FE Environmental case studies
FE Environmental · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam is the first step in the process of becoming a licensed professional engineer (P.E.), and NCEES describes it as designed for recent graduates and students who are close to finishing an undergraduate engineering degree from an EAC/ABET-accredited program. The Environmental exam is one of the disciplines offered within the FE exam. The FE Environmental case studies are 5 cases and about 3,405 words.
1Activated-Sludge Bulking and Effluent TSS Exceedance
An activated-sludge plant treats 5.0 MGD with an aeration basin volume of 1.5 MG and two secondary clarifiers. Current MLSS is 3,200 mg/L, SVI is 230 mL/g, RAS flow is 2.5 MGD, and WAS is 0.07 MGD.
692 words, about 3 min2VOC Potential to Emit and Nonattainment NSR
A commercial printing facility proposes to install a new sheet-fed press in a severe ozone nonattainment area where the major-source threshold for VOC is 25 tons per year. The press will use 12,000 gallons per year of solvent-based ink containing 45% VOC by weight (density 8.0 lb/gal) and 2,000 gallons per year of cleanup solvent that is 100% VOC (density 6.5 lb/gal).
685 words, about 3 min3TCLP Cadmium Sludge and Dilution by Mixing
An electroplating shop generates 8,000 lb/month (wet basis) of hydroxide sludge from its wastewater treatment system. TCLP results are cadmium 1.4 mg/L, chromium 1.1 mg/L, lead 3.8 mg/L, and pH 10.8.
661 words, about 3 min4Construction Stormwater Benchmark, TMDL, and Dewatering
A 45-acre residential subdivision is under construction over 8 months under the Construction General Permit. The SWPPP calls for silt fence, a sediment basin, and a stabilized construction entrance.
682 words, about 3 min5TCE Pump-and-Treat Rebound and MNA Decision
A leaking underground storage tank released trichloroethylene (TCE) into a sandy aquifer. The dissolved plume is about 1,800 ft long, groundwater velocity is 0.6 ft/day, and the source-area concentration is 500 µg/L; the MCL is 5 µg/L.
685 words, about 3 min