only
C. Return contaminated or underused properties to productive
, economic and community use
D. Eliminate all industrial activity statewide
Brownfields programs aim to revitalize land while protecting human
health and the environment.
7. Which contaminant is commonly associated with former industrial
sites?
A. Vitamin C
B. Potable sodium chloride
C. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
D. Distilled water
VOCs are frequently found at industrial sites and can migrate
through soil and groundwater.
8. What is vapor intrusion?
A. Surface runoff entering storm drains
B. Direct discharge into rivers
C. Migration of contaminated vapors from subsurface into indoor air
spaces
D. Noise pollution from construction sites
Vapor intrusion occurs when volatile chemicals move from soil or
groundwater into buildings.
9. Which law regulates hazardous waste from “cradle to grave”?
A. Clean Air Act
B. Safe Drinking Water Act
C. Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
D. Endangered Species Act
RCRA governs generation, transportation, treatment, and disposal of
hazardous waste.
10. What is a “recognized environmental condition” (REC)?
A. A confirmed safe condition
