Pennsylvania Environmental
Practice Questions & Answers (2026)

Explanation

Pennsylvania's Sewage Facilities Act (Act 537) requires municipalities to maintain official sewage facilities plans and ensures that new land developments have adequate sewage disposal. Municipalities must approve plans for new development that includes sewage systems.

Explanation

Under the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act (Title X), sellers and landlords of housing built before 1978 must disclose known lead-based paint hazards and provide buyers/tenants with the EPA pamphlet 'Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home.'

Explanation

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas produced by the decay of uranium and radium found in soil and rock. It can accumulate in buildings through foundation cracks and gaps. Pennsylvania has among the highest radon levels in the nation.

Explanation

CERCLA (Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act) imposes strict, joint, and several liability on potentially responsible parties: current owners, prior owners at the time of disposal, generators of hazardous substances, and transporters who chose disposal sites.

Explanation

Asbestos is most hazardous when it is friable — meaning it can be crumbled by hand pressure and release microscopic fibers into the air. Inhalation of asbestos fibers is linked to mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. Non-friable asbestos in good condition is generally left in place.

Explanation

Underground storage tanks (USTs) that have leaked can contaminate soil and groundwater with petroleum products or hazardous chemicals, creating significant environmental liability and cleanup costs. Pennsylvania DEP regulates USTs under the Storage Tank and Spill Prevention Act.

Explanation

A Phase I ESA is a non-intrusive investigation that reviews historical records, regulatory databases, aerial photos, and conducts a site visit to identify recognized environmental conditions (RECs). No soil or groundwater sampling is performed. Phase II ESA follows if RECs are identified.

Explanation

UFFI (urea-formaldehyde foam insulation) was used widely in the 1970s. It can off-gas formaldehyde, an irritant and potential carcinogen, into indoor air. Its use in residential housing was banned by the FTC in 1982, though the ban was later overturned; it is still a disclosure concern.

Explanation

Wetlands are regulated (primarily under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act and by the Army Corps of Engineers) because they provide critical ecological functions: flood control, water quality filtration, carbon sequestration, and wildlife habitat. Development in wetlands typically requires a permit.

Explanation

Federal law requires that flood insurance be purchased on properties in FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Areas (100-year floodplains) when the mortgage is federally backed. The insurance must be obtained through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or an approved private insurer.