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Environmental Issues Terms & Acronyms

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Guide to Environmental Issues: Glossary of Terms & Acronyms

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Glossary from the Guide to Environmental Issues

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Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance

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Terms & Acronyms

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	Term
	acid	Definition: A corrosive solution with a pH less than 7. Vinegar is a common weak acid; battery acid is much stronger.
	activated sludge process	Definition: A sewage treatment process by which bacteria that feed on organic wastes are continuously circulated and put in contact with organic waste in the presence of oxygen to increase the rate of decomposition.
	acute effect	Definition: An adverse effect on any living organism in which severe symptoms develop rapidly and often subside after the exposure stops.
	acute toxicity	Definition: Adverse effects that result from a single dose or single exposure of a chemical; any poisonous effect produced within a short period of time, usually less than 96 hours. This term normally is used to describe effects in experimental animals.
	aeration	Definition: The act of mixing a liquid with air (oxygen).
	aerobic	Definition: A biological process that occurs in the presence of oxygen.
	agricultural waste	Definition: Poultry and livestock manure, and residual materials in liquid or solid form generated from the production and marketing of poultry, livestock, furbearing animals, and their products. Also includes grain, vegetable, and fruit harvest residue.
	air quality standards	Definition: The level of selected pollutants set by law that may not be exceeded in outside air. Used to determine the amount of pollutants that may be emitted by industry.
	alkalinity	Definition: Having the properties of a base with a pH of more than 7. A common alkaline is baking soda.
	ambient	Definition: Any unconfined portion of the atmosphere; open air; outside surrounding air.
	anaerobic	Definition: A biological process which occurs in the absence of oxygen.
	aquifer	Definition: A water-bearing layer of rock (including gravel and sand) that will yield water in usable quantity to a well or spring.
	asbestos	Definition: A mineral fiber that can pollute air or water and cause cancer or asbestosis when inhaled. EPA has banned or severely restricted the use of asbestos in manufacturing and construction.
	assimilative capacity	Definition: The ability of a natural body of water to receive wastewaters or toxic materials without harmful effects and without damage to aquatic life.
	bactericide	Definition: A pesticide used to control or destroy bacteria, typically in the home, schools, or on hospital equipment.
	benthic organism	Definition: Any of a diverse group of aquatic plants and animals that lives on the bottom of marine and fresh bodies of water. The presence or absence of certain benthic organisms can be used as an indicator of water quality.
	best available control technology	Definition: The application of the most advanced methods, systems, and techniques for eliminating or minimizing discharges and emissions on a case-by-case basis as determined by EPA. BACT represents an emission limit based on the maximum degree of reduction of each pollutant as described in regulations under the Clean Air Act (CAA). The determination of BACT takes into account energy, environmental, economic effects, and other costs. Acronym: bact
	best available technology economically achievable	Definition: Originally described under Section 304(b)(2)(B) of the Clean Water Act, this level of control is generally described as the best technology currently in use and includes controls on toxic pollutants. Acronym: batea
	best management practices	Definition: Procedures or controls other than effluent limitations to prevent or reduce pollution of surface water (includes runoff control, spill prevention, and operating procedures). Acronym: bmp
	bioaccumulation/biomagnification	Definition: A process where chemicals are retained in fatty body tissue and increase in concentration over time. Biomagnification is the increase of tissue accumulation in species higher in the natural food chain as contaminated food species are eaten.
	bioassay	Definition: A method of testing a material's effects on living organisms.
	biochemical oxygen demand	Definition: A measure of the oxygen required to break down organic materials in water. Higher organic loads require larger amounts of oxygen and may reduce the amount of oxygen available for fish and aquatic life below acceptable levels. Acronym: bod
	biochemicals	Definition: Chemicals that are either naturally occurring or identical to naturally occurring substances. Examples include hormones, pheromones, and enzymes. Biochemicals function as pesticides through non-toxic, non-lethal modes of action, such as disrupting the mating pattern of insects, regulating growth, or acting as repellants. Biochemicals tend to be environmentally compatible and are thus important to Integrated Pest Management programs.
	biodegradable	Definition: The ability of a substance to be broken down physically and/or chemically by microorganisms. For example, many chemicals, food scraps, cotton, wool, and paper are bio-degradable; plastics and polyester generally are not.
	biodiversity	Definition: The number and variety of different organisms in the ecological complexes in which they naturally occur. Organisms are organized at many levels, ranging from complete ecosystems to the biochemical structures that are the molecular basis of heredity. Thus, the term encompasses different ecosystems, species, and genes that must be present for a healthy environment. A large number of species must characterize the food chain, representing multiple predator-prey relationships.
	biological pesticides	Definition: Certain microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoa that are effective in controlling target pests. These agents usually do not have toxic effects on animals and people and do not leave toxic or persistent chemical residues in the environment.
	biota	Definition: All living organisms in a given area.
	bubble	Definition: Existing sources of air pollution with several facilities may control more than is required at one emission point where control costs are lower, in return for comparable relaxation at a second point where costs are higher or more difficult to achieve.
	by-product	Definition: Materials, other than the intended product, generated as a result of an industrial process.
	cap	Definition: A fairly impermeable seal, usually composed of clay-type soil or a combination of clay soil and synthetic liner, which is placed over a landfill during closure. The cap serves to minimize leachate volume during biodegradation of the waste by keeping precipitation from percolating through the landfill. The cap also keeps odors down and animal scavengers from gathering.
	capacity assurance plan	Definition: A plan which assures that a state has the ability to treat and dispose of hazardous wastes generated within its borders over the next 20 years. Section 104 of SARA required the first plan to be submitted to EPA in October 1989. But even though capacity has been certified, the state is not required to treat or dispose of hazardous wastes at home; many are exporting to other states that have commercial facilities, permitted landfills, and incinerators.
	carcinogenic or carcinogen	Definition: Capable of causing cancer. A suspected carcinogen is a substance that may cause cancer in humans or animals but for which the evidence is not conclusive.
	CERCLIS	Definition: The federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Information System. This database includes all sites which have been nominated for investigation by the Superfund program and the actions that have been taken at these sites. If the site investigation reveals contamination, the site is ranked and may be included on the National Priorities List for Superfund cleanup. Inclusion in the CERCLIS database does not necessarily mean that a property is a hazardous waste site. An emergency action may have been conducted there or a simple investigation which concluded that no further action was required.
	Chemical Abstract Service	Definition: Since the 1890s, CAS has been assigning identification numbers to chemicals that companies register with them. Every year, CAS updates and writes new chemical abstracts on well over a million different chemicals, including their composition, structure, characteristics, and all the different names of that chemical. CAS On-Line is a computer network available to individual and business account holders to receive information about specific chemicals of concern. Each abstract is accompanied by the CAS number. Acronym: CAS
	Chemical Oxygen Demand	Definition: A measure of the oxygen-consuming capacity of inorganic and organic matter present in water or wastewater; the amount of oxygen consumed from a chemical oxidant in a specific test. Acronym: COD
	chlorination	Definition: Adding chlorine to water or wastewater, generally for the purpose of disinfection, but frequently for accomplishing other biological or chemical results. Chlorine also is used almost universally in manufacturing processes, particularly for the plastics industry.
	chlorofluorocarbons	Definition: A family of chemicals commonly used in air conditioners and refrigerators as coolants and also as solvents and aerosol propellants. CFCs drift into the upper atmosphere where their chlorine components destroy ozone. CFCs are thought to be a major cause of the ozone hole over Antarctica. Acronym: CFCs
	chronic effect	Definition: An adverse effect on any living organism in which symptoms develop slowly over a long period of time or recur frequently.
	clear cut	Definition: Harvesting all the trees in one area at one time, a practice that destroys vital habitat and biodiversity and encourages rainfall or snowmelt runoff, erosion, sedimentation of streams and lakes, and flooding.
	climate change	Definition: This term is commonly used interchangeably with "global warming" and "the greenhouse effect," but is a more descriptive term. Climate change refers to the buildup of man-made gases in the atmosphere that trap the sun's heat, causing changes in weather patterns on a global scale. The effects include changes in rainfall patterns, sea level rise, potential droughts, habitat loss, and heat stress. The greenhouse gases of most concern are carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxides. If these gases in our atmosphere double, the earth could warm up by 1.5 to 4.5 degrees by the year 2050, with changes in global precipitation having the greatest consequences.
	cloning	Definition: In biotechnology, obtaining a group of genetically identical cells from a single cell; making identical copies of a gene.
	closure	Definition: The procedure an operator must go through when a landfill reaches the legal capacity for solid waste. No more waste can be accepted and a cap usually is placed over the site. The cap is then planted with grasses and other ground covers.
	Code of Federal Regulations	Definition: A periodic publication of the regulations established by U.S. law. Acronym: CFR
	commercial waste management facility	Definition: A treatment, storage, disposal, or transfer facility that accepts wastes from a variety of sources for profit. A commercial facility manages a broader spectrum of wastes than a private facility, which normally manages a limited volume or type of waste.
	community relations	Definition: Two-way communications with the public to foster understanding of EPA programs and actions and to increase citizen input into EPA decisions. Specific community relations activities such as holding public meetings and comment periods and opening information repositories are required at Superfund sites.
	compost	Definition: Decomposed organic material that is produced when bacteria in soil break down garbage and biodegradable trash, making organic fertilizer. Making compost requires turning and mixing and exposing the materials to air. Gardeners and farmers use compost for soil enrichment.
	conditionally exempt generators	Definition: Small quantity facilities that produce fewer than 220 pounds of hazardous waste per month. Exempt from most regulations, conditionally exempt generators are required to determine whether their waste is hazardous and to notify local waste management agencies. These generators may treat or dispose of the waste on site or ensure that the waste is sent to a permitted disposal or recycling facility.
	consent decree	Definition: A legal document submitted by the Department of Justice on behalf of the EPA for approval by a federal judge to settle a case. A consent decree can be used to formalize an agreement reached between EPA and potentially responsible parties (PRPs) for cleanup at a Superfund site. Consent decrees also are signed by regulated facilities to cease or correct certains actions or processes that are polluting the environment and include payment of penalties. The Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, Toxic Substances Control Act, and others all use consent decrees.
	conservation	Definition: Preserving and renewing natural resources to assure their highest economic or social benefit over the longest period of time. Clean rivers and lakes, wilderness areas, a diverse wildlife population, healthy soil, and clean air are natural resources worth conserving for future generations.
	corrosive	Definition: A substance that eats or wears away materials gradually by chemical action.
	county emergency operations plan	Definition: A plan required by Federal Emergency Management Agency regulations that describes actions the county will take to respond to emergency situations such as natural disasters, major fires, transportation incidents, or chemical releases.
	covered facility	Definition: A facility having one or more of the 366+ extremely hazardous substances in amounts higher than the quantity designated by EPCRA. These facilities must file reports with the SERC and LEPC.
	criteria	Definition: Descriptive factors taken into account by EPA in setting standards for pollutants. For example, water quality criteria describe the concentration of pollutants that most fish can be exposed to for an hour without showing acute effects.
	dechlorination	Definition: Removal of chlorine and chemical replacement with hydrogen or hydroxide ions to detoxify a substance.
	deep well injection	Definition: A process by which waste fluids are injected deep below the surface of the earth.
	delist	Definition: Use of the petition process (1) to have a chemical's toxic designation rescinded; (2) to remove a site from the National Priority List; or (3) to exclude a particular waste from regulation even though it is a listed hazardous waste.
	discharge	Definition: The release of any waste into the environment from a point source. Usually refers to the release of a liquid waste into a body of water through an outlet such as a pipe, but also refers to air emissions.
	discharge area	Definition: An area of land where there is a net annual transfer of water from the ground water to surface water, such as to streams, springs, lakes, and wetlands.
	dispersion model	Definition: A mathematical prediction of how pollutants from a discharge or emission source will be distributed in the surrounding environment under given conditions of wind, temperature, humidity, and other environmental factors.
	disposal	Definition: The discharge, deposit, injection, dumping, spilling, leaking, or placing of any solid waste or hazardous waste into the environment (land, surface water, ground water, and air).
	disposal facility	Definition: A landfill, incinerator, or other facility which receives waste for disposal. The facility may have one or many disposal methods available for use. Does not include wastewater treatment.
	dissolved oxygen	Definition: Oxygen that is freely available in water to sustain the lives of fish and other aquatic organisms. Acronym: DO
	dose	Definition: In terms of monitoring exposure levels, the amount of a toxic substance taken into the body over a given period of time.
	dose response	Definition: How an organism's response to a toxic substance changes as its overall exposure to the substance changes. For example, a small dose of carbon monoxide may cause drowsiness; a large dose can be fatal.
	dump	Definition: A land site where wastes are discarded in a disorderly or haphazard fashion without regard to protecting the environment. Uncontrolled dumping is an indiscriminate and illegal form of waste disposal. Problems associated with dumps include multiplication of disease-carrying organisms and pests, fires, air and water pollution, unsightliness, loss of habitat, and personal injury.
	ecology	Definition: The study of the relationships between all living organisms and the environment, especially the totality or pattern of interactions; a view that includes all plant and animal species and their unique contributions to a particular habitat.
	ecosystem	Definition: The interacting synergism of all living organisms in a particular environment; every plant, insect, aquatic animal, bird, or land species that forms a complex web of interdependency. An action taken at any level in the food chain, use of a pesticide for example, has a potential domino effect on every other occupant of that system.
	effluent	Definition: Wastewater discharged from a point source, such as a pipe.
	effluent limitations	Definition: Limits on the amounts of pollutants which may be discharged by a facility; these limits are calculated so that water quality standards will not be violated even at low stream flows.
	Emergency and Hazardous Chemical Inventory	Definition: An annual report by facilities having one or more extremely hazardous substances or hazardous chemicals above certain weight limits, as specified in Section 311 and 312 of EPCRA.
	Emergency Broadcasting System	Definition: Used to inform the public about an emergency and the protective actions to take. The EBS is a service of local radio and television stations, activated as needed and approved by a local emergency management agency. Acronym: EBS
	Emergency Preparedness Coordinator	Definition: The local government official designated to be notified immediately of chemical emergencies (e.g., spills, chemical releases, explosions, or fires) under EPCRA.
	emission	Definition: The release or discharge of a substance into the environment. Generally refers to the release of gases or particulates into the air.
	emission standards	Definition: Government standards that establish limits on discharges of pollutants into the environment (usually in reference to air).
	energy recovery	Definition: To capture energy from waste through any of a variety of processes (e.g., burning). Many new technology incinerators are waste-to-energy recovery units.
	environmental assessment	Definition: A preliminary, written, environmental analysis required by NEPA (see the Federal Law section) to determine whether a federal activity such as building airports or highways would significantly affect the environment; may require preparation of more detailed Environmental Impact Statement. Acronym: EA
	environmental audit	Definition: An independent assessment (not conducted by EPA) of a facility's compliance policies, practices, and controls. Many pollution prevention initiatives require an audit to determine where wastes may be reduced or eliminated or energy conserved. Many supplemental environmental projects that offset a penalty use audits to identify ways to reduce the harmful effects of a violation.
	environmental impact statement	Definition: A document prepared by or for EPA which identifies and analyzes, in detail, environmental impacts of a proposed action. As a tool for decision-making, the EIS describes positive and negative effects and lists alternatives for an undertaking, such as development of a wilderness area. Acronym: EIS
	environmental justice	Definition: The fair treatment of people of all races, cultures, incomes, and educational levels with respect to the development and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. Fair treatment implies that no population should be forced to shoulder a disproportionate share of exposure to the negative effects of pollution due to lack of political or economic strength.
	environmental response team	Definition: EPA's group of highly trained scientists and engineers based in Edison, NJ and Cincinnati, OH who back up the federal On-Scene Coordinator. The ERT's capabilities include multimedia sampling and analysis, hazard assessment, hazardous substance and oil spill cleanup techniques, and technical support. Acronym: ERT
	EPA I.D. Number
	epidemiologist	Definition: A medical scientist who studies the various factors involved in the incidence, distribution, and control of disease in a population.
	estuary	Definition: A complex ecosystem between a river and near-shore ocean waters where fresh and salt water mix. These brackish areas include bays, mouths of rivers, salt marshes, wetlands, and lagoons and are influenced by tides and currents. Estuaries provide valuable habitat for marine animals, birds, and other wildlife.
	exposure	Definition: Radiation or pollutants that come into contact with the body and present a potential health threat. The most common routes of exposure are through the skin, mouth, or by inhalation.
	extremely hazardous substances	Definition: Any of 366 (+ or -) chemicals or hazardous substances identified by EPA on the basis of hazard or toxicity and listed under EPCRA. The list is periodically revised. Acronym: EHS
	feedstock	Definition: Raw material supplied to a machine or processing plant from which other products can be made. For example, polyvinyl chloride and polyethylene are raw chemicals used to produce plastic tiles, mats, fenders, cushions, and traffic cones.
	financial assurance	Definition: A means (such as insurance, guarantee, surety bond, letter of credit, or qualification as a self-insurer) by the operator of a facility such as a landfill to assure financial capability for cleaning up possible environmental releases and closure of that facility.
	first draw	Definition: The water that comes out when a faucet in the kitchen or bathroom is first opened, which is likely to have the highest level of lead contamination from old plumbing solder and pipes.
	flare	Definition: A device that burns gaseous materials to prevent them from being released into the environment. Flares may operate continuously or intermittently and are usually found on top of a stack. Flares also burn off methane gas in a landfill.
	floodplain	Definition: Mostly level land along rivers and streams that may be submerged by floodwater. A 100-year floodplain is an area which can be expected to flood once in every 100 years.
	flue gas desulfurization	Definition: The removal of sulfur oxides from exhaust gases of a boiler or industrial process; usually a wet scrubbing operation which concentrates hazardous materials in a slurry, requiring proper disposal.
	fugitive emissions	Definition: Air pollutants released to the air other than those from stacks or vents; typically small releases from leaks in plant equipment such as valves, pump seals, flanges, sampling connections, etc.
	fungicide	Definition: A pesticide used to control or destroy fungi on food or grain crops.
	generator	Definition: A facility or mobile source that emits pollutants into the air; any person who produces a hazardous waste that is listed by EPA and therefore subject to regulation.
	grab sample	Definition: A single sample of soil or of water taken without regard to time or flow.
	ground water	Definition: Water found below the surface of the land, usually in porous rock formations. Ground water is the source of water found in wells and springs and is used frequently for drinking.
	hazardous waste	Definition: A subset of solid wastes that pose substantial or potential threats to public health or the environment and meet any of the following criteria: -is specifically listed as a hazardous waste by EPA; - exhibits one or more of the characteristics of hazardous wastes (ignitability, corrosiveness, reactivity, and/or toxicity); - is generated by the treatment of hazardous waste; or is contained in a hazardous waste.
	hazardous waste landfill	Definition: A specially permitted, excavated or engineered area in which hazardous waste is deposited and covered. Proper protection of the environment from the materials to be deposited in such a landfill requires careful site selection, the cataloging of types of wastes, good design (including a liner and a leachate collection and treatment system), proper operation, and thorough final closure.
	health assessment	Definition: An evaluation of available data on existing or potential risks posed by a Superfund site. Every site on the National Priorities List has a health assessment prepared by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.
	heavy metal	Definition: A common hazardous waste; can damage organisms at low concentrations and tends to accumulate in the food chain.
	herbicide	Definition: A pesticide designed to control or kill plants, weeds, or grasses. Almost 70% of all pesticide used by farmers and ranchers are herbicides. These chemicals have wide- ranging effects on non-target species (other than those the pesticide is meant to control).
	household or domestic waste	Definition: Solid waste, composed of garbage and rubbish, which normally originates from residential, private households, or apartment buildings. Domestic waste may contain a significant amount of toxic or hazardous waste from improperly discarded pesticides, paints, batteries, and cleaners.
	hydrocarbons	Definition: Chemicals that consist entirely of hydrogen and carbon. Hydrocarbons contribute to air pollution problems like smog.
	identification code	Definition: The unique code assigned to each generator, transporter, and treatment, storage, or disposal facility by EPA to facilitate identification and tracking of hazardous waste. Superfund sites also have assigned I.D. numbers.
	incineration	Definition: The destruction of solid, liquid, or gaseous wastes by controlled burning at high temperatures. Hazardous organic compounds are converted to ash, carbon dioxide, and water. Burning destroys organics, reduces the volume of waste, and vaporizes water and other liquids the wastes may contain. The residue ash produced may contain some hazardous material, such as non-combustible heavy metals, concentrated from the original waste.
	indirect discharge	Definition: The introduction of pollutants from a non-domestic source into a publicly owned wastewater treatment system. Indirect dischargers can be commercial or industrial facilities who must pre-treat their wastes before discharge into local sewers.
	indoor air	Definition: Breathing air inside a habitable structure, often highly polluted because of lack of exchange with fresh oxygen from outdoors. Solvents, smoke, paints, furniture glues, carpet padding, and other synthetic chemicals trapped inside contribute to an often unhealthy environment.
	industrial waste	Definition: Unwanted materials produced in or eliminated from an industrial operation and categorized under a variety of headings, such as liquid wastes, sludge, solid wastes, and hazardous wastes.
	inert ingredients	Definition: Substances that are not "active," such as water, petroleum distillates, talc, corn meal, or soaps. When discussing pesticides, inert ingredients do not attack a particular pest, but some are chemically or biologically active, causing health and environmental problems.
	innovative technology	Definition: New or inventive methods to treat hazardous wastes, conserve energy, or prevent pollution.
	integrated pest management	Definition: A combination of biological, cultural, and genetic pest control methods with use of pesticides as the last resort. IPM development to reduce the population. Land use practices are examined for possible change; other animals, birds, or reptiles in the ecosystem are used as natural predators. Acronym: IPM
	interstate commerce	Definition: A clause of the United States Constitution which reserves to the federal government the right to regulate the conduct of business across state lines. Under this clause, the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that states may not restrict the disposal of wastes originating out-of-state more than that of waste originating in-state.
	inversion	Definition: An atmospheric condition caused by increasing temperature with elevation, resulting in a layer of warm air preventing the rise of cooler air trapped beneath. This condition prevents the rise of pollutants that might otherwise be dispersed. Trapping pollutants near the ground increases ozone to harmful levels.
	irradiated food	Definition: Food that has been briefly exposed to radioactivity (usually gamma rays) to kill insects, bacteria, and mold. Irradiated food can be stored without refrigeration or chemical preservatives and has a long "shelf life."
	lagoon	Definition: A shallow, artificial treatment pond where sunlight, bacterial action, and oxygen work to purify wastewater; a stabilization pond. An aerated lagoon is a treatment pond that uses oxygen to speed up the natural process of biological decomposition of organic wastes. A lagoon is regulated as a point source under the Clean Water Act if there is a direct surface water discharge. Some lagoons that discharge into ground water also are regulated if they have a direct hydrogeologic connection to surface water. In other areas, lagoons were historically used to dump various liquid, solid, and hazardous wastes from manufacturing or industrial processes. These wastes typically flooded and polluted surrounding environs or seeped underground. Such lagoons are now regulated under RCRA but some must be cleaned up under Superfund.
	land ban
	land disposal restrictions	Definition: Mandated by the 1984 amendments to RCRA; prohibits the disposal of hazardous wastes into or on the land.
	landfill	Definition: A method for final disposal of solid waste on land. The refuse is spread and compacted and a cover of soil applied so that effects on the environment (including public health and safety) are minimized. Under current regulations, landfills are required to have liners and leachate treatment systems to prevent contamination of ground water and surface waters. An industrial landfill disposes of non-hazardous industrial wastes. A municipal landfill disposes of domestic waste including garbage, paper, etc. This waste may include toxins that are used in the home, such as insect sprays and powders, engine oil, paints, solvents, and weed killers.
	large quantity generator	Definition: Person or facility which generates more than 2,200 pounds of hazardous waste per month. In 1989, only 1% of more than 20,000 generators fell into this category. Those generators produced nearly 97% of the nation's hazardous waste. These generators are subject to all requirements of RCRA.
	leachate	Definition: Liquid (mainly water) that percolates through a landfill and has picked up dissolved, suspended, and/or microbial contaminants from the waste. Leachate can be compared to coffee: water that has percolated down through the ground coffee.
	lethal concentration 50	Definition: A concentration of a pollutant or effluent at which 50% of the test organisms die; a common measure of acute toxicity. Acronym: LC 50
	lethal dose 50	Definition: The dose of a toxicant that will kill 50% of test organisms within a designated period of time. The lower the LD 50, the more toxic the compound. Acronym: LD 50
	limited degradation	Definition: A policy that allows for some lowering of natural environmental quality to a given level beneath an established health standard.
	liner	Definition: Structure of natural clay or manufactured material (plastic) which serves as a barrier to restrict leachate from reaching or mixing with ground water in landfills, lagoons, etc.
	litter	Definition: The highly visible portion of solid waste (usually packaging material) which is generated by the consumer and carelessly discarded outside of the regular garbage disposal system, as on the highways or in streets.
	local emergency planning committee	Definition: The body appointed by the State Emergency Response Commission (SERC), as required by EPCRA, which develops comprehensive emergency plans for Local Emergency Planning Districts, collects MSDS forms and chemical release reports, and provides this information to the public. Each county and some large city governments participate in an LEPC. Acronym: LEPC
	Material Safety Data Sheet	Definition: Printed material concerning a hazardous chemical, or Extremely Hazardous Substance, including its physical properties, hazards to personnel, fire and explosion potential, safe handling recommendations, health effects, fire fighting techniques, reactivity, and proper disposal. Originally established for employee safety by OSHA. Acronym: MSDS
	Maximum Achievable Control Technology	Definition: Generally, the best available control technology, taking into account cost and technical feasibility. Acronym: MACT
	Maximum Contaminant Level	Definition: The maximum level of certain contaminants permitted in drinking water supplied by a public water system as set by EPA under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act. Acronym: MCL
	Maximum Contaminant Level Goal	Definition: The maximum level of a contaminant that is associated with no adverse health effects from drinking water containing that contaminant over a lifetime. For chemicals believed to cause cancer, the MCLGs are set at zero. MCLGs are not enforceable, but are ideal, health-based goals which are set in the National Primary Drinking Water Standards developed by EPA. MCLs are set as close to MCLGs as possible, considering costs and technology. Acronym: MCLG
	medical waste	Definition: All wastes from hospitals, clinics, or other health care facilities ("Red Bag Waste") that contain or have come into contact with diseased tissues or infectious microorganisms. Also referred to as infectious waste which is hazardous waste with infectious characteristics, including: contaminated animal waste, human blood and blood products, pathological waste, and discarded sharps (needles, scalpels, or broken medical instruments).
	microorganisms	Definition: Bacteria, yeasts, simple fungi, algae, protozoans, and a number of other organisms that are microscopic in size. Most are beneficial but some produce disease. Others are involved in composting and sewage treatment.
	milligrams/liter	Definition: A measure of concentration used in the measurement of fluids. Mg/l is the most common way to present a concentration in water and is roughly equivalent to parts per million. Acronym: mg/l
	minimization	Definition: Measures or techniques that reduce the amount of wastes generated during industrial production processes; this term also is applied to recycling and other efforts to reduce the volume of waste going to landfills. This term is interchangeable with waste reduction and waste minimization.
	mutagenicity	Definition: The property of a chemical that causes the genetic characteristics of an organism to change in such a way that future generations are permanently affected.
	National Ambient Air Quality Standards	Definition: Maximum air pollutant standards that EPA set under the Clean Air Act for attainment by each state. The standards were to be achieved by 1975, along with state implementation plans to control industrial sources in each state. Acronym: NAAQS
	National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System	Definition: The primary permitting program under the Clean Water Act which regulates all discharges to surface water. Acronym: NPDES
	National Priorities List	Definition: A list of sites, many nominated by the states, for hazardous waste cleanup under Superfund. Acronym: NPL
	National Response Center	Definition: The primary communications center operated by the U.S. Coast Guard to receive reports of major chemical and oil spills and other hazardous substances into the environment. The NRC immediately relays reports to a predesignated federal On-Scene Coordinator. Acronym: NRC
	National Response Team	Definition: Representatives from 15 federal agencies with interests and expertise in various aspects of emergency response to pollution incidents. EPA serves as chair and the U.S. Coast Guard serves as vice-chair. The NRT is primarily a national planning, policy, and coordinating body and does not respond directly to incidents. The NRT provides policy guidance prior to an incident and assistance as requested by a federal On-Scene Coordinator via a Regional Response Team during an incident. NRT assistance usually takes the form of technical advice, access to additional resources or equipment, or coordination with other RRTs. Acronym: NRT
	National Strike Force	Definition: Operated by the U.S. Coast Guard, the NSF is composed of three strategically located teams (Atlantic, Pacific, and Gulf coasts) who back up the federal On-Scene Coordinator. These teams are extensively trained and equipped to respond to major oil spills and chemical releases. These capabilities are especially suited to incidents in a marine environment but also include site assessment, safety, action plan development, and documentation for both inland and coastal zone incidents. The NSF Coordination Center is at Elizabeth City, NC. Acronym: NSF
	neutralization	Definition: The chemical process in which the acidic or basic characteristics of a fluid are changed to those of water (pH = 7).
	No Observed Adverse Effect Level	Definition: A level of exposure which does not cause observable harm. Acronym: NOAEL
	No Observed Effect Level	Definition: A level of exposure which does not cause observable harm. Acronym: NOEL
	non-attainment	Definition: Refers to areas of the United States that have not met air standards for human health by deadlines set in the Clean Air Act.
	nonpoint source	Definition: Any source of pollution not associated with a distinct discharge point. Includes sources such as rainwater, runoff from agricultural lands, industrial sites, parking lots, and timber operations, as well as escaping gases from pipes and fittings.
	odor threshold	Definition: The lowest concentration of a substance in air that can be smelled. Odor thresholds are highly variable because of the differing ability of individuals to detect odors.
	On-Scene Coordinator	Definition: The federal official responsible for the coordination of a hazardous materials response action, as specified in individual Regional Contingency Plans. OSCs are predesignated by EPA for inland areas and by the U.S. Coast Guard for coastal areas. The OSC coordinates all federal containment, removal, and disposal efforts and resources during a pollution incident. The OSC is the point of contact for the coordination of federal efforts with those of the local response community. The OSC has access to extensive federal resources, including the National Strike Force, the Environmental Response Team, and Scientific Support Coordinators. The OSC can be a source of valuable support and information to the community. Acronym: OSC
	on site	Definition: On the same, or adjacent, property.
	organically grown	Definition: Food, feed crops, and livestock grown within an intentionally-diversified, self-sustaining agro-ecosystem. In practice, farmers build up nutrients in the soil using compost, agricultural wastes, and cover crops instead of synthetically derived fertilizers to increase productivity, rotate crops, weed mechanically, and reduce dramatically their dependence on the entire family of pesticides. Farmers must be certified to characterize crops as organically grown and can only use approved natural and synthetic biochemicals, agents, and materials for three consecutive years prior to harvest. Livestock must be fed a diet that includes grains and forages that have been organically grown and cannot receive hormones, sub-therapeutic antibiotics, or other growth promoters.
	organism	Definition: Any living being, whether plant, mammal, bird, insect, reptile, fish, crustacean, aquatic or estuarine animal, or bacterium.
	oxidant	Definition: A substance containing oxygen that reacts chemically with other materials to produce new substances. Oxidants are the primary ingredients in smog.
	ozone	Definition: Three molecule oxygen compound found in two layers of the earth's atmosphere. One layer of beneficial ozone occurs at seven to 18 miles above the surface and shields the earth from ultraviolet light. Several holes in this protective layer have been documented by scientists. Ozone also concentrates at the surface as a result of reactions between by-products of fossil fuel combustion and sunlight, having harmful health effects.
	parts per billion	Definition: One ppb is comparable to one kernel of corn in a filled, 45-foot silo, 16 feet in diameter. Acronym: ppb
	parts per million	Definition: One ppm is comparable to one drop of gasoline in a tankful of gas (full-size car). Acronym: ppm
	parts per trillion	Definition: One ppt is comparable to one drop in a swimming pool covering the area of a football field 43 ft. deep. Acronym: ppt
	pathogen	Definition: A bacterial organism typically found in the intestinal tracts of mammals, capable of producing disease.
	permeability	Definition: The ease with which water, or other fluid, passes through a substance.
	Permissible Exposure Limit	Definition: Workplace exposure limits for contaminants established by OSHA. Acronym: PEL
	permit	Definition: A legal document issued by state and/or federal authorities containing a detailed description of the proposed activity and operating procedures as well as appropriate requirements and regulations. The permitting process includes provisions for public comment.
	pesticide	Definition: Substances intended to repel, kill, or control any species designated a "pest" including weeds, insects, rodents, fungi, bacteria, or other organisms. The family of pesticides includes herbicides, insecticides, rodenticides, fungicides, and bactericides.
	pH	Definition: The measure of acidity or alkalinity of a chemical solution, from 0-14. Anything neutral, for example, has a pH of 7. Acids have a pH less than 7, bases (alkaline) greater than 7.
	plume	Definition: A concentration of contaminants in air, soil, or water usually extending from a distinct source.
	point source	Definition: A stationary location or fixed facility such as an industry or municipality that discharges pollutants into air or surface water through pipes, ditches, lagoons, wells, or stacks; a single identifiable source such as a ship or a mine.
	pollution	Definition: Any substances in water, soil, or air that degrade the natural quality of the environment, offend the senses of sight, taste, or smell, or cause a health hazard. The usefulness of the natural resource is usually impaired by the presence of pollutants and contaminants.
	pollution prevention	Definition: Actively identifying equipment, processes, and activities which generate excessive wastes or use toxic chemicals and then making substitutions, alterations, or product improvements. Conserving energy and minimizing wastes are pollution prevention concepts used in manufacturing, sustainable agriculture, recycling, and clean air/clean water technologies.
	Polychlorinated Biphenyls	Definition: A group of toxic, persistent chemicals used in electrical transformers and capacitors for insulating purposes, and in gas pipeline systems as a lubricant. The sale and new use of PCBs were banned by law in 1979. Acronym: PCBs
	potable water	Definition: Raw or treated water that is considered safe to drink.
	pretreatment	Definition: Methods used by industry and other non-household sources of wastewater to remove, reduce, or alter the pollutants in wastewater before discharge to a POTW.
	primary treatment	Definition: First stage of wastewater treatment in which solids are removed by screening and settling.
	public comment period	Definition: The time allowed for the members of an affected community to express views and concerns regarding an action proposed to be taken by EPA, such as a rulemaking, permit, or Superfund remedy selection.
	public water system	Definition: Any water system that regularly supplies piped water to the public for consumption, serving at least an average of 25 individuals per day for at least 60 days per year, or has at least 15 service connections.
	Publicly Owned Treatment Works	Definition: A municipal or public service district sewage treatment system. Acronym: POTW
	quality assurance/quality control	Definition: A system of procedures, checks, audits, and corrective actions to ensure that all technical, operational, monitoring, and reporting activities are of the highest achievable quality.
	radioactive waste	Definition: Any waste that emits energy as rays, waves, or streams of energetic particles. Radioactive materials are often mixed with hazardous waste, usually from nuclear reactors, research institutions, or hospitals.
	radon	Definition: A colorless, naturally occurring gas formed by radioactive decay of radium atoms. Radon accumulating in basements and other areas of buildings without proper ventilation has been identified as a leading cause of lung cancer.
	reactivity	Definition: Refers to those hazardous wastes that are normally unstable and readily undergo violent chemical change but do not explode.
	recharge area	Definition: An area of land where there is a net annual transfer of water from the surface to ground water; where rainwater soaks through the earth to reach an aquifer.
	Record of Decision	Definition: A public document that explains which cleanup alternative was selected for a Superfund site. Acronym: ROD
	recycling	Definition: Reusing materials and objects in original or changed forms rather than discarding them as wastes.
	refine	Definition: To remove impurities.
	regional response team	Definition: There are 13 RRTs, one for each of 10 federal regions, plus one for Alaska, one for the Caribbean, and one for the Pacific Basin. Each RRT maintains a Regional Contingency Plan and has state and federal government representation. EPA and the U.S. Coast Guard cochair the RRTs. Like the NRT, RRTs are planning, policy, and coordinating bodies and do not respond directly to pollution incidents but do provide assistance when requested by the federal On-Scene Coordinator. RRTs also provide assistance to SERCs and LEPCs in local preparedness, planning, and training for emergency response. Acronym: RRT
	remedial action	Definition: The actual construction or clean-up phase of a Superfund site cleanup.
	reportable quantity	Definition: Amount of a hazardous or extremely hazardous substance that, if released into the environment, must be reported to the NRC, the SERC, and the LEPC under Section 304 of EPCRA. Acronym: RQ
	residual risk	Definition: The risk associated with pollutants after the application of maximum achievable control technology or MACT.
	resource recovery	Definition: The extraction of useful materials or energy from solid waste. Such materials can include paper, glass, and metals that can be reprocessed for re-use. Resource recovery also is employed in pollution prevention.
	responsiveness summary	Definition: A summary of oral and written comments received by EPA during a public comment period on key documents or actions proposed to be taken, and EPA's response to those comments.
	risk assessment	Definition: A process to determine the increased risk from exposure to environmental pollutants together with an estimate of the severity of impact. Risk assessments use specific chemical information plus risk factors.
	risk communication	Definition: The process of exchanging information about levels or significance of health or environmental risk.
	risk factor	Definition: A characteristic (e.g., race, sex, age, obesity) or variable (e.g., smoking, exposure) associated with increased chance of toxic effects. Some standard risk factors used in general risk assessment calculations include average breathing rates, average weight, and average human life span.
	sanitary water	Definition: Water discharged from restrooms, showers, food preparation facilities, or other nonindustrial operations; also known as "gray water."
	Scientific Support Coordinators	Definition: Scientific and technical advisors in coastal and marine areas from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) who serve as members of the federal On-Scene Coordinator's staff. Their capabilities include contingency planning, surface/subsurface trajectory forecasting and hindcasting, resource risk analysis, and liaison to other scientists. Acronym: SSC
	scrubbing	Definition: A common method of reducing stack air emissions; removal of impurities by spraying a liquid that concentrates the impurities into waste.
	secondary treatment	Definition: The second step taken by a Publicly Owned Treatment Works in which bacteria consume the organic parts of the waste. This treatment usually removes about 90% of all solids and oxygen-demanding substances.
	sediment	Definition: Topsoil, sand, and minerals washed from the land into water, usually after rain or snow melt. Sediments collecting in rivers, reservoirs, and harbors can destroy fish and wildlife habitat and cloud the water so that sunlight cannot reach aquatic plants. Loss of topsoil from farming, mining, or building activities can be prevented through a variety of erosion-control techniques.
	septic tank	Definition: An underground tank to collect wastes from homes that are not connected to a municipal sewer system. Waste goes from the home to the tank and is decomposed by bacteria. Solids and dead bacteria settle to the bottom as sludge while the liquid portion flows into the ground through drains. While properly placed and maintained septic systems can effectively treat domestic wastewater, others are a major source of ground water and surface water pollution.
	sludge	Definition: The residue (solids and some water) produced as a result of raw or wastewater treatment.
	slurry	Definition: A pumpable mixture of solids and fluid.
	smog	Definition: Dust, smoke, or chemical fumes that pollute the air and make hazy, unhealthy conditions (literally, the word is a blend of smoke and fog). Automobile, truck, bus, and other vehicle exhausts and particulates are usually trapped close to the ground, obscuring visibility and contributing to a number of respiratory problems.
	solid waste	Definition: As defined under RCRA, any solid, semi-solid, liquid, or contained gaseous materials discarded from industrial, commercial, mining, or agricultural operations, and from community activities. Solid waste includes garbage, construction debris, commercial refuse, sludge from water supply or waste treatment plants, or air pollution control facilities, and other discarded materials.
	Solid Waste Management Facility	Definition: Any disposal or resource recovery system; any system, program, or facility for resource conservation; any facility for the treatment of solid wastes.
	source reduction	Definition: The design, manufacture, purchase, or use of materials (such as products and packaging) to reduce the amount or toxicity of garbage generated. Source reduction can help reduce waste disposal and handling charges because the costs of recycling, municipal composting, landfilling, and combustion are avoided. Source reduction conserves resources and reduces pollution.
	source separation	Definition: Organizing materials by type (such as paper, metal, plastic, and glass) so that these items can be recycled instead of thrown away. For example, many of us separate these items from the rest of our household and office wastes. Industries also organize materials in this fashion.
	Standard Industrial Classification Code	Definition: A method of grouping industries with similar products or services and assigning codes to these groups. Acronym: SIC Code
	State Emergency Response Commission	Definition: The agency appointed by the Governor to oversee the administration of EPCRA at the state level. This commission designates and appoints members to LEPCs and reviews emergency response plans for cities and counties. Acronym: SERC
	surface water	Definition: All water naturally open to the atmosphere (rivers, lakes, reservoirs, ponds, streams, seas, estuaries) and all springs, wells, or other collectors directly influenced by surface water.
	sustainable agriculture	Definition: Environmentally friendly methods of farming that allow the production of crops or livestock without damage to the farm as an ecosystem, including effects on soil, water supplies, biodiversity, or other surrounding natural resources. The concept of sustainable agriculture is an "intergenerational" one in which we pass on a conserved or improved natural resource base instead of one which has been depleted or polluted. Terms often associated with farms or ranches that are self-sustaining include "low-input," organic, "ecological," "biodynamic," and "permaculture."
	synergism	Definition: The cooperative action of two or more organisms producing a greater total result than the sum of their independent effects; chemicals or muscles in synergy enhance the effectiveness of one another beyond what an individual could have produced.
	ten-to-the-minus-sixth	Definition: Used in risk assessments to refer to the probability of risk. Literally means a chance of one in a million. Similarly, ten-to-the-minus-fifth means a probability of one in 100,000, and so on.
	teratogen	Definition: A substance capable of causing birth defects.
	tertiary treatment	Definition: An enhancement of normal sewage treatment operations to provide water of potable quality using further chemical and physical treatment; the highest drinking water standard achieved in the U.S.
	threshold limit value	Definition: The concentration of an airborne substance that a healthy person can be exposed to for a 40-hour work week without adverse effect; a workplace exposure standard. Acronym: TLV
	total dissolved solids	Definition: The quantity of dissolved material in a given volume of water. Acronym: TDS
	toxic chemical	Definition: Substances that can cause severe illness, poisoning, birth defects, disease, or death when ingested, inhaled, or absorbed by living organisms.
	toxic cloud	Definition: An airborne mass of gases, vapors, fumes, or aerosols of toxic materials.
	Toxic Release Inventory	Definition: A database of annual toxic releases from certain manufacturers compiled from EPCRA Section 313 reports. Manufacturers must report annually to EPA and the states the amounts of almost 350 toxic chemicals and 22 chemical categories that they release directly to air, water, or land, inject underground, or transfer to off-site facilities. EPA compiles these reports and makes the information available to the public under the "Community Right-to-Know" portion of the law. Acronym: TRI
	toxic substance	Definition: A chemical or mixture that can cause illness, death, disease, or birth defects. The quantities and exposures necessary to cause these effects can vary widely. Many toxic substances are pollutants and contaminants in the environment.
	Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure	Definition: A test designed to determine whether a waste is hazardous or requires treatment to become less hazardous; also can be used to monitor treatment techniques for effectiveness. Acronym: TCLP
	trade secret	Definition: Any confidential formula, pattern, process, device, information, or set of data that is used in a business to give the owner a competitive advantage. Such information may be excluded from public review.
	Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facility	Definition: Refers to any facility which treats, stores, or disposes of hazardous wastes. Acronym: TSD
	ultraviolet rays	Definition: Radiation from the sun in the invisible portion of the spectrum. Some UV rays (UV-A) enhance plant life and are useful in certain medical and dental procedures. Other UV rays (UV-B) can cause skin cancer or other tissue damage. The ozone layer in the atmosphere partly shields us from ultraviolet rays reaching the earth's surface.
	underground storage tank	Definition: A tank and any underground piping connected to the tank that has 10% or more of its volume (including pipe volume) beneath the surface of the ground. USTs are designed to hold gasoline, other petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Acronym: UST
	vapor	Definition: The gas given off by substances that are solids or liquids at ordinary atmospheric pressure and temperatures.
	vapor recovery system	Definition: A system by which the volatile gases from gasoline are captured instead of being released into the atmosphere. Recovery systems may be required for gasoline stations in some cities and other non-attainment areas.
	vent	Definition: The connection and piping through which gases enter and exit a piece of equipment.
	volatile organic compounds	Definition: Any organic compound which evaporates readily to the atmosphere. VOCs contribute significantly to photochemical smog production and certain health problems. Acronym: VOC
	wastewater treatment plant	Definition: A facility containing a series of tanks, screens, filters, and other processes by which pollutants are removed from water. Most treatments include chlorination to attain safe drinking water standards.
	water quality standard	Definition: The combination of a designated use and the maximum concentration of a pollutant which will protect that use for any given body of water. For example, in a trout stream, the concentration of iron should not exceed 1 mg/l. Acronym: WQS
	water table	Definition: The boundary between the saturated and unsaturated zones. Generally, the level to which water will rise in a well (except artesian wells).
	wellhead protection area	Definition: A protected surface and subsurface zone surrounding a well or well field that supplies a public water system and through which contaminants could likely reach well water.
	wetlands	Definition: Areas that are soaked or flooded by surface or ground water frequently enough or for sufficient duration to support plants, birds, animals, and aquatic life. Wetlands generally include swamps, marshes, bogs, estuaries, and other inland and coastal areas, and are federally protected. Wetlands frequently serve as recharge/discharge areas and are known as "nature's kidneys" since they help purify water. Wetlands also have been referred to as natural sponges that absorb flood waters, functioning like natural tubs to collect overflow. Wetlands are important wildlife habitats, breeding grounds, and nurseries because of their biodiversity. Many endangered species as well as countless estuarine and marine fish and shellfish, mammals, waterfowl, and other migratory birds use wetland habitat for growth, reproduction, food, and shelter. Wetlands are among the most fertile, natural ecosystems in the world since they produce great volumes of food (plant material).
	xenobiotic	Definition: A term for non-natural or man-made substances found in the environment (i.e., synthetics, plastics).
	z-list	Definition: OSHA's Toxic and Hazardous Substances Tables (Z-1, Z-2, and Z-3) of air contaminants; any material found on these tables is considered hazardous.
	zone of saturation	Definition: The layer beneath the surface of the land in which all openings are filled with water.

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