Tennessee Wastewater Operator Practice Exam

Which document serves as a reference for NPDES sampling and preservation procedures?

1. Environmental Protection Act

2. Clean Water Act

3. Code of Federal Regulations Title 40 Part 136

4. Water Quality Standards Manual

The correct answer is: Code of Federal Regulations Title 40 Part 136

The document that serves as a reference for NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) sampling and preservation procedures is found in Title 40 Part 136 of the Code of Federal Regulations. This regulation outlines the appropriate methods for the sampling and analysis of various pollutants, which are essential for regulatory compliance under the NPDES program. These procedures are crucial for ensuring that sample collection, preservation, and analysis are conducted in a manner that yields accurate and representative results. By providing specific guidelines and requirements, Title 40 Part 136 helps operators understand how to properly collect and handle samples to meet federal water quality standards. This includes details on equipment, techniques, and the necessary conditions for preserving samples prior to analysis, thereby ensuring the reliability and validity of data submitted to regulatory authorities. While the other options mentioned are relevant to environmental regulation and water quality, they do not specifically focus on the technical details of sampling and preservation procedures as outlined in Title 40 Part 136.