QH540.4
.U54
1977
OOOK77002
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anaerobic
A
abatement: The reduction in degree or intensity
of pollution.
absorption: The penetration of one substance into
or through another.
accelerator: In radiation science, a device that
speeds up charged particles such as electrons
or protons.
acclimation: The physiological and behaviorial
adjustments of an organism to changes in the
environment.
acclimatization: The adaptation over several gen-
erations of a species to a marked change in the
environment.
activated carbon: A highly adsorbent form of
carbon used to remove odors and toxic, sub-
stances from gaseous emissions. In advanced
waste treatment, it is used to remove dissolved
organic matter from waste water.
activated sludge: Sludge that has been aerated and
subjected to bacterial action; used to speed
breakdown of organic matter in raw sewage
during secondary waste treatment.
acute toxicity: Any poisonous effect produced by
a single short-term exposure, that results in
severe biological harm or death.
adaptation: A change in structure or habit of an
organism that produces better adjustment to its
surroundings
adhesion: Molecular attraction which holds the
surfaces of two substances in contact, such as
water and rock particles.
adsorption: The attachment of the molecules of a
liquid or gaseous substance to the surface of a
solid.
adulterants: Chemical impurities or substances
that by law do not belong in a food, plant,
animal, or pesticide formulation.
advanced waste water treatment: The tertiary stage
of sewage treatment.
aeration: To circulate oxygen through a substance,
as in waste water treatment where it aids in
purification.
aerobic: Life or processes that depend on the
presence of oxygen.
aerosol: A suspension of liquid or solid particles
in a gas.
afterburner: An air pollution control device that
removes undesirable organic gases by incinera-
tion.
agricultural pollution: The liquid and solid wastes
from farming, including: runoff from pesticides,
fertilizers, and feedlots; erosion and dust from
plowing; animal manure and carcasses, crop
residues, and debris.
air curtain: A method of containing oil spills, air
bubbling through a perforated pipe causes an
upward water flow that slows the spread of oil.
It can also be used to stop fish from entering
polluted water.
air mass: A widespread body of air that gains
certain characteristics while set in one location.
The characteristics change as it moves away
air monitoring: See monitoring.
air pollution: The presence of contaminant sub-
stances in the air that do not disperse properly
and interfere with human health.
air pollution episode: A period of abnormally high
concentration of air pollutants, often due to
low winds and temperature inversion that can
cause illness and death.
air quality control region: An area designated by
the Federal Government in which communities
share a common air pollution problem, some-
times involving several States
air quality criteria: The levels of pollution and
lengths of exposure above which adverse effects
may occur on health and welfare.
air quality standards: The level of pollutants
prescribed by law that cannot be exceeded
during a specified time in a defined area.
algae: Simple rootless plants that grow in bodies
of water in relative proportion to the amounts
of nutrients available. Algal blooms, or sudden
growth spurts can affect water quality ad-
versely
alpha particle: The least penetrating type of radia-
tion, usually not harmful to life.
ambient air: Any unconfined portion of the atmos-
phere: open air
anadromous: Fish that swim upnver to spawn
like salmon.
anaerobic: Life or processes that can occur with-
out free oxygen.
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anticoagulant
anticoagulant: A chemical that interferes with
blood clotting.
anti-degradation clause: Part of air quality and
water quality laws that prohibits deterioration
where pollution levels are within the legal limit
aquifer: An underground bed or layer of earth.
gravel, or porous stone that contains water
area source: In air pollution, any small individual
fuel combustion source, including vehicles A
more precise legal definition is available in
Federal regulations
asbestos: A mineral fiber that can pollute air or
water and cause cancer if inhaled or ingested
A-scale sound level: A measurement of sound
approximating the sensitivity of the human ear,
used to note the intensity or annoyance of
sounds
assimilation: The ability of a body of water to
purify itself of pollutants
atmosphere: The body of air surrounding the
Earth
atomic pile: A nuclear reactor
attractant: A chemical or agent that lures insects
01 other pests by stimulating their sense of
smell
attrition: Wearing ot grinding down a substance
by friction. A contributing factor in air pollu-
tion, as with dust
audiometer: An instrument that measures hearing
sensitivity
autotrophic: An organism that produces food from
inorganic substances
B
backfill: The material used to refill an excavation.
01 the process of doing so
background \evel: In air pollution, the level of
pollutants present in ambient air from natural
sources.
bacteria: Single-celled microorganisms that lack
chlorophyll Some cause diseases, others aid in
pollution control by breaking down organic-
matter in air and water
baffle: A deflector that changes the direction of
flow or velocity of water, sewage, or paniculate
matter. Also used to deaden sound.
baghouse: An air pollution abatement device used
to trap patticulates by filtering gas streams
through large fabric bags usually made of glass
fibers
baling: Compacting solid waste into blocks to
reduce volume
ballistic separator: A machine that sorts organic
from inorganic matter for composting.
band application: In pesticides, the spreading of
chemicals over 01 next to each row of plants in
a field
bar screen: In waste water treatment, a device
that removes large solids
basal application: In pesticides, the spreading of a
chemical on stems or trunks just above the soil
line.
benthic region: The bottom layer of a body of
water
benthos: The plants and animals that inhabit the
bottom of a water body
beryllium: A metal that can be hazardous to
human health when inhaled. It is discharged by
machine shops, ceramic and propellant plants.
and foundries
beta particle: An elementary particle emitted by
radioactive decay that may cause skin burns. It
is halted b\ a thin sheet of metal
bioassay: Lsing living organisms to measure the
effect of a substance, factor, or condition
biochemical oxygen demand (BOD): The dissolved
oxygen required to decompose organic matter
in water It is a measure of pollution since
heavy waste loads have a high demand for
oxygen
biodegradable: Any substance that decomposes
quickly through the action of microorganisms.
biological control: Using means other than chemi-
cals to control pests, such as predatory orga-
nisms, sterilization, or inhibiting hormones.
biological magnification: The concentration of cer-
tain substances up a food chain A very impor-
tant mechanism in concentrating pesticides and
heavy metals in organisms such as fish.
biological oxidation: The way that bacteria and
microorganisms feed on and decompose com-
plex organic materials Used in self-purification
of water bodies and activated sludge wastewater
treatment
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chlorine-contact chamber
biomass: The amount of living matter in a given
unit of the environment.
biomonitoring: The use of living organisms to test
water quality at a discharge site or downstream
biosphere: The portion of Earth and its atmos-
phere that can support life
biostabilizer: A machine that converts solid waste
into compost by grinding and aeration.
biota: All living organisms that exist in an area
bloom: A proliferation of algae and/or higher
aquatic plants in a body of water, often related
to pollution.
BOD-,: The amount of dissolved oxygen consumed
in 5 days by biological processes breaking down
organic matter in an effluent.
bog: Wet, spongy land usually poorly drained,
highly acid and rich in plant residue, the result
of lake eutrophication.
boom: A floating device used to contain oil on a
body of water.
botanical pesticide: A plant-produced chemical
used to control pests; for example nicotine or
strychnine.
brackish water: A mixture of fresh and salt water.
breeder: A nuclear reactor that produces more
fuel than it consumes.
broadcast application: In pesticides, to spread a
chemical over an entire area.
buffer strips: Strips of grass or other erosion-
resisting vegetation between or below cultivated
strips or fields
burial ground (graveyard): A disposal site for
unwanted radioactive materials that uses earth
or water for a shield.
c
cadmium: A heavy metal element that accumu-
lates in the environment.
carbon dioxide (CO2): A colorless, odorless non-
poisonous gas normally part of ambient air, a
result of fossil fuel combustion.
carbon monoxide (CO): A colorless, odorless.
poisonous gas produced by incomplete fossil
fuel combustion
carcenogenic: Cancer-producing.
carrying capacity: I. In recreation, the amount of
use a recreation area can sustain without dete-
rioration of its quality 2 In wildlife, the maxi-
mum number of animals an area can support
during a given period of the year.
catalytic converter: An air pollution abatement
device that removes organic contaminants by
oxidizing them into carbon dioxide and water.
caustic soda: Sodium hydroxide (NaOH), a strong
alkaline substance used as the cleaning agent in
some detergents.
cells: In solid waste disposal, holes where waste
is dumped, compacted and covered with layers
of dirt daily.
centrifugal collector: A mechanical system using
centrifugal force to remove aerosols from a gas
stream or to de-water sludge.
cfs: Cubic feet per second, a measure of the
amount of water passing a given point.
channelization: To straighten and deepen streams
so water will move faster, a flood reduction or
marsh drainage tactic that can interfere with
waste assimilation capacity and disturb fish
habitat.
chemical oxygen demand (COD): A measure of
the oxygen required to oxidize all compounds
in water, organic and inorganic
chemosterilant: A chemical that controls pests by
preventing reproduction.
chilling effect: The lowering of the Earth's temper-
ature because of increased particles in the air
blocking the Sun's rays.
chlorinated hydrocarbons: A class of persistent,
broad-spectrum insecticides, notably DDT, that
linger in the environment and accumulate in
the food chain. Other examples are aldrin,
dieldnn, heptachlor, chlordane, lindane, endrin,
mirex, benzene, hexachlonde, and toxaphene.
chlorination: The application of chlorine to drink-
ing water, sewage, or industrial waste to disin-
fect or to oxidize undesirable compounds.
chlorinator: A device that adds chlorine to water
in gas or liquid form
chlorine-contact chamber: That part of a waste
treatment plant where effluent is disinfected by
chlorine before being discharged
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chlorosis
chlorosis: Discoloration of normally green plant
parts that can be caused by disease, lack of
nutrients, or various air pollutants
chromium: see heavy metals
chronic: Long-lasting or frequently recurring, as a
disease.
clarification: Clearing action that occurs during
waste water treatment when solids settle out,
often aided by centrifugal action and chemically
induced coagulation.
clarifier: A settling tank where solids are mechan-
ically removed from waste water.
clear cut: A forest management technique that
involves harvesting all the trees in one area at
one time. Under certain soil and slope condi-
tions it can contribute sediment to water pollu-
tion.
coagulation: Aclumping of particles in waste water
to settle out impurities, often induced by chem-
icals such as lime or alum.
coastal zone: Ocean waters and adjacent lands
that exert an influence on the uses of the sea
and its ecology.
coefficient of haze (COH): A measurement of
visibility interference in the atmosphere.
coffin: A thick-walled container (usually lead)
used for transporting radioactive materials.
coliform index: A rating of the purity of water
based on a count of fecal bacteria
coliform organism: Organisms found in the intes-
tinal tract of humans and animals, their pres-
ence in water indicates pollution and potentially
dangerous bacterial contamination
combined sewers: A system that carries both
sewage and storm water runoff In dry weather
all flow goes to the waste treatment plant.
During a storm only part of the flow is inter-
cepted due to overloading. The remaining mix-
ture of sewage and storm water overflows
untreated into the receiving stream.
combustion: Burning, or a rapid oxidation accom-
panied by release of energy in the form of heat
and light, a basic cause of air pollution
compaction: Reduction of the bulk of solid waste
by rolling and tamping.
compost: Relatively stable decomposed organic
material.
composting: A controlled process of organic
breakdown of matter. In mechanical composting
the materials are constantly mixed and aerated
by a machine. The ventilated cell method mixes
and aerates materials by dropping them through
a vertical series of aerated chambers Using
windrows, compost is placed in piles out in the
open air and mixed or turned periodically.
conservation: The protection, improvement, and
use of natural resources according to principles
that will assure their highest economic or social
benefits.
contact pesticide: A chemical that kills pests when
it touches them, rather than by being eaten
(stomach poison).
contrails: Long narrow clouds caused when high-
flying jets disturb the atmosphere
contour plowing: Farming methods that break
ground following the shape of the land in a way
that discourages erosion.
coolant: A liquid or gas used to reduce the heat
generated by power production in nuclear reac-
tors or electric generators.
cooling tower: A device that aids in heat removal
from water used as a coolant in electric power
generating plants.
core: The uranium-containing heart of a nuclear
reactor, where energy is released
cover material: Soil used to cover compacted
solid waste in a sanitary landfill.
cover: Vegetation or other material providing
protection
criteria: The standards EPA has established for
certain pollutants, which not only limit the
concentration, but also set a limit to the number
of violations per year.
cultural eutrophication: Increasing the rate at
which water bodies "die" by pollution from
human activities
comminution: Mechanical shredding or pulverizing curie: A measure of radioactivity.
of waste, used in solid waste management and
waste water treatment cutie-pie: An instrument used to measure radiation
levels
comminutor: A machine that grinds solids to make
waste treatment easier cyclone collector: A device that uses centrifugal
force to pull large particles from polluted air.
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dystrophic lakes
D
DDT: The first chlorinated hydrocarbon insecti-
cide (chemical name: 1,1, l-trichlorous-2, 2-bis
(p-chloriphenyl)-ethane.) It has a half-life of 15
years and can collect in fatty tissues of certain
animals. EPA banned registration and interstate
sale of DDT for virtually all but emergency
uses in the U.S. in 1972 because of its persist-
ence in the environment and accumulation in
the food chain.
decibel (dB): A unit of sound measurement.
decomposition: The breakdown of matter by bac-
teria. It changes the chemical make-up and
physical appearance of materials.
dermal toxicity: The ability of a pesticide or toxic
chemical to poison people or animals by touch-
ing the skin
depletion curve (hydraulics): A graphical represen-
tation of water depletion from storage-stream
channels, surface soil, and groundwater. A
depletion curve can be drawn for base flow,
direct runoff, or total flow
DES (Diethylstilbestrol): A synthetic estrogen
used as a growth stimulant in food animals.
Residues in meat are thought to be carcino-
genic.
desalinization: Removing salt from ocean or brack-
ish water
desiccant: A chemical agent that dries out plants
or insects causing death
desulfurization: Removal of sulfur from fossil fuels
to cut pollution
detergent: Synthetic washing agent that helps
water to remove dirt and oil. Most contain
large amounts of phosphorus compounds which
may kill useful bacteria and encourage algae
growth in the receiving water.
diatomaceous earth (diatomite): A chalk-like mate-
rial used to filter out solid wastes in waste
water treatment plants, also found in powdered
pesticides
diffused air: A type of aeration that forces oxygen
into sewage by pumping air through perforated
pipes inside a holding tank.
digester: In waste water treatment a closed tank,
sometimes heated to 95° F, where sludge is
subjected to intensified bacterial action.
digestion: The biochemical decomposition of or-
ganic matter. Digestion of sewage sludge occurs
in tanks where it breaks down into gas, liquid,
and mineral matter.
dilution ratio: The relationship between the vol-
ume of water in a stream and the volume of
incoming waste It can affect the ability of the
stream to assimilate waste.
disinfection: A chemical or physical process that
kills organisms that cause infectious disease.
Chlorine is often used to disinfect sewage treat-
ment effluent.
dispersant: A chemical agent used to break up
concentrations of organic material such as
spilled oil.
dissolved oxygen (DO): A measure of the amount
of oxygen available for biochemical activity in
a given amount of water Adequate levels of
DO are needed to support aquatic life. Low
dissolved oxygen concentrations can result from
inadequate waste treatment.
dissolved solids: The total of disintegrated organic
and inorganic material contained in water. Ex-
cesses can make water unfit to drink or use in
industrial processes
distillation: Purifying liquids through boiling. The
steam condenses to pure water and pollutants
remain in a concentrated residue.
dose: In radiology, the quantity of energy or
radiation absorbed.
dosimeter: An instrument that measures exposure
to radiation.
dredging: To remove earth from the bottom of
water bodies using a scooping machine. This
disturbs the ecosystem and causes silting that
can kill aquatic life.
dry limestone process: An air pollution control
method that uses limestone to absorb the sulfur
oxides in furnaces and stack gases
dump: A site used to dispose of solid wastes
without environmental controls
dust: Fine grain particles light enough to be
suspended in air.
dustfall jar: An open container used to collect
large particles from the air for measurement
and analysis
dystrophic lakes: Shallow bodies of water that
contain much humus and organic matter. They
contain many plants but few fish and are almost
eutrophic.
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ecological impact
E
ecological impact: The total effect of an environ-
mental change, natural or man-made, on the
community of living things.
ecology: The relationships of living things to one
another and to their environment, or the study
of such relationships
economic poisons: Chemicals used to control pests
and to defoliate cash crops such as cotton
ecosphere: See biosphere.
ecosystem: The interacting system of a biological
community and its nonliving surroundings.
effluent: Waste material discharged into the envi-
ronment, it can be treated or untreated Gener-
ally refers to water pollution
electrodialysis: A process that uses electrical cur-
rent applied to permeable membranes to remove
minerals from water. Often used to desalinize
salt or brackish water.
electrostatic precipitator: An air pollution control
device that imparts an electrical charge to
particles m a gas stream causing them to collect
on an electrode
emergency episode: See air pollution episode
emission: Like effluent but used in regard to air
pollution
emission factor: The relationship between the
amount of pollution produced and the amount
of raw material processed For example an
emission factor for a blast furnace making iron
would be the number of pounds of particulates
per ton of raw materials.
emission inventory: A listing, by source, of the
amounts of air pollutants discharged into the
atmosphere of a community daily. It is used to
establish emission standards
emission standard: The maximum amount of dis-
charge legally allowed from a single source.
mobile or stationary
environment: The sum of all external conditions
affecting the life, development and survival of
an organism.
environmental impact statement: A document re-
quired of Federal agencies by the National
Environmental Policy Act for major projects or
legislative proposals They are used in making
decisions about the positive and negative effects
of the undertaking, and list alternatives.
epidemiology: The study of diseases as they affect
populations
episode (pollution): An air pollution incident in a
given area caused by a concentration of atmos-
pheric pollution reacting with meteorological
conditions that may result in a significant in-
crease in illnesses or deaths
erosion: The wearing away of land surface by
wind or water Erosion occurs naturally from
weather 01 run-off but can be intensified by
land-clearing practices
estuaries: Areas where fresh water meets salt
water (bays, mouths of rivers, salt marshes,
lagoons) These brackish water ecosystems
shelter and feed marine life, birds, and wildlife
eutrophication: The slow aging process of a lake
evolving into a marsh and eventually disappear-
ing During eutrophication the lake is choked
by abundant plant life. Human activities that
add nutrients to a water body can speed up this
action
eutrophic lakes: Shallow murky water bodies that
have lots of algae and little oxygen
evaporation ponds: Areas where sewage sludge is
dumped and allowed to dry out.
F
fabric filter: A cloth device that catches dust and
particles from industrial emissions
fecal coliform bacteria: A group of organisms
found in the intestinal tracts of people and
animals Then presence in water indicates pol-
lution and possible dangerous bacterial contam-
ination
enrichment: Sewage effluent or agricultural runoff feedlot: A relatively small, confined area for
adding nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, carbon
compounds) to a water body, greatly increasing
the growth potential for algae and aquatic
plants.
raising cattle that results in lower costs but
may concentrate large amounts of animal
wastes. The soil cannot absorb such large
amounts of excrement, and runoff from feedlots
pollutes nearby waterways with nutrients.
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groundwater
fen: Low-lying land partly covered with water
filling: Depositing dirt and mud, often raised by
dredging, into marshy areas to create more
land for real estate development It can destroy
the marsh ecology.
film badge: A piece of masked photographic film
worn by nuclear workers to monitor their ex-
posute to radiation Nuclear radiation darkens
the film
filtration: Removing particles of solid materials
from water, usually by passing it through sand
floe: A clump of solids formed in sewage by
biological or chemical action
flocculation: Separation of suspended solids during
waste water treatment by chemical creation of
clumps of floes
flowmeter: A gauge that shows the speed of waste
water moving through a treatment plant
flue gas: The air coming out of a chimney after
combustion It can include nitrogen oxides.
carbon oxides, water vapor, sulfur oxide, parti-
cles, and many chemical pollutants
fluorides: Gaseous, solid, or dissolved compounds
containing fluorine that result from industrial
processes
fluorocarbons: A gas used as a propellant in
aerosols, thought to be modifying the ozone
layer in the stratosphere thereby allowing more
harmful solar radiation to reach the Harth's
surface
flume: A natural or man-made channel that diverts
watei
fly ash: Noncombustible particles carried by flue
gas
fog: Suspended liquid particles formed by conden-
sation of vapor
fogging: Applying a pesticide by rapidly heating
the liquid chemical so that it forms very fine
droplets that resemble smoke It is used to
destroy mosquitoes and blackflies
food waste: Discarded animal and vegetable mat-
ter, also called garbage
fossil fuels: Combustibles derived from the re-
mains of ancient plants and animals, like coal,
oil, and natural gas
fume: Tiny particles trapped by vapor in a gas
stream.
fumigant: A pesticide that is vaporized to kill
pests; often used in buildings or greenhouses.
fungi: Tiny plants that lack chlorophyll Some
cause disease, others stabilize sewage and break
down solid wastes for compost.
G
game fish: Species like trout, salmon, bass, etc
caught for sport They show more sensitivity to
environmental changes than "rough" fish
gamma ray: The most penetrating waves of ra-
diant nuclear energy They can be stopped by
dense materials like lead.
garbage: See food waste
garbage grinding: Use of a household disposal to
crush food waste and wash it into the sewer
system
gasification: Conversion of a solid material, such
as coal, into a gas for use as fuel
Geiger counter: An electrical device that detects
the presence of radioactivity
generator: A device that converts mechanical
energy into electrical energy
germicide: Any compound that kills disease-car-
rying microorganisms These must be registered
as pesticides with FPA
grain: A unit of weight equal to 65 milligrams or
2/1,000 of an ounce
grain loading: The rate at which particles are
emitted from a pollution source—measurement
is made by the numbers of grains per cubic-
foot of gas emitted.
green belts: Buffer zones created by restricting
development from certain land areas.
greenhouse effect: The warming of our atmosphere
caused by build-up of carbon dioxide, which
allows light from the Sun's rays to heat the
Earth but prevents loss of the heat
ground cover: Plants grown to keep soil from
eroding.
groundwater: The supply of fresh water under the
Harth's surface that forms a natural reservoir
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habitat
H
habitat: The sum of environmental conditions in a
specific place that is occupied by an organism,
population, or community.
half-life: The time taken by certain materials to
lose half their strength. For example the half
life of DDT is 15 years; of radium 1,580 years.
hammermill: A high-speed machine that uses ham-
mers and cutters to crush, grind, chip, or shred
solid wastes.
hard water: Alkaline water containing dissolved
mineral salts, that interfere with some industrial
processes and prevent soap from lathering.
hazardous air pollutant: Substances covered by
Air Quality Criteria, which may cause or con-
tribute to illness or death; asbestos, beryllium,
mercury, and vinyl chloride
hazardous waste: Waste materials which by their
nature are inherently dangerous to handle or
dispose of, such as old explosives, radioactive
materials, some chemicals, and some biological
wastes; usually produced in industrial opera-
tions
heat island effect: A haze dome created in cities
by pollutants combining with the heat trapped
in the spaces between tall buildings. This haze
prevents natural cooling of air, and in the
absence of strong winds can hold high concen-
trations of pollutants in one place.
heating season: The coldest months of the year,
when pollution increases in some areas because
people burn fossil fuels to keep warm
heavy metals: Metallic elements like mercury.
chromium, cadmium, arsenic, and lead, with
high molecular weights. They can damage living
things at low concentrations and tend to accu-
mulate in the food chain
herbicide: A chemical that controls or destroys
undesirable plants
herbivore: An animal that feeds on plants.
heterotrophic organism: Humans and animals that
cannot make food from inorganic chemicals
high density polyethylene: A material used to make
plastic bottles that produces toxic fumes when
burned.
hi-volume sampler: A device used to measure and
analyze suspended particulate pollution
holding pond: A pond or reservoir usually made
of earth built to store polluted runoff.
hot: Slang for radioactive material.
humus: Decomposed organic material.
hydrocarbons: Compounds found in fossil fuels,
that contain carbon and hydrogen and may be
carcinogenic.
hydrogen sulfide (H2S): The gas emitted during
organic decomposition that smells like rotten
eggs. It is also a byproduct of oil refining and
burning and can cause illness in heavy concen-
trations.
hydrology: The science dealing with the proper-
ties, distribution, and circulation of water.
I
impedance: The rate at which a substance absorbs
and transmits sound.
implementation plan: An outline of steps needed
to meet environmental quality standards by a
set time.
impoundment: A body of water confined by a
dam, dike, floodgate, or other barrier.
incineration: Disposal of solid, liquid, or gaseous
wastes by burning.
incinerator: A controlled chamber where waste
substances are burned.
indicator: In biology, an organism, species, or
community that shows the presence of certain
environmental conditions.
inert gas: A vapor that doesn't react with other
substances under ordinary conditions.
inertia! separator: A device that uses centrifugal
force to separate waste particles.
infiltration: The action of water moving through
small openings in the earth as it seeps down
into the ground water.
inoculum: Bacteria placed in compost to start
biological action.
integrated pest management: Combining the best
of all useful techniques—biological, chemical.
cultural, physical, and mechanical—into a cus-
tom-made pest control system.
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mulch
interceptor sewers: The collection system that
connects main and trunk sewers with the was-
tewater treatment plant. In a combined sewer
system interceptor sewers allow some untreated
wastes to flow directly into the receiving
streams so the plant won't be overloaded.
interstate carrier water supply: A source of water
for planes, buses, trains, and ships operating in
more than one State. These sources are regu-
lated by the Federal Government
interstate waters: Defined by law as: 1) waters
that flow across or form a part of State or
international boundaries 2) the Great Lakes
and 3) coastal waters.
inversion: An atmospheric condition caused by a
layer of warm air preventing the rise of cool air
trapped beneath it. This holds down pollutants
that might otherwise be dispersed, and can
cause an air pollution episode.
ionization chamber: A device that detects ionizing
radiation.
isotope: A variation of an element that has the
same atomic number but a different weight
because of its neutrons. Isotopes of an element
may have different radioactive behavior
J K L
lagoon: A shallow pond where sunlight, bacterial
action, and oxygen work to purify waste water.
lateral sewers: Pipes running underneath city
streets that collect sewage
LC,0: Median lethal concentration, a standard
measure of toxicity. It tells how much of a
substance is needed to kill half of a group of
experimental organisms.
leachate: Materials that pollute water as it seeps
through solid waste.
leaching: The process by which nutrient chemicals
or contaminants are dissolved and carried away
by water, or are moved into a lower layer of
soil.
lead: A heavy metal that may be hazardous to
health if breathed or swallowed
life cycle: The stages an organism passes through
during its existence.
lift: In a sanitary landfill, a compacted layer of
solid waste and the top layer of cover material.
liquefaction: Changing a solid into a liquid form.
limnology: The study of the physical, chemical,
meteorological, and biological aspects of fresh
water.
limiting factor: A condition whose absence, or
excessive concentration, exerts some restrain-
ing influence upon a population through incom-
patibility with species requirements or toler-
ance.
M
marsh: Wet, soft, low-lying land that provides a
niche for many plants and animals. It can be
destroyed by dredging and filling.
masking: Blocking out one sight, sound, or smell
with another.
mechanical turbulence: The erratic movement of
air caused by local obstructions such as build-
ings.
mercury: A heavy metal, highly toxic if breathed
or swallowed It can accumulate in the environ-
ment
methane: A colorless, nonpoisonous. flammable
gas emitted by marshes and dumps undergoing
anaerobic decomposition.
mgd: Millions of gallons per day. Mgd is a
measurement of water flow
microbes: Tiny plants and animals, some that
cause disease are found in sewage.
mist: Liquid particles measuring 500 to 40 mi-
crons, that are found by condensation of vapor.
By comparison, fog particles are smaller than
40 microns
mixed liquor: Activated sludge and water contain-
ing organic matter being treated in an aeration
tank.
mobile source: A moving producer of air pollution,
mainly forms of transportation—cars, motorcy-
cles, planes.
monitoring: Periodic or continuous sampling to
determine the level of pollution or radioactivity.
muck soils: Earth made from decaying plant ma-
terials
mulch: A layer of material (wood chips, straw,
leaves) placed around plants to hold moisture,
prevent weed growth, and enrich soil.
9
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multiple use
multiple use: Harmonious use of land for more
than one purpose; i e.. grazing of livestock,
wildlife production, recreation, watershed and
timber production Not necessarily the combi-
nation of uses that will yield the highest eco-
nomic return or greatest unit output
mutagen: Any substance that causes changes in
the genetic structure in subsequent generations
o
N
natural gas: A natural fuel containing methane
and hydrocarbons that occurs in certain geo-
logic formations.
natural selection: The process of survival of the
fittest, by which organisms that adapt to their
environment survive and those that don't dis-
appear.
necrosis: Death of cells that can discolor areas on
a plant or kill the entire plant
nitric oxide (NO): A gas formed by combustion
under high temperature and high pressure in an
internal combustion engine It changes into
nitrogen dioxide in the ambient air and contrib-
utes to photochemical smog
nitrogen dioxide (NO2): The result of nitric oxide
combining with oxygen in the atmosphere, a
major component of photochemical smog.
nitrogenous wastes: Animal or plant residues that
contain large amounts of nitrogen
NO: A notation meaning oxides of nitrogen. See
nitric oxide
nonpoint source: A contributing factor to water
pollution that can't be traced to a specific spot;
like agricultural fertilizer runoff, sediment from
construction
noise: Any undesired sound.
NTA: Nitnlotnacetic acid, a compound proposed
for use to replace phosphates in detergents
nuclear power plant: A device that converts
atomic energy into usable power, heat produced
by a reactor makes steam to drive electricity-
generating turbines
nutrients: Elements or compounds essential to
growth and development of living things, cai-
bon, oxygen, nitrogen, potassium and phospho-
rus.
off-road vehicles: Forms of motorized transporta-
tion that do not require prepared surfaces—
they can be used to reach remote areas
oil spill: Accidental discharge into bodies of water,
can be controlled by chemical dispersion, com-
bustion, mechanical containment, and absorp-
tion.
oil "fingerprinting": A method that identifies oil
spills so the\ can be traced back to their
sources
oligotrophic lakes: Deep clear lakes with low
nutrient supplies They contain little organic
matter and have a high dissolved oxygen level.
oncogenic: A substance that causes tumors.
whether benign or malignant
opacity: The amount of light obscured by an
object or substance; a window has zero opacity,
a wall 100% opacity
open burning: Uncontrolled fires in an open dump.
open dump: see dump
open space: A relatively undeveloped green or
wooded area provided usually within an urban
development to minimize feelings of congested
living
organic: Referring to or derived from living orga-
nisms In chemistry, any compound containing
carbon
organism: Any living thing
organophosphates: Pesticide chemicals that con-
tain phosphorus, used to control insects They
are short-lived but some can be toxic when
first applied
osmosis: The tendency of a fluid to pass through
a permeable membrane, as the wall of a
living cell, into a less concentrated solution.
so as to equalize concentrations on both sides
of the membrane
outfall: The plact where an effluent is discharged
into receiving waters
10
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point source
overfire air: Air forced into the top of an inciner-
ator to fan the flame
overturn: The period of mixing (turnover), by top
to bottom circulation, of previously stratified
water masses. This phenomenon may occur m
spring and/or fall; the result is a uniformity of
physical and chemical properties of the water
at all depths.
oxidant: A substance containing oxygen that
reacts chemically in air to produce a new
substance, primary source of photochemical
smog
oxidation: Oxygen combining with other elements.
oxidation pond: A holding area where organic
wastes are broken down by aerobic bacteria
ozone (Oj): A pungent, colorless, toxic gas that
contributes to photochemical smog.
P
packed tower: A pollution control device that
forces dirty air through a tower packed with
crushed rock or wood chips while liquid is
sprayed over the packing material The pollu-
tants in the air stream either dissolve or chemi-
cally react with the liquid.
pandemic: Widespread throughout an area.
PAN: (Peroxyacetyl nitrate) a pollutant created
by the action of sunlight on hydrocarbons and
nitrogen oxides in the air An ingredient of
smog.
particulates: Fine liquid or solid particles such as
dust, smoke, mist, fumes, or smog, found in
the air or emissions
particulate loading: The introduction of particu-
lates into ambient air
pathogenic: Capable of causing disease.
PCB's (Polychlorinated biphenyls): A group of
toxic, persistent chemicals used in transformers
and capacitors. Further sale or new use is
banned in 1979 by law
percolation: Downward flow or filtering of water
through pores or spaces in rock or soil
persistent pesticides: Pesticides that do not break
down chemically and remain in the environment
after a growing season
pesticide: Any substance used to control pests
ranging from rats, weeds, and insects to algae
and fungi Pesticides can accumulate in the
food chain and can contaminate the environ-
ment if misused
pesticide tolerance: The amount of pesticide resi-
due allowed by law to remain in or on a
harvested crop By using various safety factors.
KPA sets these levels well below the point
where the chemicals might be harmful to con-
sumers
pH: A measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a
material, liquid or solid pH is represented on a
scale of 0 to 14 with 7 being a neutral state. 0
most acid, and 14 most alkaline
phenols: Organic compounds that are byproducts
of petroleum refining, tanning, textile, dye, and
resin manufacture Low concentrations can
cause taste and odor problems in water, higher
concentrations can kill aquatic life.
phosphates: Chemical compounds containing
phosphorus
phosphorus: An essential food element that can
contribute to the eutrophication of water bod-
ies
photochemical oxidants: Air pollutants formed by
the action of sunlight on oxides of nitrogen and
hydrocarbons
photochemical smog: Air pollution caused by not
one pollutant but by chemical reactions of
various pollutants emitted from different
sources.
photosynthesis: The manufacture by plants of car-
bohydrates and oxygen from carbon dioxide
and water in the presence of chlorophyll, using
sunlight as an energy source.
phytotoxic: Something that harms plants
pig: A container, usually lead, used to ship or
store radioactive materials
pile: A nuclear reactor
plankton: Tiny plants and animals that live in
water.
plastics: Non-metallic compounds that result from
a chemical reaction, and are molded or formed
into rigid or pliable structural material
plume: Visible emission from a flue or chimney.
point source: A stationary location where pollu-
tants are discharged, usually from an industry
11
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pollen
pollen: A fine dust produced by plants; a natural
or background air pollutant.
pollutant: Any introduced substance that ad-
versely affects the usefulness of a resource.
pollution: The presence of matter or energy whose
nature, location, or quantity produces undesired
environmental effects.
polyectrolytes: Synthetic chemicals that help solids
to clump during sewage treatment.
polyvinyl chloride: A plastic that releases hydro-
chloric acid when burned.
potable water: Appetizing water that is safe for
drinking and use in cooking.
ppm: Parts per million; a way of expressing tiny
concentrations. In air ppm is usually a volume/
volume ratio; in water, a weight/volume ratio.
precipitate: A solid that separates from a solution
because of some chemical or physical change.
precipitators: Air pollution control devices that
collect particles from an emission by mechani-
cal or electrical means.
pretreatment: Processes used to reduce the
amount of pollution in water before it enters
the sewers or the treatment plant.
primary treatment: The first stage of waste water
treatment; removal of floating debris and solids
by screening and sedimentation.
process weight: The total weight of all materials,
including fuel, used in a manufacturing process.
It is used to calculate the allowable rate of
emission of pollutant matter from the process.
pulverization: The crushing or grinding of mate-
rials into small pieces.
pumping station: A machine installed on sewers
to pull the sewage uphill. In most sewer systems
waste water flows by gravity to the treatment
plant.
putrescible: A substance that can rot quickly
enough to cause odors and attract flies.
pyrolysis: Chemical decomposition by extreme
heat.
Q
R
quench tank: A water-filled tank used to cool
incinerator residues, or hot materials during
industrial processes.
rad: A unit of measurement of any kind of
radiation absorbed by humans.
radiation: The emission of particles or rays by
the nucleus of an atom.
radiation standards: Regulations that govern ex-
posure to permissible concentrations of and
transportation of radioactive materials.
radioactive: Substances that emit rays either nat-
urally or as a result of scientific manipulation.
radiobiology: The study of the principles, mecha-
nisms, and effects of radiation on living things.
radioecology: The study of the effects of radiation
on plants and animals in natural communities.
radioisotopes: Radioactive forms of chemical com-
pounds; such as cobalt-60, used in the treatment
of diseases.
rasp: A machine that grinds waste into a manage-
able material and helps prevent odor
raw sewage: Untreated waste water.
receiving waters: Any body of water where un-
treated wastes are dumped.
recharge: Process by which water is added to the
zone of saturation, as recharge of an aquifer.
recycling: Converting solid waste into new prod-
ucts by using the resources contained in dis-
carded materials.
red tide: A proliferation of ocean plankton that
may kill large numbers of fish. This natural
phenomenon may be stimulated by the addition
of nutrients.
refuge, wildlife: An area designated for the protec-
tion of wild animals, within which hunting and
fishing is either prohibited or strictly controlled.
refuse: See solid waste.
refuse reclamation: Conversion of solid waste into
useful products, e.g. composting organic wastes
to make a soil conditioner.
rem: A measurement of radiation by biological
effect on human tissue. (Acronym for roentgen
equivalent man.)
12
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settling chamber
rep: A measurement of radiation by energy devel-
opment in human tissue. (Acronym for roentgen
equivalent physical.)
reservoir: Any holding area, natural or artificial,
used to store, regulate, or control water.
resource recovery: The process of obtaining matter
or energy from materials formerly discarded
e.g. solid waste, wood chips.
reverberation: The echoes of a sound that persist
in an enclosed space after the sound source has
stopped
reverse osmosis: An advanced method of waste
treatment that uses a semi-permeable membrane
to separate water from pollutants.
Ringelmann chart: A series of shaded illustrations
used to measure the opacity of air pollution
emissions. The chart ranges from light grey
(number 1) through black (number 5) and is
used to set and enforce emission standards
riparian rights: Entitlement of a land owner to
the water on or bordering his property, includ-
ing the right to prevent diversion or misuse of
it upstream.
river basin: The land area drained by a river and
its tributaries
rodenticide: A chemical or agent used to destroy
rats or other rodent pests, or to prevent them
from damaging food, crops, etc.
rough fish: Those species not prized for game
purposes or for eating; gar, suckers, etc. Most
are more tolerant of changing environmental
conditions than game species.
rubbish: Solid waste, excluding food waste and
ashes, from homes, institutions, and work-
places.
runoff: Water from rain, snow melt, or irrigation
that flows over the ground surface and returns
to streams. It can collect pollutants from air or
land and carry them to the receiving waters.
s
salinity: The degree of salt in water.
salt water intrusion: The invasion of fresh surface
or ground water by salt water If the salt water
comes from the ocean it's called sea water
intrusion.
salvage: The utilization of waste materials.
sanitation: Control of physical factors in the hu-
man environment that can harm development,
health, or survival.
sanitary landfill, landfilling: Protecting the envi-
ronment when disposing of solid waste. Waste
is spread in thin layers, compacted by heavy
machinery and covered with soil daily.
sanitary sewers: Underground pipes that carry
only domestic or commercial waste, not storm-
water.
scrap: Materials discarded from manufacturing
operations that may be suitable for reprocess-
ing.
screening: Use of racks of screens to remove
coarse floating and suspended solids from sew-
age
scrubber: An air pollution control device that
uses a spray of water to trap pollutants and
cool emissions.
secondary treatment: Biochemical treatment of
wastewater after the primary stage, using bac-
teria to consume the organic wastes. Use of
trickling filters or the activated sludge process,
removes floating and settleable solids and about
90 percent of oxygen demanding substances
and suspended solids. Disinfection with chlorine
is the final stage of secondary treatment.
sedimentation: Letting solids settle out of waste
water by gravity during waste water treatment.
sedimentation tanks: Holding areas for waste
water where floating wastes are skimmed off
and settled solids are pumped out for disposal.
seepage: Water that flows through the soil.
selective pesticide: A chemical designed to affect
only certain types of pests leaving other plants
and animals unharmed.
senescence: The aging process. It can refer to
lakes in advanced stages of eutrophication.
septic tank: An enclosure that stores and (proc-
esses) wastes where no sewer system exists, as
in rural areas or on boats. Bacteria decompose
the organic matter into sludge, which is pumped
off periodically.
settleable solids: Materials heavy enough to sink
to the bottom of waste water.
settling chamber: A series of screens placed in
the way of flue gases to slow the stream of air,
thus helping gravity to pull particles out of the
emission into a collection area.
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settling tank
settling tank: A holding area for waste water.
where heavier particles sink to the bottom and
can be siphoned off.
sewage: The organic waste and waste water pro-
duced by residential and commercial establish-
ments.
sewage lagoon: See lagoon.
sewer: A channel that carries waste water and
stormwater runoff from the source to a treat-
ment plant or receiving stream. Sanitary sewers
carry household and commercial waste. Storm
sewers carry runoff from ram or snow Com-
bined sewers are used for both purposes.
sewerage: The entire system of sewage collection.
treatment, and disposal. Also applies to all
effluent carried by sewers
shield: A wall to protect people from exposure to
harmful radiation.
significant deterioration: Pollution from a new
source in previously "clean" areas.
silt: Fine particles of soil or rock that can be
picked up by air or water and deposited as
sediment.
silviculture: Management of forest land for timber.
Sometimes contributes to water pollution, as in
clear-cutting.
sinking: Controlling oil spills by using an agent to
trap the oil. Both sink to the bottom of the
body of water and biodegrade there.
skimming: Using a machine to remove oil or
scum from the surface of the water
soil conditioner: An organic material like humus
or compost that helps soil absorb water, build
a bacterial community, and distribute nutrients
and minerals
solid waste: Useless, unwanted, or discarded ma-
terial with insufficient liquid to be free-flowing.
solid waste disposal: The final placement of refuse
that cannot be salvaged or recycled.
solid waste management: Supervised handling of
waste materials from their source through re-
covery processes to disposal.
sonic boom: The thunderous noise made when
shock waves reach the ground from a jet
airplane exceeding the speed of sound.
soot: Carbon dust formed by incomplete combus-
tion
sorption: The action of soaking up or attracting
substances: used in many pollution control
processes
sprawl: Unplanned development of open land.
spoil: Dirt or rock that has been removed from its
original location, destroying the composition of
the soil in the process, as with strip-mining or
dredging.
stabilization: To convert the active organic matter
in sludge into inert, harmless material
stabilization ponds: See lagoon
stable air: A mass of air that is not moving
normally, so that it holds rather than disperses
pollutants
sludge: The concentration of solids removed from stack: A chimney or smokestack; a vertical pipe
sewage during waste water treatment that discharges used air.
slurry: A watery mixture of insoluble matter that
results from some pollution control techniques
smog: Air pollution associated with oxidants.
smoke: Particles suspended in air after incomplete
combustion of materials containing carbon
SOX: The chemical symbol for oxides of sulfur
soft detergents: Cleaning agents that break down
in nature.
solar energy: Power collected from sunlight, used
most often for heating purposes but occasion-
ally to generate electricity.
stack effect: Used air, as in a chimney, that
moves upward because it is warmer than the
surrounding atmosphere.
stagnation: Lack of motion in a mass of air or
water, which tends to hold pollutants.
stationary source: A pollution location that is
fixed rather than moving. One point of pollution
rather than widespread.
storm sewer: A system that collects and carries
rain and snow runoff to a point where it can
soak back into the ground-water or flow into
surface waters
stratification: Separating into layers
14
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urban runoff
strip mining: A process that uses machines to
scrape soil or rock away from mineral deposits
just under the Earth's surface.
stripcropping: Growing crops in a systematic ar-
rangement of strips or bands which serve as
harriers to wind and water erosion
sulfur dioxide (SOJ: A heavy, pungent, colorless
gas formed primarily by the combustion of
fossil fuels This major air pollutant is unhealthy
for plants, animals, and people
sump: A depression or tank that catches liquid
runoff for drainage or disposal, like a cesspool
supersonic transport (SST): A jet airplane that
flies above the speed of sound; it may be
extremely noisy upon takeoff and landing.
surfactant: A surface active chemical agent, usu-
ally made up of phosphates, used in detergents
to cause lathering The phosphates may contrib-
ute to water pollution
surveillance system: A series of monitoring devices
designed to determine environmental quality.
suspended solids (SS): Tiny pieces of pollutants
floating in sewage that cloud the water and
require special treatment to remove.
synergism: A cooperative action of two substances
that results in a greater effect than both of the
substances could have had acting independ-
ently
systemic pesticide: A chemical that is taken up
from the ground or absorbed through the sur-
face and carried through the systems of the
organism being protected, making it toxic to
pests.
T
tailings: Residue of raw materials or waste sepa-
rated out during the processing of crops or
mineral ores
teratogenic: Substances that are suspected of
causing malformations or serious deviations
from the normal type, which can't be inherited,
in 01 on animal embryos or fetuses.
terracing: Dikes built along the contour of agricul-
tural land to hold runoff and sediment, thus
reducing erosion.
tertiary treatment: Advanced cleaning of waste
water that goes beyond the secondary or biolog-
ical stage. It removes nutrients such as phos-
phorus and nitrogen and most suspended solids
thermal pollution: Discharge of heated water from
industrial processes that can affect the life
processes of aquatic plants and animals
threshold dose: The minimum application of a
given substance required to produce a measur-
able effect
tidal marsh: Low. flat marshlands traversed by
interlaced channels and tidal sloughs and sub-
ject to tidal inundation; normally, the only
vegetation present is salt-tolerant bushes and
grasses.
tolerance: The ability of an organism to cope with
changes in its environment. Also the safe level
of any chemical applied to crops that will be
used as food or feed
topography. The physical features of a surface
area including relative elevations and the posi-
tion of natural and manmade features
toxic substances: A chemical or mixture that may
present an unreasonable risk of injury to health
or the environment
toxicant: A chemical that controls pests by killing
rather than repelling them
toxicity: The degree of danger posed by a sub-
stance to animal or plant life.
trickling filter: A biological treatment device
wastewater is trickled over a bed of stones
covered with bacterial growth, the bacteria
break down the organic wastes in the sewage
and produce cleaner water
troposphere: The portion of the atmosphere be-
tween seven and ten miles from the Earth's
surface, where clouds form
turbidimeter: A device that measures the amount
of suspended solids in a liquid
turbidity: Hazy air due to the presence of particles
and pollutants; a similar cloudy condition in
water due to suspended silt or organic matter
u
urban runoff: Storm water from city streets.
usually carrying litter and organic wastes.
15
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vapor
V
vapor: The gaseous phase of substances that are
liquid or solid at atmospheric temperature and
pressure—such as steam.
vapor plumes: Flue gases that are visible because
they contain water droplets.
vaporization: The change of a substance from a
liquid to a gas.
variance: Government permission for a delay or
exception in the application of a given law,
ordinance, or regulation.
vector: An organism, often an insect, that carries
disease.
vinyl chloride: A chemical compound used in
producing some plastics. Excessive exposure
to this substance may cause cancer.
volatile: Any substance that evaporates at a low
temperature.
w
waste: Unwanted materials left over from manu-
facturing processes, refuse from places of hu-
man or animal habitation.
waste water: Water carrying dissolved or sus-
pended solids from homes, farms, businesses,
and industries.
water pollution: The addition of enough harmful
or objectionable material to damage water qual-
ity.
water quality criteria: The levels of pollutants
that affect use of water for drinking, swimming,
raising fish, farming or industrial use.
water quality standard: A management plan that
considers, 1) what water will be used for 2)
setting levels to protect those uses 3) imple-
menting and enforcing the water treatment plans
and 4) protecting existing high quality waters.
watershed: The land area that drains into a stream.
water supply system: The collection, treatment,
storage and distribution of potable water from
source to consumer
water table: The level of ground water.
X Y Z
zooplankton: Tiny aquatic animals that fish feed
on.
First Printing 1973
Revised September 1977
For sale by the Superintendent of Documents
U S Government Printing Office, Washington, D C 20402
Stock No 055-000-00163-4
16
ft GPO • 1977 O—245-772
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United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Office of
Public Awareness (A-107)
Washington D C 20460
Official Business
Penalty for Private Use
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Fees Paid
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