Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM) Practice Exam

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is primarily responsible for regulating hazardous waste spills. This agency is charged with implementing and enforcing federal laws aimed at protecting the environment and public health from the improper management and disposal of hazardous waste. The EPA oversees the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), commonly known as the Superfund law, which addresses the cleanup of sites contaminated by hazardous substances and provides authority for federal response to hazardous waste spills.

In addition to overseeing regulations for hazardous waste management, the EPA establishes standards for hazardous waste treatment, storage, disposal, and emergency response actions. This includes guidelines on how to manage spills and cleanup operations, making the EPA the central figure in regulating hazardous waste spills and ensuring that appropriate measures are taken to protect human health and the environment.

The other entities mentioned have roles in environmental and health regulation but are not primarily responsible for hazardous waste spills. The Department of Transportation regulates the transportation of hazardous materials but does not handle spills specifically related to disposal or cleanup. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration focuses on workplace safety and health standards rather than environmental contamination. Local health departments may engage in public health responses but operate within the framework set by federal and state regulations, which are largely governed by the EPA in the context of hazardous