North Dakota Practice TestEnvironmental

North Dakota Environmental
Practice Questions & Answers (2026)

Environmental questions on the North Dakota exam cover both federal environmental laws and North Dakota-specific disclosure requirements. Federal topics include lead-based paint (pre-1978 housing), asbestos, radon, underground storage tanks, and CERCLA liability. North Dakota has additional state-level environmental disclosure requirements enforced by the North Dakota Real Estate Commission — including North Dakota-specific environmental conditions that affect property use and disclosure. Environmental questions trip up candidates who studied only federal law without reviewing the ND-specific overlay.

Practice Questions

North Dakota Environmental — Practice Questions & Answers

107 questions on Environmental from the North Dakota real estate question bank. First 10 are free — sign up to unlock all 107.

Q1. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that enters buildings primarily through:

A.Contaminated water supplies
B.Cracks and openings in foundations from surrounding soil and rock
C.Old lead-based paint
D.Asbestos insulation

Explanation

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that rises from soil and rock and enters buildings through cracks and openings in foundations. North Dakota has areas with elevated radon levels.

Q2. Lead-based paint disclosure is required for homes built:

A.Before 1978
B.Before 1986
C.Before 1990
D.Before 2000

Explanation

Federal law (Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act) requires disclosure of known lead-based paint hazards in homes built before 1978, when lead paint was banned for residential use.

Q3. An underground storage tank (UST) on a property is a concern primarily because of potential:

A.Structural damage to the foundation
B.Soil and groundwater contamination from leaking petroleum products
C.Radon gas exposure
D.Asbestos fiber release

Explanation

Leaking underground storage tanks (USTs) can cause significant soil and groundwater contamination from petroleum products. Cleanup costs can be substantial, making USTs a major environmental concern in real estate transactions.

Q4. Asbestos in a property is considered hazardous when it is:

A.Intact and undisturbed (friable condition)
B.Friable — easily crumbled or damaged and releasing fibers into the air
C.Located only in older insulation
D.Found anywhere on the property regardless of condition

Explanation

Asbestos becomes hazardous when it is friable — meaning it can be easily crumbled and releases fibers into the air. Intact, undisturbed asbestos may not pose an immediate health risk.

Q5. CERCLA (Superfund) legislation holds which parties liable for cleanup of contaminated sites?

A.Only the current property owner
B.Only the original polluter
C.Current owners, past owners, generators, and transporters of hazardous substances
D.Only the federal government is responsible for cleanup

Explanation

CERCLA (Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act) imposes joint and several liability on current owners, past owners, generators of hazardous substances, and transporters — not just the current owner.

Q6. A Phase I environmental site assessment (ESA) involves:

A.Collecting soil and water samples for laboratory analysis
B.A review of records, visual inspection, and interviews to identify potential environmental concerns
C.Removal of contaminated materials from the site
D.Installation of environmental monitoring equipment

Explanation

A Phase I ESA involves records review, site visits, and interviews to identify recognized environmental conditions (RECs) without physically sampling. If RECs are found, a Phase II ESA with sampling may be recommended.

Q7. Wetlands are regulated in real estate transactions primarily because they:

A.Always increase property value
B.Provide ecological functions and may restrict development without federal permits
C.Are exempt from all zoning regulations
D.Require no special consideration unless they are more than 5 acres

Explanation

Wetlands provide important ecological functions (flood control, water quality, habitat). Development in wetlands requires permits under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. Improperly filling wetlands can result in severe penalties.

Q8. North Dakota's oil and gas production in the Bakken region can cause environmental concerns including:

A.Lead paint contamination in homes
B.Soil and water contamination from spills, and air quality impacts
C.Asbestos fiber release from shale
D.Wetland creation due to drilling activity

Explanation

Oil and gas production in the Bakken can cause environmental concerns including soil and groundwater contamination from spills and leaks, brine disposal issues, and air quality impacts from flaring and equipment emissions.

Q9. When is a seller required to provide a lead-based paint disclosure and EPA pamphlet?

A.For all residential properties
B.For residential properties built before 1978
C.For properties in flood zones
D.For properties with children under age 6

Explanation

The Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act requires sellers and lessors of housing built before 1978 to provide a lead-based paint disclosure and the EPA pamphlet 'Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home.'

Q10. Mold in a residential property is considered a material fact that must be disclosed because it can:

A.Increase the property's value
B.Cause health problems and structural damage
C.Attract insects to the property
D.Increase the property's energy efficiency

Explanation

Mold can cause serious health problems (respiratory issues, allergic reactions) and structural damage. It is a material defect that must be disclosed by sellers and agents who are aware of it.

Q11. A buyer in North Dakota asks about the proximity of the property to an oil and gas well. The agent should:

A.Refuse to answer — it is not a real estate matter
B.Disclose what they know and direct the buyer to appropriate sources for further information
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