Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) Practice Test

In compliance with the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA), what must an aviation manager do regarding hazardous chemical releases?

1. Store the chemicals safely

2. Immediately report releases exceeding limits

3. Conduct an internal investigation

4. Wait for the state to provide guidance

The correct answer is: Immediately report releases exceeding limits

Under the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA), aviation managers are obligated to prioritize public health and environmental safety. This includes making immediate reports when hazardous chemical releases exceed established limits. Prompt reporting is essential because it triggers responses from environmental agencies to manage and mitigate risks associated with such releases, thus helping to prevent potential harm to the community and ecosystems. The requirement for immediate reporting emphasizes the importance of rapid communication and action in the event of a hazardous release. Quick action can significantly reduce the negative impact on the environment and public health. This responsibility is a critical aspect of compliance with environmental laws, ensuring that appropriate measures are taken without delay. The other options, such as storing chemicals safely, while important for overall safety and compliance, do not address the specific obligations under SARA regarding the immediate response to hazardous releases. Conducting an internal investigation is typically part of a longer-term response but does not replace the requirement for immediate reporting. Waiting for state guidance could lead to unnecessary delays that may worsen the situation, thus conflicting with the urgent nature of reporting hazardous releases as mandated by SARA.