Basic Wastewater Operations UPDATED
Questions and CORRECT Answers
Water resources in Texas include lakes, rivers, bays, estuaries, wetlands, groundwater, and
stormwater runoff.
a. true
b. false - CORRECT ANSWER✔✔- False (does not include stormwater runoff)
Water ___ include organic and inorganic material, heat, and radiation. - CORRECT
ANSWER✔✔- pollutants
In Texas, ____ is needed to provide for human consumption and recreation, maintain aquatic
habitats for wildlife, supply bays with fresh water, recharge groundwater, and provide for
industry. - CORRECT ANSWER✔✔- clean water
Two sources of water contamination are point-source discharges and ___ discharges. -
CORRECT ANSWER✔✔- non-point-source
The fine for polluting state water is as much as ___ per day. - CORRECT ANSWER✔✔-
$25,000
Examples of point-source discharges are ________.
a. stormwater drainage from industry and urban areas
b. seepage from septic tanks and drainfields
c. municipal, industrial, and agricultural wastewater treatment facilities
d. all of the above - CORRECT ANSWER✔✔- c. municipal, industrial, and agricultural
wastewater treatment facilities
Protecting Texas water from contamination requires ________ of wastewater.
,a. collection and transportation to treatment facilities
b. treatment that removes contaminants
c. processing and disposal of solids
d. all of the above - CORRECT ANSWER✔✔- d. all of the above
Benefits of treating point-source and non-point-source wastes are prevention of ground and
surface water pollution and ________.
a. protection of human and animal health
b. prevention of oxygen depletion in surface water
c. prevention of landfill leakage
d. a and b - CORRECT ANSWER✔✔- d. a and b
The Texas Water Code establishes the following means of protecting state water: water
quality standards for streams, discharge limitations for point-sources, and ________. -
CORRECT ANSWER✔✔- controlling non-point sources of waste
The state sets water quality standards, called ________, for rivers and lakes. - CORRECT
ANSWER✔✔- stream standards
To meet stream standards, the state issues ________ for waste discharge. - CORRECT
ANSWER✔✔- permits
A role of supervision and management is to set job assignments and secure permits and
finances to do the job.
a. true
b. false - CORRECT ANSWER✔✔- a. true
Responsibilities of the licensed operator include protecting the public from waterborne
disease, performing duties professionally, protecting state water from pollution, maintaining
required licensing, practicing safety, and controlling inflation.
,a. true
b. false - CORRECT ANSWER✔✔- false (controlling inflation)
The ___ Act of 1972 (Clean Water Act) has a goal of eliminating pollution of the nation's
water. - CORRECT ANSWER✔✔- Federal Water Pollution Control
___ of the Texas Water Code is the state law controlling water pollution. - CORRECT
ANSWER✔✔- Chapter 26
TCEQ functions include setting water quality standards, monitoring discharge, and enforcing
the ___. - CORRECT ANSWER✔✔- Clean Water Act
To become a licensed operator it is necessary to ________. - CORRECT ANSWER✔✔- pass
a test administered by the TCEQ
Personnel working at a domestic wastewater plant must be state licensed if they are
________. - CORRECT ANSWER✔✔- responsible for process control
Local governments have authority to inspect facilities using the collection system, enforce
local pollution control laws, set discharge rules, and collect ____________. - CORRECT
ANSWER✔✔- user charges
The local government may inspect and investigate water quality conditions within its
jurisdiction to determine ________.
a. standards are met
b. dischargers have permits
c. permits are followed
d. all of the above - CORRECT ANSWER✔✔- d. all of the above
Local governments may make discharge rules to protect personnel, the wastewater system,
and the ________. - CORRECT ANSWER✔✔- treatment facility
, A local government may bring suit to enforce its ________. - CORRECT ANSWER✔✔-
rules
Cities with more than ________ population should have a water pollution control program. -
CORRECT ANSWER✔✔- 10,000
Goals of the TCEQ include maintaining water quality for public health, commercial use, and
________. - CORRECT ANSWER✔✔- wildlife preservation
The TCEQ may revoke a license if the operator ________.
a. violates the permit
b. falsifies records
c. neglects a duty
d. all of the above - CORRECT ANSWER✔✔- d. all of the above
When an accidental discharge, bypass, or spill occurs, the discharger must notify the TCEQ
within ________ hours. - CORRECT ANSWER✔✔- 24
An administrative penalty can be up to ________ per day - CORRECT ANSWER✔✔-
$25,000
Penalty assessment is based upon physical effect, intentions, responsibility, and ________. -
CORRECT ANSWER✔✔- economic benefit accrued
Penalties are levied for ________.
a. failure to submit reports
b. bypasses
c. no discharge permit
d. all of the above - CORRECT ANSWER✔✔- d. all of the above
