New Hampshire Environmental
Practice Questions & Answers (2026)
Environmental questions on the New Hampshire exam cover both federal environmental laws and New Hampshire-specific disclosure requirements. Federal topics include lead-based paint (pre-1978 housing), asbestos, radon, underground storage tanks, and CERCLA liability. New Hampshire has additional state-level environmental disclosure requirements enforced by the New Hampshire Real Estate Commission — including New Hampshire-specific environmental conditions that affect property use and disclosure. Environmental questions trip up candidates who studied only federal law without reviewing the NH-specific overlay.
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New Hampshire Environmental — Practice Questions & Answers
115 questions on Environmental from the New Hampshire real estate question bank. First 10 are free — sign up to unlock all 115.
Q1. The New Hampshire Shoreland Water Quality Protection Act regulates development within how many feet of public water bodies?
Explanation
The NH Shoreland Water Quality Protection Act (RSA 483-B) regulates development and land use activities within 400 feet of the reference line of public water bodies, protecting water quality and habitat.
Q2. Which federal law requires disclosure of known lead-based paint hazards when selling a home built before 1978?
Explanation
The Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act (Title X) requires sellers and landlords to disclose known lead-based paint hazards in housing built before 1978 and provide buyers/tenants with an EPA pamphlet.
Q3. In New Hampshire, a property with underground storage tanks (USTs) raises environmental concerns primarily because:
Explanation
Underground storage tanks, particularly older ones, can develop leaks that contaminate surrounding soil and groundwater with petroleum or hazardous chemicals — creating significant environmental liability and reducing property value.
Q4. CERCLA (Superfund) holds parties responsible for environmental cleanup costs based on the doctrine of:
Explanation
CERCLA imposes strict, joint and several liability, meaning any responsible party (past owner, current owner, generator of hazardous waste) can be held liable for the full cleanup cost regardless of fault or degree of contribution.
Q5. Radon gas in New Hampshire residential properties is a concern because:
Explanation
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can seep from the soil into buildings. New Hampshire has elevated radon levels in many areas; long-term exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S.
Q6. Asbestos found in a property built before the 1980s is most hazardous when it is:
Explanation
Friable asbestos — asbestos that crumbles or releases fibers into the air — poses the greatest health risk because the microscopic fibers can be inhaled and cause mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.
Q7. An environmental site assessment Phase I evaluates a property by:
Explanation
A Phase I environmental site assessment involves a non-invasive review of historical records, site inspection, and interviews to identify recognized environmental conditions (RECs) — without sampling or testing.
Q8. Which of the following best describes 'wetlands' under New Hampshire environmental law?
Explanation
Wetlands are areas where water saturation dominates the soil and supports vegetation adapted to saturated conditions. New Hampshire's wetland protection rules cover a wide range of inland and coastal wetland types.
Q9. In New Hampshire, a seller who is aware of an oil spill on the property is required to:
Explanation
The NH Residential Property Condition Disclosure form requires sellers to disclose known environmental issues including oil spills, contamination, and hazardous materials on or affecting the property.
Q10. The primary environmental concern with properties near former dry-cleaning operations is contamination with:
Explanation
Dry-cleaning operations commonly use perchloroethylene (PCE/PERC) and other chlorinated solvents that are known groundwater contaminants. Properties near former dry cleaners often require environmental investigation.
Q11. Under New Hampshire law, who must approve a new septic system design before installation?
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