Idaho Environmental
Practice Questions & Answers (2026)
Environmental questions on the Idaho exam cover both federal environmental laws and Idaho-specific disclosure requirements. Federal topics include lead-based paint (pre-1978 housing), asbestos, radon, underground storage tanks, and CERCLA liability. Idaho has additional state-level environmental disclosure requirements enforced by the Idaho Real Estate Commission — including Idaho-specific environmental conditions that affect property use and disclosure. Environmental questions trip up candidates who studied only federal law without reviewing the ID-specific overlay.
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Idaho Environmental — Practice Questions & Answers
96 questions on Environmental from the Idaho real estate question bank. First 10 are free — sign up to unlock all 96.
Q1. Which federal law governs the cleanup of contaminated sites in the United States and created the 'Superfund'?
Explanation
CERCLA, passed in 1980, created the Superfund program to clean up contaminated sites. It established liability for cleanup costs and allows the EPA to pursue responsible parties, including current and former property owners.
Q2. Lead-based paint disclosures are required for residential properties built before:
Explanation
Federal law requires sellers and landlords of residential properties built before 1978 to disclose known lead-based paint hazards. Lead paint was banned for residential use in 1978.
Q3. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that enters buildings from:
Explanation
Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas that forms from the natural decay of uranium in soil and rock. It can seep into buildings through foundation cracks and openings and is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S.
Q4. Asbestos-containing materials in older homes pose the greatest risk when they are:
Explanation
Asbestos is most dangerous when it is friable — meaning it can be crumbled or is in a deteriorating state that releases fibers into the air. When intact and in good condition, asbestos-containing materials are generally not an immediate health hazard.
Q5. Underground storage tanks (USTs) are a concern in real estate because they:
Explanation
USTs containing petroleum products or chemicals can corrode and leak over time, potentially contaminating soil and groundwater. Properties with USTs may require environmental remediation, which can be very costly.
Q6. Urea-formaldehyde foam insulation (UFFI) used in homes is a concern because it:
Explanation
Urea-formaldehyde foam insulation can off-gas formaldehyde, a chemical that can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat and may be carcinogenic. UFFI was used in homes during the 1970s and was banned by the CPSC (though the ban was later overturned).
Q7. A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment is designed to:
Explanation
A Phase I ESA is a records review and visual site inspection to identify recognized environmental conditions (RECs) — evidence of past or present contamination. It does NOT involve sampling. If RECs are found, a Phase II ESA with sampling is typically conducted.
Q8. Wetlands on a property are regulated primarily under which federal law?
Explanation
Section 404 of the Clean Water Act regulates the discharge of dredged or fill material into wetlands and other waters of the United States. Developers must obtain a permit from the Army Corps of Engineers to disturb regulated wetlands.
Q9. A property located in a FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) is required to have:
Explanation
Properties in FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas with federally backed mortgages are required to carry flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Standard homeowner's insurance does not cover flood damage.
Q10. Mold growth in a building is primarily caused by:
Explanation
Mold requires moisture to grow. Leaking roofs, plumbing leaks, flooding, high humidity, and inadequate ventilation all create conditions favorable for mold growth. Mold can cause significant health problems and structural damage.
Q11. In Idaho, the prior appropriation doctrine for water rights means:
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