Page 1 of 215
NEW YORK HYDROGEOLOGIST
CERTIFICATION ACTUAL EXAM 2026/2027
COMPLETE ACCURATE EXAM REAL
QUESTIONS WITH WELL ELABORATED
ANSWERS AND RATIONALES. (100%
CORRECT VERIFIED SOLUTIONS)
Question 1
Under 6 NYCRR Part 360, which of the following is the
primary criterion for classifying a landfill as “inert landfill”?
A) Location within a 100-year floodplain
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B) Only accepts construction and demolition debris without
putrescible waste
C) Must have a composite liner and leachate collection system
D) Requires a groundwater monitoring well within 50 feet of
each boundary
Correct Answer: B
*Rationale: Part 360 defines inert landfill as accepting only
non-putrescible, non-reactive waste like concrete, brick, and
soil. Composite liners (C) are required for MSW landfills, not
inert. Floodplain location (A) is prohibited for most landfills.*
Question 2
A hydrogeologist in New York discovers an unregistered water
well during a site investigation. According to NYS
Environmental Conservation Law Article 15, Title 15, what is
the mandatory action?
A) Cap the well immediately with bentonite
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B) Report the well to NYSDEC within 30 days
C) Sample the well for VOC analysis
D) No action if the well is not used for drinking water
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: NYS law requires reporting any existing unregistered
well to DEC within 30 days. Immediate capping (A) may damage
aquifer data; sampling (C) is not required by this article.
Question 3
Scenario: A proposed industrial site in Suffolk County, NY (sole
source aquifer area) will extract 150 gpm for cooling. Which
permit is strictly required?
A) SPDES general permit
B) NYS Well Permit under Article 15
C) USACE Section 404 permit
D) Air Title V permit
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Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Article 15 (Protection of Waters) requires a permit
for withdrawals >100 gpm in sole source aquifer areas like
Suffolk County. SPDES (A) is for discharges.
Question 4
Which NYCRR Part specifically governs the siting, operation,
and closure of hazardous waste disposal facilities?
A) Part 360
B) Part 373
C) Part 701
D) Part 703
Correct Answer: B
*Rationale: Part 373 is the hazardous waste management
regulations; Part 360 is solid waste; Part 701/703 are water
quality standards.*
NEW YORK HYDROGEOLOGIST
CERTIFICATION ACTUAL EXAM 2026/2027
COMPLETE ACCURATE EXAM REAL
QUESTIONS WITH WELL ELABORATED
ANSWERS AND RATIONALES. (100%
CORRECT VERIFIED SOLUTIONS)
Question 1
Under 6 NYCRR Part 360, which of the following is the
primary criterion for classifying a landfill as “inert landfill”?
A) Location within a 100-year floodplain
,Page 2 of 215
B) Only accepts construction and demolition debris without
putrescible waste
C) Must have a composite liner and leachate collection system
D) Requires a groundwater monitoring well within 50 feet of
each boundary
Correct Answer: B
*Rationale: Part 360 defines inert landfill as accepting only
non-putrescible, non-reactive waste like concrete, brick, and
soil. Composite liners (C) are required for MSW landfills, not
inert. Floodplain location (A) is prohibited for most landfills.*
Question 2
A hydrogeologist in New York discovers an unregistered water
well during a site investigation. According to NYS
Environmental Conservation Law Article 15, Title 15, what is
the mandatory action?
A) Cap the well immediately with bentonite
,Page 3 of 215
B) Report the well to NYSDEC within 30 days
C) Sample the well for VOC analysis
D) No action if the well is not used for drinking water
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: NYS law requires reporting any existing unregistered
well to DEC within 30 days. Immediate capping (A) may damage
aquifer data; sampling (C) is not required by this article.
Question 3
Scenario: A proposed industrial site in Suffolk County, NY (sole
source aquifer area) will extract 150 gpm for cooling. Which
permit is strictly required?
A) SPDES general permit
B) NYS Well Permit under Article 15
C) USACE Section 404 permit
D) Air Title V permit
, Page 4 of 215
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Article 15 (Protection of Waters) requires a permit
for withdrawals >100 gpm in sole source aquifer areas like
Suffolk County. SPDES (A) is for discharges.
Question 4
Which NYCRR Part specifically governs the siting, operation,
and closure of hazardous waste disposal facilities?
A) Part 360
B) Part 373
C) Part 701
D) Part 703
Correct Answer: B
*Rationale: Part 373 is the hazardous waste management
regulations; Part 360 is solid waste; Part 701/703 are water
quality standards.*
