Who qualifies as an owner/operator according to EPA definitions?

The correct option identifies an owner/operator as someone who owns or supervises a building, aligning with the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) definitions. This designation encompasses not only property owners but also individuals with supervisory responsibilities over the management and operations of a building, which may include maintenance, modifications, or renovations that could potentially disturb asbestos-containing materials. This distinction is important within the context of asbestos regulations because owner/operators have specific legal obligations regarding the management and remediation of asbestos in their properties to protect public health and ensure compliance with environmental standards.

In contrast, individuals renting an apartment typically do not meet the qualifications necessary to be considered an owner/operator, as they do not have the authority to manage or supervise the building. Similarly, while anyone managing municipal buildings may have some responsibility, without ownership or supervisory authority over asbestos management, they do not necessarily fall under the owner/operator category. Lastly, while a person controlling environmental assessments plays a role in addressing environmental concerns, their position does not inherently confer the responsibilities associated with ownership or operational supervision of a building.