Environmental Acronyms,
Abbreviations and
Glossary Of Terms
Executive Enterprises, Inc.
22 West 21st Street
New York, NY 10010-6990
-------
Environmental Acronyms,
Abbreviations,
and Glossary of Terms
Source:
United States Environmental Protection Agency Information Resources
Directory Spring 1989 OPA 003-89
-------
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
301(H)APPS
301(H)INFO
403C
5SEG
A&C
A&R
A/WPR
AA
AA
AA
AA
AA
AA
AAA
AAA
AAAS
AAEE
AAEM
AAES
AANWR
AAOHN
AAP
AAP
AAP
AAPCO
AAR/BOE
AARC
AARP
ABA
ABAC
ABES
ABMA
ABTRES
AC
AC
AC
ACA
Applications for Variance from
Secondary Treatment Requirements (File)
301 (h) Application Tracking System
Section 403(c) Information
Spatially Segmented Phytoplankton Model
Abatement & Control
Air and Radiation
Air/Water Pollution Report
Accountable Area
Adverse Action
Advices of Allowance
Assistant Administrator
Associate Administrator
Atomic Absorption
American Arbitration Association
American Automobile Association
American Association for the Advancement of Science
American Academy of Environmental Engineers
American Academy of Environmental Medicine
American Association of Engineering Societies
Alaskan Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
American Association of Occupational Health Nurses
Affirmative Action Plan
Affirmative Action Program
Asbestos Action Program
Association of American Pesticides Control Officers
Association of American Railroads/Bureau of Explosives
Alliance for Acid Rain Control
American Association of Retired Persons
American Bar Association
Association of Bay Area Governments
Alliance for Balanced Environmental Solutions
American Boiler Manufacturers Association
Abatement and Residual Forecasting Model
Actual Commitment
Advisory Circular
Alternating Current
American Conservation Association, Inc.
-------
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
ACBM
ACE
ACEC
ACEEE
ACFM
ACGIH
Ad
ACL
ACL
ACM
ACP
ACQR
ACQUIRE
ACR
ACS
ACSH
ACT
ACTS
ACWA
ADABAS
ADAPT
ADARD
ADAS
ADB
ADBA
ADCO
ADCR
ADCRMG
ADI
ADMIN
ADP
ADP
ADPCE
ADPCETS
ADPE
ADPS
ADQ
ADR
Asbestos-Containing Building Material
Alliance for Clean Energy
American Consulting Engineers Council
American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy
Actual Cubic Feet Per Minute
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists
Association for Conservation Information
Alternative Concentration Limits
Analytical Chemistry Laboratory
Asbestos-Containing Material
Air Carcinogen Policy
Air Quality Control Region
Aquatic Information Retrieval
Agency Confirmation Agreement
American Chemical Society
American Council on Science and Health
Action
Asbestos Contractor Tracking System
American Clean Water Association
Adaptable Data Base
Adapt n Structural Activities
Acid Deposition and Atmospheric Research Division (ORD)
Acid Deposition Assessment Staff (ORD)
Applications Data Base
Adabas Administrator
Alternate Document Control Officer
Automated Document Control Register
Automated Document Control Register Management Group
Acceptable Daily Intake
ERL-Athens Administrative System
Applications Data Base
Automated Data Processing
Arkansas Department of Pollution Control and Ecology
ADP Capital Equipment Inventory System
Automated Data Processing Equipment
Acid Deposition Planning Staff (ORD)
Audits of Data Quality
Alternative Dispute Resolution
-------
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
ADSS
ADT
ADTRACS
AEA
AEC
AED
AED
AEE
AEERL
AEM
AERE
AEROS
AES
AES
AES
AES
AESA
AFA
AFBF
AFCA
AFDO
AFGE
API
AFRCE
AFS
AFUG
AG
AGA
AGC
AGCA
AGDS
AH
AHERA
AHM
AI
AIA
AIA
AIADA
Air Data Screening System
Average Daily Traffic
Assistance Disputes
Atomic Energy Act
Associate Enforcement Counsel (OECM)
Air Enforcement Division (OECM)
Analysis and Evaluation Division (OW)
Alliance for Environmental Education
Air and Energy Engineering Research Laboratory (ORD)
Acoustic Emission Monitoring
Association of Environmental & Resource Economists
Aerometric and Emissions Reporting System
Air and Energy Staff (ORD)
American Electroplating Society
Analysis and Evaluation Staff
Auger Electron Spectrometry
Association of Environmental Scientists and Administrators
American Forestry Association
American Farm Bureau Federation
Area Fuel Consumption Allocation
Award Fee Determination Official
American Federation of Government Employees
American Forest Institute
Air Force Regional Civil Engineers
AIRS Facility Subsystem (OAR)
AIRS Facility Users Group (OAR)
Attorney General
American Gas Association, Inc.
Associate General Counsels (OGC)
Associated General Contractors of America
Automated Grants Documentation System
Allowance Holder
Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act
Allowance Monthly Holder
Artificial Intelligence
American Institute of Architects
Asbestos Information Association
American International Automobile Dealers Association
-------
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
AIC
AIChE
AICPA
AICR
AICUZ
AID
AIF
AIG
AIHC
AIME
AIP
AIRDOS-EPA
AIRS
AIRS
AIRS
AB
AIS
ABCM
AISI
AL
AL
AL
ALA
ALA
ALA
ALAPCO
ALARA
ALC
ALD-O
ALEC
ALJ
ALMS
ALPS
ALR
ALS
ALT-SEA
AMA
Acceptable Intake for Chronic Exposures
American Institute of Chemical Engineers
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
Alternative Internal Control Review
Air Installation Compatible Use Zones
Agency for International Development
Atomic Industrial Health Forum, Inc.
Assistant Inspector General
American Industrial Health Council
American Institute of Metallurgical, Mining and
Petroleum Engineers
Auto Ignition Point
Atmospheric Dispersion of Radionuclides
Accident and Illness Reporting System
Aerometric Information Retrieval System
Air Quality Subsystem
Acceptable Intake for Subchronic Exposures
Asbestos Information System
Advanced Information System for Career Management
American Iron & Steel Institute
Acceptable Level
Administrative Leave
Annual Leave
American League of Anglers, Inc.
American Lung Association
Delta-Aminolevulinic Acid
Association of Local Air Pollution Control Officials
As Low As Reasonably Achievable
Application Limiting Constituent
Delta-Aminolevulinic Acid Dehydrates
American Legislative Exchange Council
Administrative Law Judge
TALMS Without the Tunable
ERL-Athens Lab Planning System
Action Leakage Rate
American Littoral Society
Assembly Line Test and Selective Enforcement Audit Data
American Medical Association
-------
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
AMBIENS
AMC
AMC
AMD
AMIS
AMPS
AMS
AMS
AMS
AMSA
AMSD
ANEC
ANPR
ANRHRD
ANSI
ANSS
AO
AO
AO
AO
AO
AOC
AOD
AOML
AOO
AOO
AOS
AP
APA
APA
APCA
APCD
APDS
APER
APGR
APHA
API
Atmospheric Mass Balance of Industrially Emitted and
Natural Sulfur
American Mining Congress
Army Material Command (DOD)
Air Management Division (regional)
Air Management Information System
Automatic Mapping and Planning System
Administrative Management Staff (OARXORD)
American Meteorological Society
Army Map Service
Association of Metropolitan Sewage Agencies
Administrative and Management Services Division (OEA)
American Nuclear Energy Council
Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
Air, Noise, and Radiation Health Research Division (ORD)
American National Standards Institute
American Nature Study Society
Administrative Officer
Administrative Order
Administrator's Officer
Area Office
Awards and Obligations
Abnormal Operating Conditions
Argon-Oxygen Decarbonization
Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory
Accounting Operations Office
American Oceanic Organization
Audit Operations Staff (OEA)
Accounting Point
Administrative Procedure Act
American Planning Association
Air Pollution Control Association
Air Pollution Control District
Automatic Procurement Documentation Systems
Air Pollution Emissions Report
Ann Arbor AP-42 Program
American Public Health Association
American Paper Institute
-------
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
API
APPA
APRAC
APS
APS
APT
APT!
APTMD
APWA
AQ-7
AQCCT
AQCR
AQD
AQDHS
AQDHS
AQDM
AQM1
AQM2
AQMA
AQMD
AQMP
AQMP
AQSM
AQSY
AQTAD
AQUIFR
AQUIRE
Ar
ARA
ARA
ARAR
ARB
ARC
ARCC
ARD
ARD
ARC
American Petroleum Institute
American Public Power Association
Urban Diffusion Model for Carbon Monoxide from
.Motor Vehicle Traffic
ADP Planning System
Automated Personnel System
Associated Pharmacologists & Toxicologists
Air Pollution Training Institute
Air, Pesticides, and Toxics Management Division
American Public Works Association
Nonreactive Pollutant Modeling
Air Quality Criteria and Control Techniques
Air Quality Control Region (CAA)
Air Quality Digest
Air Quality Data Handling System
Air Quality Data Handling System II
Air Quality Display Model
Region 1 Air Quality Models
Region 2 Puerto Rico EQB Air Quality Model
Air Quality Maintenance Area
Air Quality Management Division (OAR)
Air Quality Maintenance Plan
Air Quality Management Plan
Air Quality Simulation Model
Ann Arbor Air Quality System
Air Quality Technical Assistance Demonstration
Artificial Aquifer Data Collection System
Aquatic Information Retrieval
Argon
Assistant Regional Administrator
Associate Regional Administrator
Applicable Relevant and Appropriate Requirements (CERCLA)
Air Resources Board
Agency Ranking Committee
American Rivers Conservation Council
Air & Radiation Division (OGC)
Aquatic Resource Division
American Resources Group
-------
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
ARIP
ARL
ARM
ARO
ARPO
ARPS
ARRP
ARRPA
ARZ
AS
ASA
ASAE
ASAP
ASB
ASBESTOS
ASC
ASCE
ASCII
ASCP
ASCS
ASD
ASD
ASDWA
ASHAA
ASHAAIS
ASIWPCA
ASMDHS
ASME
ASN
ASPA
ASRL
ASSE
ASTHO
ASTM
ASTS
ASTSWMO
Accidental Release Information Program
Air Resources Laboratory
Air Resources Management
Alternative Regulatory Option
Acid Rain Policy Office
Atmospheric Research Program Staff (ORD)
Acid Rain Research Program
Air Resources Regional Pollution Assessment Model
Auto-Restricted Zone
Area Source
American Society of Agronomy
American Society of Agriculture
As Soon as Possible
Ambient Standards Branch
Region 7 Asbestos in Schools
Area Source Category
American Society of Civil Engineers
American Standard Code for Information Interchange
American Society of Consulting Planners
Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Services
Administrative Services Division (regional)
Analysis and Support Division (OA&R)
Association of State Drinking Water Administrators
Asbestos in Schools Hazard Abatement Act of 1984
Asbestos in Schools Hazard Abatement
Automated Information System
Association of State and Interstate Water Pollution
Control Administrators
Airshed Model Data Handling System
American Society of Mechanical Engineers
American Society of Naturalists
American Society of Public Administration
Atmospheric Sciences Research Laboratory (ORD)
American Society of Sanitary Engineers
Association of State and Territorial Health Officials
American Society for Testing and Materials
Asbestos in Schools Tracking System
Association of State & Territorial
Solid Wastes Management Officials
-------
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
ASUS
AT
ATA
ATC
ATCS
ATD
ATERIS
ATMI
ATP
ATR
ATRMRD
ATRS
ATS
ATS
ATS
ATSDR
ATTF
ATTS
AUSA
AUSM
AVD
AWI
AWISE
AWMD
AWOL
AWPI
AWRA
AWWA
AWWARF
AWWUC
AX
B&F
BAA
BAAQMD
BAG
BACER
BACT
Administrative Support/Utilization
Advanced Treatment (water)
American Trucking Association
Area Training Center
Audit Tracking and Control System
Air and Toxics Division
Air Toxics Exposure and Risk Information System
American Textile Manufacturing Institute
Antitampering Program (FOSD, OMS)
Agency Technical Representative (GSA Program)
Air Toxics and Radiation Monitoring Research Division (ORD)
Air, Toxics, and Radiation Staff (ORD)
Action Tracking System
Administrator's Tracking System
Assignment Tracking System
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
Air Toxics Task Force
Agency Technology Transfer Staff
Assistant U.S. Attorney
Advanced Utility Simulation Model
Audio-Visual Division (OEA)
Animal Welfare Institute
Association of Women in Science and Engineering
Air and Waste Management Division (regional)
Absent Without Official Leave
American Wood Preservers' Institute
American Water Resources Association
American Water Works Association
American Water Works Association Research Foundation
American Water Works Utility Council
Administrator's Office
Building and Facilities
Board of Assistance Appeals (OGC)
Bay Area Air Quality Management District
Biotechnology Advisory Committee
Biological and Climatological Effects Research
Best Available Control Technology
8
-------
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
BADT
BAP
BaP
BARCDECAL
BARCIS
BARF
BART
BAS
BASIS
BAT
BAT
BATEA
BBI
BBS
BCC
BCCM
BCF
BCPT
BCT
BCT
BD
BOAT
BEA
BEEP
BEJ
BEP
BG
BI
BI
BIA
BID
BID
BIOLOGS
BIOPLUME
BIOS
BIOSTU
BLIS
BLM
Best Available Demonstrated Technology
Benefits Analysis Program
Benzo(a)Pyrene
BARCODE/DECAL Systems
Barcode Information System
Best Available Retrofit Facility
Best Available Retrofit Technology
Branch Accounting System
Battelle's Automated Search Information System
Best Available Technology
Best Available Treatment
Best Available Technology Economically Achievable
OA-Cinci (EMSAC) Foreign Tape
Bulletin Board System (WIC)
Blind Carbon Copy
Board for Certified Consulting Meteorologists
Bioconcentration Factor
Best Conventional Pollutant Technology
Best Control Technology
Best Conventional Pollutant Control Technology
Budget Division (OARM)
Best Demonstrated Available Technology (RCRA)
Bureau of Economic Advisors
Benignus EEC Evoked Potential
Best Expert Judgment
Black Employment Program
Billion Gallons
Background Information
Brookings Institution
Bureau of Indian Affairs
Background Information Document
Buoyancy Induced Dispersion
Biological Data Management System (White River)
Model to Predict the Maximum Extent of Existing Plumes
Natural Biological Information System
Bioassay Studies
BACT/LAER Determinations
Bureau of Land Management (DOI)
-------
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
BLOB
BLP
BLS
BMP
BMR
BNA
BOA
BOAC
BOD
BOD
BOF
BOM
BOP
BOPF
BOULD
BOY
BOYSNC
BP
BPA
BPJ
BPT
BPT
BPT
BR
BRS
BS
BSAC
BSO
BTU
BTZ
BU
BUBBLE
BUD
BUN
BY
C
C/0
Biologically Liberated Organo-Beasties
Buoyant Line and Point Source Model
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Best Management Practices
Baseline Monitoring Report (CWA)
Bureau of National Affairs
Basic Ordering Agreement
Bill Office Address Code
Biochemical Oxygen Demand
Biological Oxygen Demand
Basic Oxygen Furnace
Bureau of Mines
Basic Oxygen Process
Basic Oxygen Process Furnace
Boulder Remote Data Collection and Control System
Beginning of Year Violator (CAA)
Beginning of Year Significant Noncompliers
Boiling Point
Blanket Purchase Agreement
Best Professional Judgment (CWA)
Best Practicable Control Technology
Best Practicable Technology
Best Practicable Treatment
Business Roundtable
Bibliographic Retrieval Service
Bilateral Staff (OIA)
Biotechnology Science Advisory Committee
Benzene Soluble Organics
British Thermal Units
Below the Treatment Zone
Bargaining Unit
Use of Alternative Emission Limits
To Meet SIPS/NSPS Requirements
Benefits and Use Division (OPTS)
Blood Urea Nitrogen
Budget Year
Celsius (degrees)
Carry Over Funds
10
-------
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
CA
CA
CA
CAA
CAA
CAAA
CAASE
CAB
CAD
CAD
CAER
CAER
CAFE
CAFO
CAG
CAIR
CAIRD
CALINE
CAMEO
CAMP
CAN
CANAL
CAO
CAOO
CAP
CAP
CAP
CAPCA
CAPCOA
CAPDET
CAR
CARB
CARPOOL
CARPS
CARS
CAS
CAS
CASAC
CASEREP
Citizen Act
Competition Advocate
Cooperative Agreements
Clean Air Act
Compliance Assurance Agreement
Clean Air Act Amendments
Computer Assisted Area Source Emissions
Civil Aeronautics Board
Characterization and Assessment Division (OSWER)
Computer Aided Design
Chemical Awareness and Emergency Response Program (CMA)
Community Awareness and Emergency Response Program
Corporate Average Fuel Economy
Consent Agreement/Final Order
Carcinogen Assessment Group (ORD)
Comprehensive Assessment Information Rule
Cohort Analysis of Increased Risks of Deaths Model
California Line Source Model
Computer Aided Management of Emergency Operations
Continuous Air Monitoring Program
Common Account Number
Love Canal & Data Handling System
Corrective Action Order
Cincinnati Accounting Operations Office (OARM)
Corrective Action Plan
Cost Allocation Procedure
Criteria Air Pollutants
Carolinas Air Pollution Control Association
California Air Pollution Control Officers Association
Procedure for Design and Evaluation of TWKS
Corrective Action Report
California Air Resources Board
Carpool System
Computerized Accidental Release Planning System
Carcinogen System
Center for Automotive Safety
Chemical Abstracts Service
Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee (CAA)
Field Office Inspection Data Base
11
-------
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
CASETRK
CASLP
CASU
CATS
CAU
CAU
CB
CBA
CBA
CBA
CBB
CBD
CBD
CBI
CBI
CBO
CBOD
CBP
CBP
CBT
CC
CC
CC/RTS
CCA
CCAA
CCAP
CCD
CCDH
CCEA
CCH
CCHW
CCID
CCMS
CCP
CCS
CCS/RTS
CCTP
ecu
FIFRA and TSCA Case Tracking System
Conference on Alternative State and Local Policies
Cooperative Administrative Support Units
Corrective Action Tracking System
Carbon Absorption Unit
Command Arithmetic Unit
Continuous Bubbler
Central Business Area
Chesapeake Bay Agreement
Cost Benefit Analysis
Chesapeake Bay Basin
Central Business District
Commerce Business Daily
Compliance Biomonitoring Inspection (CWA)
Confidential Business Information
Congressional Budget Office
Carbonaceous Biochemical Oxygen Demand
Chesapeake Bay Program
County Business Patterns
Computer Based Training
Carbon Copy
Common Cause
Chemical Collection/Request Tracking System
Competition in Contracting Act
Canadian Clean Air Act
Center for Clean Air Policy
Chemical Control Division (OPTS)
Clark County Department of Health
Conventional Combustion Environmental Assessment
Commerce Clearing House
Citizens Clearinghouse for Hazardous Wastes
Confidential Chemicals Identification System
Committee on the Challenges of a Modern Society (NATO)
Composite Correction Plan (CWA)
Chemical Coordination Staff (OPTS)
Chemical Collection System
Clean Coal Technology Program
Correspondence Control Unit (OECM)
12
-------
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
CD Certification Division (OA&R, Ann Arbor, MI)
CD Climatological Data
CD Compliance Division (OPTS)
CDB Waste Management Data Base System
CDBA Central Data Base Administrator
CDC Centers for Disease Control (HHS)
CDD Chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin
CDETS Consent Decree Tracking System
CDF Chlorinated dibenzofuran
CDHS Comprehensive Data Handling System
CDI Chronic Daily Intake
CDM Climatological Dispersion Model
CDM Comprehensive Data Management
CDMQC Climatological Dispersion Model with Calibration and
Source Contribution
CDMS Cost Development Management System
CDNS Climatological Data National Summary
CDOTS Contract Delivery Order Tracking System
CDP Census Designated Places
CDS Compliance Data System (CAA)
CE Categorical Exclusion
CE Cost Effectiveness
CEA Cooperative Enforcement Agreement
CEA Cost and Economic Assessment
CEA Council of Economic Advisors
CEAM Center for Exposure Assessment Modeling
CEARC Canadian Environmental Assessment Research Council
CEAS Coastal Environmental Assessment Studies
CEAT Contractor Evidence Audit Team
CEB Chemical Element Balance
CEB Commission of European Communities
CECATS CSB Existing Chemicals Assessment Tracking System (OPTS)
CED CERCLA Enforcement Division (OSWER)
CED Criminal Enforcement Division (OECM)
CEE Center for Environmental Education, Inc.
CEEM Center for Energy and Environmental Management
CEI Compliance Evaluation Inspection (CWA)
CELRF Canadian Environmental Law Research Foundation
13
-------
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
CEM
CEM
CEMS
CEMS
CEO
CEP
CEPP
CEQ
CEQA
CERCLA
CERCLIS
CERI
CERT
CERTAPPL
CEU
CF
CFA
CFC
CFC
CFM
CFM
CFMC
CFR
CFS
CFS
CFSG
CGGICS
CGPRM
CHABA
CHAMP
CHEMD
CHEMNET
CHEMTREC
CHESS
CHIP
Continuous Emission Monitoring (CAA)
Cooperative Environmental Management
Continuous Emission Monitoring System
Continuous Emissions Monitoring Subset
Chief Executive Officer
Council on Economic Priorities
Chemical Emergency Preparedness Program
Council on Environmental Quality
California Environmental Quality Act
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and
Liability Act of 1980
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and
Liability Information System
Center for Environmental Research Information
Certificate of Eligibles
Applications for Certification
Continuing Education Units
Conservation Foundation
Consumer Federation of America
Chlorofluorocarbons
Combined Federal Campaign
Chlorofluoromethanes
Cubic Feet per Minute
Cincinnati Financial Management Center (FMD)
Code of Federal Regulations
Command File System
Cubic Feet per Second
Citizen Forum on Self Government (NML)
Construction Grants GICS
Construction Grants Resource Model
Committee on Hearing and Bio Acoustics
Community Health Air Monitoring Program
OTS Chemical Directory
A Mutual Aid Network of Chemical Shippers and
Manufacturers and Responders
Chemical Transportation Emergency Center
Community Health and Environmental Surveillance System
Chemical Hazard Information Profile (TSCA)
14
-------
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
CHIPS
CHLOREP
CHRIS/HACS
a
a
OAQ
CIBL
CIBO
OCA
CICIS
CICS
CIDB
CIDRS
cn
OMI
CIS
CIS
CISR
CIVP
CJE
CJO
CLC
CLCL
CLEANS
CLEVER
CLF
CLIPS
CLIPS
CLP
CLPQA
CLPS
CLS
CLSP
CM
CM
Chemical Hazard Information Profile System (OPTS)
A Mutual Aid Group Comprised of Shippers and Carriers
Chemical Hazards Response Information System/
Hazard Communication System
Compression Ignition
Confidence Interval
Council on Indoor Air Quality (Interagency)
Convective Internal Boundary Layer
Council of Industrial Boiler Owners
Competition in Contracting Act
Chemicals in Commerce Information System
Customer Information Control System
Ann Arbor Certification Information and Fuel Economy Data Base
Cascade Impactor Data Reduction System
Criminal Investigation Index
Committee on Integrity and Management Improvement
Chemical Information System
Contract Information System
Chemical Inventory System
Region 4, Civil Penalties System
Critical Job Element
Chief Judicial Officer (OA)
Capacity Limiting Constituents
HERL-RTP CLEANS CLEVER Clinical Studies
Clinical Laboratory for Evaluation and Assessment of
Noxious Substances
Clinical Laboratory for Evaluation and Validation of
Epidemiologic Research
Conservation Law Foundation
Chemical List and Information Pointer System (OIRM)
Chemical List Indexing and Processing System
Contract Laboratory Program
Contract Laboratory Program Quality Assurance
Contract Lab System
Community Liaison Staff
Center for Law & Social Policy
Corrective Measure
Crystal Mall
15
-------
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
CMA
CMAS
CMS
CMD
CME
CMEL
CMEP
CMO
CMS
CNC
CNG
CNG
CNR
CNS
CO
CO
CO
CO
CO
C02
COA
COA
COB
COBOL
COCO
COD
CODES
COE
COG
COH
COLA
COM
COMPLEX
COMPTER
CON
CONG
CONUS
CORPS
Chemical Manufacturers Association
Cross-Media Analysis Staff
Chemical Mass Balance
Contracts Management Division (OARM)
Comprehensive (ground water) Monitoring Evaluation
Comprehensive (ground water) Monitoring Evaluation Log
Critical Mass Energy Project
Contract Management Office
Case Management System
Condensation Nucleus Counter
Coalition of Northeastern Governors
Compressed Natural Gas
Composite Noise Rating
Grant Administration Division Congressional (92-500) Notification
Carbon Monoxide
Change Order
Commissioned Officer
Contracting Officer
Custodial Officer
Carbon Dioxide
Commissioned Officers Association
Construction Quality Assurance
Close of Business
Common Business Oriented Language
Contractor-Owned/Con tractor-Opera ted
Chemical Oxygen Demand
Commitments & Obligations Data Entry System
Corps of Engineers (DOD)
Compliance Order Guidance
Coefficient of Haze
Cost of Living Adjustment
Continuous Opacity Monitor
Complex Terrain Screening Model
Multiple Source Air Quality Model
Selected Contractor or Awardee
Congressional Committee
Continental United States
Army Corps of Engineers
16
-------
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
CORR
COS
COS
COWPS
CPA
CPA
CPAF
CPDD
CPE
CPF
CPFF
CPG1-3
CPG1-8
CPG 1-8A
CPI
CPIF
CPL
CPM
CPO
CPP
CPR
CPR
CPS
CPS
CPSC
CPSDAA
CPU
CR
CRA
CRA
CRAVE
CRC
CRD
CRF
Chemicals on Reporting Rules
Conservative Opportunity Society
Cost Accounting System
Council on Wage and Price Stability
Certified Public Accountant
Contract Property Administrator
Cost Plus Award Fee
Control Programs Development Division (OAR)
Carcinogenic Potency Factor
Cancer Potency Factor
Cost Plus Fixed Fee
Federal Assistance Handbook: Emergency Management
and Planning
Guide for Development of State and Local
Emergency Operations Plans
FEMA Planning Guide for State and Local
Emergency Operations Plans
Consumer Price Index
Cost Plus Incentive Fee
Chemistry and Physics Laboratory
Continuous Particle Monitor
Certified Project Officer
Compliance Policy and Planning (OECM)
Center for Public Resources
Coalition for Pesticide Reform
Compliance Program and Schedule
Contract Payment System
Consumer Products Safety Commission
Compliance and Program Staff to the Deputy
Assistant Administrator
Central Processing Unit
Community Relations
Civil Rights Act
Classification Review Area
Carcinogen Risk Assessment Verification Exercise
Community Relations Coordinator
Community Relations Division
Combustion Research Facility
17
-------
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
CRGS
CRIB
CRIMDOCK
CRISP
CRL
CROP
CRP
CRQL
CRR
CRS
CRS
CRSTER
CRSTER2
CRT
CS
CS
CSB
CSD
CSEU
CSG
CSHEM
CSI
CSI
CSI
CSIN
CSMA
CSO
CSPA
CSPD
CSPI
CSRA
CSRL
CSRS
CSS
CSSD
CSSE
CTARC
CTD
Chemical Regulations and Guidelines System
Criteria Reference Information Bank
Criminal Docket System
Comprehensive Risk Information Structure Project
Central Regional Laboratory
Consolidated Rules of Practice
Community Relations Plan
Contract Required Quantitation Limit
Center for Renewable Resources
Community Relations Staff (OEA)
Congressional Research Service
Single Source Model
Multisource CRSTER
Cathode Ray Tube
Compliance Staff (GAD)
Contract Specialist
Chemical Species Balance
Criteria and Standards Division (OW)
OA-Cinci ADP Timeshare Reporting System
Council of State Governments
Conference of State Health and Environmental Managers
Chemical Substances Inventory
Clean Sites, Inc.
Compliance Sampling Inspection (CWA)
Chemical Substances Information Network (TSCA)
Chemical Specialties Manufacturers Association
Combined Sewer Overflow
Council of State Planning Agencies
Chemicals and Statistical Policy Division (OPPE)
Center for Science in the Public Interest
Civil Service Reform Act
Center for the Study of Responsive Law
Civil Service Retirement System
Clerical Support Staff
Computer Services and Systems Division (OARM)
Conference of State Sanitary Engineers
Chemical Testing and Assessment Research Commission
Control Technology Document
18
-------
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
CTG
CTGD
CTM
CTO
CIS
GULP
CURE
CUS
CVFM
CVLB
CVPM
CVS
CW
CWA
CWAP
CWS
CWTC
CY
CY
CZM
CZMA
D&F
DA
DA
DAA
DAIG
DAMDF
DAPD
DAPSS
DAR
DARTAB
DAS
DASD
DB
DB
DBA
DBCP
Control Technology Guidelines
Control Techniques Guideline Document
Complex Terrain Data Base
Control Technology Office
Correspondence Tracking System
Estimating Water Treatment Costs
Chemical Unit Record Estimates Data Base (ECAO CM)
Chemical Update System
ERL-CORV Financial Management
ERL-CORV Library Circulation System
ERL-CORV Personnel Management
Cardiovascular System
Congress Watch
Clean Water Act (aka FWPCA)
Clean Water Act Project
Compressed Work Schedule
Chemical Waste Transportation Council
Calendar Year
Current Year
Coastal Zone Management
Coastal Zone Management Act
Determination and Findings
Deputy Administrator (AO)
Designated Agent
Deputy Assistant Administrator
Deputy Assistant Inspector General
Durham Air Monitoring Demonstration Facility
AEERL Dual Alkali FGD Process Demonstration
Document and Personnel Security System
Direct Assistance Request
Dose and Risk Assessment Tabulation
Data Analysis System [Geographical Information System (GIS)]
Direct Access Storage Drive
Decibel
Dry Bulb
Data Base Administrator
Dibromochloropropane
19
-------
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
DBM
DBMS
DC
DCA
DCA
DCB
DCL1
DCMA
DCN
DCO
DCO
DCP
DCPU
DCR
DCRREG5
DCS
DCS
DD
DDT
DE
DE
DEA
DEC
DEEP
DEFENSIVE
DEM
DEMA
DEP
DEPS
DES
DHHS
DI
DIDS
DIG
DIPS
DIS
DISCO
DF/PRTR
Data Base Manager
Data Base Management System
Direct Current
Document Control Assistant
Washington International Airport
Data Call-In Staff (OPTS)
Region 1 Library Document Control System
Dry Color Manufacturers Association
Document Control Number
Delayed Compliance Order (CAA)
Document Control Officer
Discrimination Complaints Program
Data Center Policy and Usage
Document Control Register
Document Control
Developing Countries Staff (OIA)
Region 10 Library Document Control
Deputy Director
D(Ichloro)D(Iphebyl)T(Richloroethane)
Department of Education
Destruction Efficiency
Drug Enforcement Administration
Department of Environmental Conservation
Dyer EEC Evoked Potential
General Counsel Defense Docket System
ERL-Athens Dynamic Estuary Model
Diesel Engine Manufacturers Association
Displaced Employee Program
Data Entry and Payment System
Diethylistilbesterol
Department of Health and Human Services
Diagnostic Inspection (CWA)
Domestic Information Display System
Deputy Inspector General
Department of Interior Payroll System
Defense Investigative Service
Defense Investigative Service Cognizant Office
EMSL-LV Expenditure System
20
-------
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
DL
DMARS
DMIS
DMR
DMR
DMR-QA
DMRLS
DNA
DNR
DO
DO
DOB
DOC
DOC
DOCKET
DOD
DOE
DOE
DOI
DOIG
DOJ
DOL
DOPO
DOS
DOS
DOT
DOW
DPA
DPC
DQO
DRA
DRC
DRE
DRMO
DRMS
DS
DSAP
DSCF
Detection Limit
Deposit Message Retrieval System (part of Treasury's TFCS)
Duns Marketing Identification System
Discharge Monitoring Report (CWA)
NPDES Discharge Monitoring Report
Discharge Monitoring Report-Quality Assurance Studies
Data Management and Research Liaison Staff (OW)
Deoxyribonucleic Acid
Department of Natural Resources
Dissolved Oxygen
Duty Officer
Date of Birth
U.S. Department of Commerce
Region 4 Library Tracking System
Enforcement Docket System
U.S. Department of Defense
U.S. Department of Ecology
US. Department of Energy
U.S. Department of the Interior
Divisional Offices of the Inspector General
U.S. Department of Justice
U.S. Department of Labor
Delivery Order Project Officer
U.S. Department of State
Disk Operating System
U.S. Department of Transportation
Defenders of Wildlife
Deepwater Ports Act
Domestic Policy Council
Data Quality Objective
Deputy Regional Administrator
Deputy Regional Counsel
Destruction/Removal Efficiency (TSCA/RCRA)
Defense Reutilization and Marketing Office
Defense Reutilization and Marketing Service
Dichotomous Sampler
Data Self Auditing Program
Dry Standard Cubic Feet
21
-------
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
DSCM
DSS
DSS
DSS
DT
DT
DU
DU
DUG
DWS
DYNHYD4
DYNTOX
E
E-MAIL
EA
EA
EA
EA
BAD
EAD
EADS
EAF
EAG
EAP
EAR
EAS
EB
EBCDIC
EC
EC
EC
EC
ECA
ECAD
ECAO
ECAP
ECC
Dry Standard Cubic Meter
Data Systems Staff (OAR)
Decision Support System
Domestic Sewage Study
Declaration of Taking
Detention Time
Decision Unit
Ducks Unlimited
Decision Unit Coordinator
Drinking Water Standards
Hydrodynamic Model
Dynamic Toxics Model
Exposure Level
EPA's Electronic Mail System
Enforcement Agreement
Environmental Action
Environmental Assessment (NEPA)
Environmental Auditing
Economic Analysis Division (OPPE)
Energy and Air Division (ORD)
Environmental Assessment Data System
Electric Arc Furnace
Exposure Assessment Group (ORD)
Environmental Action Plan
Environmental Auditing Round Table
Economic Analysis Staff
Emissions Balancing
Extended Binary Coded Decimal Interchange Code
Education Center
Effective Concentration
Environment Canada
European Community (Common Market)
Economic Community for Africa
Existing Chemical Assessment Division (OPTS)
Environmental Criteria and Assessment Office (ORD)
Employee Counseling and Assistance Program
Executive and Congressional Communications (OA)
22
-------
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
BCD Electron Capture Detector
ECDB Emissions Certification Data Base
ECE Economic Commission for Europe
ECHD Ann Arbor ECTDHD System
ECHH Electro-Catalytic Hyper-Heaters
ECHO Each Community Helps Others
ECL Environmental Chemistry Laboratory
ECL Executive Control Language
ECLA Economic Commission for Latin America
ECP External Compliance Programs (OCR, AO)
ECRA Economic Cleanup Responsibility Act
ECTD Emission Control Technology Division (OA&R, Ann Arbor, MI)
ECTS Executive Correspondence Tracking System
ECU Environmental Crimes Unit (DOJ)
ED Department of Education
ED Editorial Division (OEA)
ED Effective Dose
ED Enforcement Division (OW)
EDA Economic Development Administration
EDA Emergency Declaration Area
EDASS EMSL-Cinci Equivalency Statistical System
EDB Ethylene Dibromide
EDC Ethylene Dichloride
EDD Enforcement Decision Document
EDF Environmental Defense Fund, Inc.
EDP Electronic Data Processing
EDRS Enforcement Document Retrieval System
EDS Electronic Data Systems
EDS Energy Data System
EDT Edit Data Transmission
EDTA Ethylene Diamine Triacetic Acid
ED10 Ten Percent Effective Dose
EDTS Ann Arbor Evaluation and Development Test System
EDZ Emission Density Zoning
EEA Energy and Environmental Analysis
EEC European Economic Community
EED Exposure Evaluation Division (OPTS)
EEC Electroencephalogram
23
-------
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
EEI
EEMS
EENET
EEO
EEOC
EER
EERF
EERF
EERL
EERU
EESI
EESL
EETFC
EF
EFE
EFI
EFO
EFTC
EGD
EGR
EH
EHC
EHIS
EHRS
EHS
El
EIA
EIA
EIC
EIL
EIN
EINDES
EIR
EIR
EIS
EIS
Edison Electric Institute
Emissions Elements Needs Survey (RCRA)
Emergency Education Network (1FEMA)
Equal Employment Opportunity
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
Excess Emission Report
Eastern Environmental Radiation Facilities (EERF)
Sample Data Base
Eastern Environmental Radiation Facility
(OA&R, Montgomery, AL)
Eastern Environmental Radiation Laboratory (OA&R)
Environmental Emergency Response Unit
Environment and Energy Study Institute
Environmental Ecological and Support Laboratory
Environmental Effects, Transport and Fate Committee (SAB)
Emission Factor
Early Fuel Evaporative System
Electronic Fuel Injection Systems
Equivalent Field Office
European Fluorocarbon Technical Committee
Effluent Guidelines Division (OW)
Exhaust Gas Recirculation Systems
Redox Potential
Environmental Health Committee (SAB)
Emission History Information System
Environmental Health Research Staff (ORD)
Extremely Hazardous Substance
Emission Inventory
Economic Impact Assessment
Environmental Impact Assessment
Environmental Industry Council
Environmental Impairment Liability
Employer Identification Number
Employer ID No. Data Entry System on the PDF 11 /70s
Endangerment Information Report
Environmental Impact Rep
Emissions Inventory System
Environmental Impact Statement
(Environmental Review Tracking System)
24
-------
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
EIS
EIS
EIS/AS
EIS/PS
EIS/PS&AS
EIS7
EKMA
EL
ELI
ELR
EM
EMA
EMAS
EMI
EML
EMR
EMS
EMS
EMS
EMSD
EMSL
EMSL
EMTS
EMTS
ENF5
ENFOMAIN
ENG-AUDIT
EO
EO
EO
EOB
EOC
EOD
EOD
EOE
EOF
EOJ
EOF
Environmental Impact Statement (NEPA)
Environmental Inventory System
Emissions Inventory System/Area Source
Emissions Inventory System/Point Source
Emissions Inventory Subsystem/Point Source and Area Source
Region 7 EIS 404 Program
Empirical Kinetic Modeling Approach
Exposure Level
Environmental Law Institute
Environmental Law Reporter
Electron Microscope
Emergency Management Agency
Enforcement Management and Accountability System (OECM)
Emergency Management Institute
Emission Measurement Laboratory
Environmental Management Report
Enforcement Management Subsystem
Enforcement Management System
Environmental Mutagen Society
Environmental Monitoring Systems Division (ORD)
Environmental Monitoring Support Laboratory (ORD)
Environmental Monitoring Systems Laboratory
Environmental Methods Testing Site
Exposure Monitoring Test Site
Reg. 5 Enforcement Tracking System
Enforcement Mail Computer
GICS Engineer Audit Tracking System
Ethylene Oxide
Executive Officer
Executive Order
Executive Office Building
Emergency Operating Center
Engineering Operations Division (OA&R, Ann Arbor, MI)
Entrance on Duty
Equal Opportunity Employer
Emergency Operations Facility (RTF)
End of Job
Emergency Operations Plan
25
-------
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
EOT
EOY
EP
EP
EP
EP
EPA
EPAA
EPAAR
EPAC
EPACASR
EPACIR
EPADOC
EPALIT
EPANTS
EPATR
EPAYS
EPC
EPC
EPCA
EPD
EPI
EPIC
EPID
EPNL
EPO
EPRI
EPIC
ER
ERA
ERA
ERAD
ERAMS
ERC
ERC
ERC
ERCS
ERD
Emergency Operations Team
End of Year
Earth Protectors
Emergency Preparedness
Environmental Profiles
Extraction Procedure
Environmental Protection Agency
Environmental Programs Assistance Act of 1984
EPA Acquisition Regulations
Emergency Preparedness Advisory Committee
EPA Chemical Activities Status Report
Circulation System
Document Control System
ERL-Gulf Breeze Text Data Management
NTIS/EPA Report System
Translation System
EPA Payroll System
Economic Policy Council
Emergency Preparedness Coordinator
Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975
Emergency Planning District
Environmental Policy Institute
Environmental Photographic Interpretation Center
Epidemiological Studies
Effective Perceived Noise Level
Estuarine Programs Office (NOAA)
Electric Power Research Institute
Extraction Procedure Toxicity Characteristic
Electrical Resistivity
Economic Regulatory Agency
Equal Rights Amendment
Economic and Regulatory Analysis Division (OPPE)
Environmental Radiation Ambient Monitoring System (OA&R)
Emergency Response Commission
Emission Reduction Credit
Environmental Research Center
Emergency Response Cleanup Services
Emergency Response Division (OSWER)
26
-------
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
ERD&DAA
ERDA
ERDB
ERFD
ERIS
ERL
ERNS
ERP
ERRD
ERS
ERSS
ERT
ERTAQ
ES
ES
ES
ES&H
ES001
ESA
ESA
ESA
ESC
ESCA
ESCAP
ESCP
ESD
ESD
ESE
ESECA
ES&H
ESO
ESP
ESRL
ET
ETA
ETD
ETHOX
Environmental Research, Development and
Demonstration Authorization Act
Energy Research and Development Administration
.Environmental Radiofrequency Data Base
Airborne Particulate and Precipitation Data
Enforcement Case Support Expert Resources Inventory System
Environmental Research Laboratory (ORD)
Emergency Response Notification System
Enforcement Response Policy
Emergency and Remedial Response Division
Economic Research Service
Establishment Registration Support System
Environmental Response Team
ERT Air Quality Model
Enforcement Strategy
Engineering Staff (OA)
Expert System
Environmental Safety and Health
Estuarine Water Quality Model
Ecological Society of America
Endangered Species Act
Environmentally Sensitive Area
Endangered Species Committee
Electron Spectroscopy for Chemical Analysis
Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific
Employee Counseling Services Program
Emission Standards Division (OAR)
Environmental Services Division (regional)
Environmental Science and Engineering
Energy Supply and Environmental Coordination Act of 1974
Environmental Safety and Health
Enforcement Specialist Office (NEIC)
Electrostatic Precipitator
Environmental Sciences Research Laboratory
Emissions Trading
Energy Tax Act
Economics and Technology Division (OPTS)
Summary of Ecotox Data on Ethoxylated Surfactants
27
-------
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
FTP
ETS
ETS
ETS
EUP
EUTR04
EWCC
EX
EXAMS
EXAMSn
ExEx
EXL
EZP2
EZPLOT
F
f/cc
F/M
FAA
FAC
FACA
FACM
FACT
FALD
FAM
FAME
FAN
FAO
FAR
FAS
FASB
FAST
FATES
FBANK3
FBC
FBI
FCC
FCC
Emissions Trading Policy
Environmental Tobacco Smoke
Extramural Tracking System
Region 4 Ref and Administrative Orders Tracking
Environmental Use Permit
Eutrophication Model
Environmental Work Force Coordinating Committee
Executive Level Appointments
Exposure Analysis Modeling System
Exposure Analysis Modeling System II
Expected Exceedance
Executive Control Language
Region 2, EZPLOT-User Operated Business Graphics Package
EZPLOT
Fahrenheit (Degrees)
Fibers per cubic centimeters (of air)
Food to Microorganism Ratio
Federal Aviation Administration
Facility Advisory Committee
Federal Advisory Committee Act
Friable Asbestos-Containing Material
ERL-Gulf Breeze Financial Data Management
Fahrenheit Agency Liaison Division (OEA)
Friable Asbestos Material
Framework for Achieving Managerial Excellence (AX)
Fixed Account Number
Food and Agriculture Organization
Federal Acquisition Regulations
Frontera Audobon Society
Financial Accounting Standards Board
Fugitive Assessment Sampling Train
FIFRA and TSCA Enforcement System
EMSL-RTP National Filter Analysis Network
Fluidized Bed Combustion
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Federal Communications Commission
Fluid Catalytic Converter
28
-------
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
FCCU
FCO
FCO
FCQAS
FDA
FDF
FDIC
FDL
FDD
FE
FEA
FEE
FEC
FEDS
FEGLI
FEHB
FEI
FEIS
PEL
FEMA
FEMA-10
FEMA-REP-1
FEMA-REP-5
FEME-RFP-2
FEMIS
FEPCA
FERC
FERS
FERSA
FES
FET
FEV
FEV1
FEVI
Fluid Catalytic Cracking Unit
Federal Coordinating Officer (in disaster areas)
Forms Control Officer
Financial Compliance and Quality Assurance Staff (FMD)
Food and Drug Administration
Fundamentally Different Factors
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
Final Determination Letter
Fee Determination Official
Fugitive Emissions
Federal Energy Administration
Federal Executive Board
Federal Executive Council
Federal Energy Data System
Federal Employee Group Life Insurance
Federal Employees Health Benefits
Federal Executive Institute
Fugitive Emissions Information System
Frank Effect Level
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Federal Emergency Management Agency's Planning Guide &
Checklist for Hazardous Materials Contingency Plans
Response Plans and Preparedness in Support of
Nuclear Power Plants
Guidance for Developing State and Local Radiological
Emergency Response Plans
Guidance for Developing State and Local Radiological
Emergency Response Plans
Federal Emergency Management Information System
Federal Environmental Pesticides Control Act
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (DOE)
Federal Employees Retirement System
Federal Employees Retirement System Act
Factor Evaluation System
Foundation on Economic Trends
Forced Expiratory Volume
Forced Expiratory Volume—one second
Front End Volatility Index
29
-------
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
FEW
FF
FFAR
FFARS
FFCS
FFIXA
FFF
FFFSG
FFI
FFIS
FFMC
FFP
FFTF
FGD
FGDB
FHA
FHA
FHLBB
FHwA
FIA
FIATS
FIC
PICA
FID
FIFO
FIFR
FIFRA
FILS
FIM
FINDS
FIP
FTP
FIP
FIPS
FIPS
FIRMIS
FIRMR
FIRST-UP
Federally Employed Women
Federal Facilities
Fuel and Fuel Additive Registration
Fuel and Fuel Additives Registration System
Federal Facilities Compliance Staff (OEA)
Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act
Firm Financial Facility
Fossil Fuel Fired Steam Generator
Full Field Investigation
Federal Facilities Information System
Federal Financial Managers' Council
Firm Fixed Price
Future Framework Task Force
Fuel Gas Desulfurization
Fuel Gas Desulfurization Information System
Farmers Home Administration
Federal Housing Administration
Federal Home Loan Bank Board
Federal Highway Administration
Federal Insurance Administration
Freedom of Information Action Tracking System
Federal Information Center
Federal Insurance Contributions Act
Flame lonization Detector
First In/First Out
Region 7 FIFRA Neutral Inspection Selection System
Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act
Federal Information Locator System
Friable Insulation Material
Facility Index System (OIRM)
Federal Implementation Plan
Federal Information Plan
Final Implementation Plan
Federal Information Procedures System
Federal Information Processing Standards
OSWER Info System
Federal Info Resources Management Regulation
Financial Information Register Satellite Terminal Users Package
30
-------
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
FISHTEMP
FIT
FLETC
FLM
FLP
FLPMA
FLRA
FLRC
FLSA
FM
FMC
FMCS
FMD
FMFIA
FML
FMO
FMP
FMP
FMS
FMS
FMSD
FMSMG
FMSR
FMSTI
FMSTIU
FMVCP
FMWOS
FO
FOCUS
FOE
FOI
FOIA
FOIA
FOISD
FONSI
FORAST
FORTRAN
National Compendium of Freshwater Fish &
Water Temperature Data
Field Investigation Team
Federal Law Enforcement Training Center
Federal Land Manager
Flash Point
Federal Land Policy and Management Act
Federal Labor Relations Authority
Federal Labor Relations Council
Fair Labor Standards Act
Friable Material
Federal Maritime Commission
Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service
Financial Management Division (OARM)
Federal Managers' Financial Integrity Act
Flexible Membrane Liner
Financial Management Officer
Facility Management Plan
Financial Management Plan
ERL-Ada Financial System Management
Financial Management System
Facilities Management and Services Division (OARM)
Financial Management System Management Group
Facilities Management System
FMS Transaction Input System
FMS Transaction Input & Update System
Federal Motor Vehicle Control Program
Facility Management Work Order System
Facilities Office
For On-Line Computer Users (report writing software)
Friends of the Earth
Freedom of Information
Freedom of Information Act
OWPE Freedom of Information Act System
Fiber Optic Isolated Spherical Dipole Antenna
Finding of No Significant Impact (NEPA)
Forest Response to Anthropogenic Stress
Formula Translation
31
-------
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
FOSD Field Operations and Support Division (OA&R)
FP Fine Particulate Matter
FPA Federal Pesticide Act
FPC Federal Power Commission
FPD Flame Photometric Detector
FPEIS Fine Particulate Emissions Information System
FPI Federal Prison Industries
FPM Federal Personnel Manual
FPO Federal Protective Officer
FPPB Fiscal Policies and Procedures Branch (FMD)
FPR Federal Procurement Regulation
FPRS Federal Program Resources Statement
FPRS Formal Planning and Reporting System
FPS Federal Protective Service (GSA)
FR Federal Register
FR Final Rulemaking
FRA Federal Register Act
FRAB Financial Reports and Analysis Branch (FMD)
FRB Federal Reserve Board
FRC Federal Records Center
FRCS Federal Register Chargeback System
FRD Facility Requirements Division (OW)
FRDS Federal Reporting Data System
FREDS Flexible Regional Emissions Data System
FREE Fund for Renewable Energy and the Environment
FRES Forest Range Environmental Study
FRM Federal Reference Methods
FRM Final Rule Making
FRN Final Rulemaking Notice
FRO Federal Register Office
FRS Formal Reporting System
FRTIB Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board
FS Feasibility Study
FS Forest Service
FSA Food Security Act
FSB Financial Systems Branch (FMD)
FSC Facilities Service Center
FSIP Federal Service Impasse Panel
32
-------
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
FSOD
FSP
FSS
FSS
FSSD
FT
FTA
FTC
FTE
FTP
FTR
FTS
FTS
FTT
FTTA
FUA
FUELDB
FURS
FUSRAP
FVC
FVMP
FWCA
FWP
FWPAC
FWPCA
FWQA
FWS
FY
FYI
g/mi
GAAP
GAARP
GAC
GAC
GACT
GAD
GADMIS
MERL-Cinci Field Scale Organics (IBM)
Field Sampling Plan
Facility Status Sheet
Federal Supply Schedule
Facilities and Support Services Division (OARM)
Full Time
Fairchild Tenants Association
Federal Trade Commission
Full-Time Equivalent
Federal Test Procedure
Federal Travel Regulations
Federal Telecommunications System
Field Transfer Service
Full Time Temporary
Federal Technology Transfer Act
Fuel Use Act
Fuels Inspection Data Base
Federal Underground Injection Control Reporting System
Formally Used Sites Remedial Action Plan (NWPA)
Forced Vital Capacity
Federal Visibility Monitoring Program
Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act
Federal Women's Program
FWP Advisory Committee (OCR)
Federal Water Pollution Control Act (aka CWA)
Federal Water Quality Association
Fish and Wildlife Service (DOI)
Fiscal Year
For Your Information
Grams Per Mile
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
Grants ADABAS Access and Retrieval Package
Granular Activated Carbon
Groundwater Activated Carbon
Granular Activated Carbon Treatment
Grants Administration Division (OARM)
Grants Administration Division Management Information System
33
-------
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
GADOSAG
GAO
GASP
GAUD
GBL
GC
GC
GC/MS
GCGLD
GCWR
GEA
GEI
GEMS
GEMS
GEP
GF
GFF
GFP
GI
GI
GIGS
CIS
CIS
CIS
GLC
GLERL
GLNPO
GLOW
GLP
GLWQA
GMA
GMCC
GMDI
GMT
GNP
GOCM
GOCO
GOGO
Georgia DOSAG
General Accounting Office (U.S. Congress)
General ADP Support-PDP 11 /70
Region 4 Grants Audit System
Government Bill of Lading
Gas Chroma tography
General Counsel
Gas Chromatograph/Mass Spectrograph
Grants, Contracts, and General Law Division (OGC)
Gross Combination Weight Rating
Glossary of EPA Acronyms
Geographic Enforcement Initiative
Global Environmental Monitoring System
Graphic Exposure Modeling System (OTS)
Good Engineering Practice
General Files
Glass Fiber Filter
Government-Furnished Property
Gastrointestinal
Global Indexing System
Grant Information and Control System
Geographic Information Systems
Global Indexing System
Guidelines Implementation Staff (QW)
Gas Liquid Chromatography
Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory
Great Lakes National Program Office
Greater Leadership Opportunity for Women
Good Laboratory Practices
Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement
Grocery Manufacturers Association
Global Monitoring for Climatic Change
Geophysical Models for Data Interpretation
Greenwich Mean Time
Gross National Product
Goals, Objectives, Commitments and Measures
Govemment-Owned/Contractor-Operated
Govemment-Owned/Government-Operated
34
-------
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
GOLE
GOMS
GOP
GOPO
GPAD
GPG
GPO
GPS
GRCDA
GREAT
GRGL
GRPH
GS
GSA
GSDP
GTDMIS
GTN
GTR
GTTS
GVM
GVP
GVW
GVWR
GW
GWM
GWPMS
GWPS
GWPS
GWPS
GWTF
H20
HA
HAD
HAOB
HAOS
GICS On-Line Data Entry System
Grants Obligations Management System
General Operating Procedures
Government-Owned /Privately-Operated
Gallons per Acre Per Day
Gram per Gallon
Government Printing Office
Groundwater Protection Strategy
Government Refuse Collection & Disposal Association
General Record of Enforcement Actions Tracked
Groundwater Residue Guidance Level
Region 4 Graphics System
General Schedule
General Services Administration
Geophysical Survey Data Processing System
GTD Bioassay System
Global Trends Network
Government Transportation Request
Grants Treasury Tape System
Gross Vehicle Weight
Gasoline Vapor Pressure
Gross Vehicle Weight
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
Ground Water
Ground Water Monitoring
Ground Water Policy and Management Staff (OW)
General Word Processor Support
Ground Water Protection Standard
Ground Water Protection Strategy
Ground Water Task Force (OSWER)
Water
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen Sulfide
Hatch Act
Health Assessment Document
Headquarters Accounting Operations Branch (FMD)
Houston Area Oxidant Study
35
-------
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
HAP
HAPEMS
HAPPS
HAR03
HATREMS
HAZARD
HAZMAT
HAZMAT
HAZOP
HB
HBEP
HC
HC
HCCPD
HC1
HCP
HDD
HDECERT
HDG
HDPE
HDT
HDV
HEA
HEAL
HE AST
HECC
HED
HEED
HEEP
HEGP
HEHP
HEI
HELP MODEL
HEM
HEOX
HEP
HEP
HEPA
Hazardous Air Pollutant
Hazardous Air Pollutants Enforcement Management System
Hazardous Air Pollutant Prioritization System
Region 2 Water Quality Models
Hazardous and Trace Emissions System
Hazardous Waste Data Base
Hazardous Material
Hazardous Materials
Hazard and Operability Study
Health Benefits
Hispanic and Black Employment Programs
Hazardous Constituents
Hydrocarbons
Hexachlorocydopentadiene
Hydrogen Chloride
Hydrothermal Coal Process
Heavy-Duty Diesel
Heavy-Duty Engine Certification Data
Heavy-Duty Gasoline Powered Vehicle
High Density Polyethylene
Heavy-Duty Truck
Heavy-Duty Vehicle
Health Effects Assessment
Human Exposure Assessment Location
Health Effects Assessment Summary Tables
House Energy and Commerce Committee
Hazard Evaluation Division (OPTS)
Health and Environmental Effects Document
Health and Environmental Effects Profile
Gases and Particles
Hazardous Pollutants Research
Health Effects Institute
Hydrologic Evaluation of Landfill Performance Model
Human Exposure Modeling
Oxidants
Hispanic Employment Program
Household Evaluation Program (ORP)
High-Efficiency Particulate Air
36
-------
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
HEPS
HERD
HERL
HERS
HESAP
HETC
HEX-BCH
HFOS
HGAS
HHE
HHS
HHV
HHW
HI
HI-VOL
HIDE
HISLIB
HITS
HIWAY
HIWS
HMK
HMIS
HMS
HMT
HMTA
HMTR
HO
HOC
HON
HOV
HP
HPLC
HPLX
HPV
HQ
HQCDO
HRC
HRDB
Pesticides Research
Health and Environmental Review Division (OPTS)
Health Effects Research Laboratory
Hyperion Energy Recovery System
Health and Environmental Study Audit Program
Toxic Substances Research
Hexachloronorbornadiene
HERL-RTP Forced Oscillation System
HERL-RTP Gas/Aerosol System
Human Health and the Environment
Department of Health and Human Services
Higher Heating Value
Household Hazardous Waste
Hazard Index
High-Volume Sampler
Heavy-Duty Engine
Effluent Guidelines GC/MS Screening Analysis Data Base
Headquarters Invoice Tracking System
Line Source Model for Gaseous Pollutants
High-Level Waste and Standards
Hazardous Materials Information System
HERL-RTP Management Information System
Highway Mobile Source
Hazardous Materials Table
Hazardous Materials Transportation Act
Hazardous Materials Transportation Regulations
Headquarters Offices
Hazardous Organic Constituents (TSCA/RCRA)
Hazardous Organic NESHAP
High Occupancy Vehicle
Horse Power
High Performance Liquid Chromatography
HERL-RTP Plexiglas System
High Priority Violator
Headquarters
Headquarters Case Development Officer
Human Resources Council
Human Resources Development Branch (OARM)
37
-------
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
HRPS
MRS
HRSD
HRUP
HSCD
HSDB
HSIA
HSIRS
HSL
HSPF
HSWA
HT
HTP
HTRN
HUD
HVAC
HVIO
HVLD
HW
HW-FW
HWD2
HWDMS
HWED
HWERL
HWFW
HWGTF
HWLT
HWM
HWMD
HWRTF
HWSA
HWSD
HWSS
HWTC
I/M
IA
IAAC
IAD
High Risk Point Sources
Hazard Ranking System
Hazardous Response Support Division (OSWER)
High Risk Urban Problem
Hazardous Site Control Division (OSWER)
Hazardous Substance Data Base
Halogenated Solvent Industry Alliance
Health and Safety Inspection Report System
Hazardous Substance List
Hydrological Simulation Program Fortran
Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments of 1984
Hydrothermally Treated
High Temperature and Pressure
HERL-RTP Training System
Department of Housing and Urban Development
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (System)
High Volume Industrial Organics
HERL-RTP Validation System
Hazardous Waste
Half Wave/Full Wave (Electrical Distribution)
Region 2 RCRA Facilities Hazard Rating Model
Hazardous Waste Data Management System (OSWER)
Hazardous Waste Enforcement Division (OECM)
Hazardous Waste Engineering Research Laboratory (ORD)
Half Wave/Full Wave
Hazardous Waste Groundwater Task Force
Hazardous Waste Land Treatment
Hazardous Waste Management
Hazardous Waste Management Division
Hazardous Waste Restrictions Task Force (OW)
Hazardous Waste Services Association
Hazardous Waste Site Data Base (Indicator Parameters)
Hazardous Waste and Superfund Staff (ORD)
Hazardous Waste Treatment Council
Inspection and Maintenance
Interagency Agreement
Interagency Assessment Advisory Committee
Internal Audit Division
38
-------
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
IADB
IAEA
IAG
LAG
IAP
IAP
LARC
IARDB
IAS
IATDB
IBA
IBR
IBRD
ICAIR
ICAP
ICBEN
ICC
ICE
ICE
ICE MODEL
ICP
ICR
ICRA
ICRE
ICRP
ICS
ICS
ICS
ICS
ICWM
ICWP
ID
IDBS
IDL
IDLH
IDP
IEB
Innovative/Alternative Pollution Control Technology Facility File
Data Base
International Atomic Energy Agency
Interagency Agreement
Interagency Group
Incentive Awards Program
Indoor Air Pollution
International Agency for Research on Cancer
Interim Air Toxics Data Base
Incineration at Sea Site Monitoring and Permits File
Interim Air Toxics Data Base
Industrial Biotechnology Association
Incorporation by Reference
International Bank for Reconstruction and Development
Interdisciplinary Planning and Information Research
Inductively Coupled Argon Plasma
International Commission on the Biological Effects of Noise
Interstate Commerce Commission
Industrial Combustion Emissions Model
Internal Combustion Engine
Industrial Combustion Emissions Model
Inductively Coupled Plasma
Information Collection Request
Industrial Chemical Research Association
Ignitability, Corrosivity, Reactivity, Extraction (Characteristics)
International Commission on Radiological Protection
Incident Command System
Institute for Chemical Studies
Intermittent Control Strategies (CAA)
Intermittent Control System (CAA)
Institute for Chemical Waste Management
Interstate Conference on Water Problems
Inside Diameter
Imports Data Base
Instrument Detection Limit
Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health
Individual Development Plan
International Environment Bureau
39
-------
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
IEMD
IEMP
ffiMS
ffiPD
IERL
IES
EFB
IFCAM
IFIS
EFMS
IFPP
IFR
IG
IGCI
IGD
IHEU
IHS
ns
IJC
ILS
IMAGERY
MAN
IMD
IMIS
IMM
IMPACT
IMPREST
IMPROVE
IMS
IMSD
INCE
INDX
INPUFF
INT
INVTTRO
IO
IOAA
IOAU
Integrated Environmental Management Division (OPPE)
Integrated Environmental Management Project
Integrated Emergency Management System
Industrial and Extractive Processes Division (ORD)
Industrial Environmental Research Laboratory
Institute of Environmental Sciences
Invitation for Bid
Industrial Fuel Choice Analysis Model
Industry File Information System
Integrated Financial Management System
Industrial Fugitive Process Particulate
Interim Final Rule
Inspector General
Industrial Gas Cleaning Institute
Inspector General Division (OGC)
In-House Equipment Utilization
Indian Health Service
Inflationary Impact Statement
International Joint Commission
Intergovernmental Liaison Staff
Multispectral Scanner and Photographic Imagery
NEIC Image Analysis System
Information Management Division (OPTS)
IERL-RTP Management Information System
Intersection Midblock Model
Integrated Model of Plumes and Atmosphere in Complex Terrain
IMPREST System
Interagency Monitoring of Protected Visual Environment
Information Management Staff (OSWER)
Information Management and Services Division (OARM)
Institute of Noise Control Engineers
Enforcement Document Retrieval System
A Gaussian Puff Dispersion Model
Intermittent
HERL-RTP In Vitro System
Immediate Office
Immediate Office of the Assistant Administrator
Input/Output Arithmetic Unit
40
-------
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
IOB
IOTV
IOU
IP
IPA
IPA
IPM
IPM
IPMN
IPMPCS
IPP
IPP
IR
IRD
IRG
IRIS
IRIS
IRLG
IRM
IRM
IRMC
IRP
IRPTC
IRR
IRR
IRS
IRS
IRS
IRS
IRSD
IS
IS
ISAM
ISC
ISCL
ISCLT
BCST
Iron Ore Benefication
Interoffice Transfer Voucher
Input/Output Unit
Inhalable Particulates
Intergovernmental Personnel Act
Intergovernmental Personnel Agreement
Inhalable Paniculate Matter
Integrated Pest Management
Inhalable Particulate Network
Integrated Pest Management and Program Coordination Staff
(OPTS)
Implementation Planning Program
Integrated Plotting Package
Infrared
Information Resources Directory (OIRM)
Interagency Review Group
Instructional Resources Information System
Integrated Risk Information System
Interagency Regulatory Liaison Group
Information Resources Management
Interim Remedial Measures (CERCLA)
Interagency Risk Management Council
Installation Restoration Program
International Register of Potentially Toxic Chemicals
Institute of Resource Recovery
Inventory Reporting Requirement System
Intergovernmental Relations Staff (OEA)
Intermedia Ranking Staff
Internal Revenue Service
International Referral System
Information and Regulatory Systems Division (OPPE)
Indicator Score
Interim Status
Indexed Sequential File Access Method
Industrial Source Complex
Interim Status Compliance Letter
Industrial Source Complex Long Term Model
Industrial Source Complex Short Term Model
41
-------
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
ISO Information Systems Division (OARM)
ISD Interim Status Document (RCRA)
BDB Industry Studies Data Base
BE Ion-Specific Electrode
ISI EPA Information Systems Inventory
ISIS Industry File Indexing System
ISMAP Indirect Source Model for Air Pollution
ISS Information Security Specialist
ISS Information Systems Staff (ORD)
ISS Interim Status Standards
ITC International Trade Commission
ITD Industrial Technology Division (OW)
ITD Inhalation Toxicology Division
ITDP Individual Training and Development Plan
ITP Individual Training Plan
ITS Interagency Testing Committee Tracking System
ITSS Integrated Technical Support Services System
IUFED In-Use Vehicle Fuel Economy Data
IUTA In-Use Technology Assessment
IUTD Ann Arbor In-Use Test Data System
IVTC Intema tiona 1 Visi tors and Tra vel Coordina tor (OIA)
IWC In-Stream Waste Concentration (CWA)
IWS Ionizing Wet Scrubber
JAPCA Journal of Air Pollution Control Association
JATS Job Application Tracking System
JCL Job Control Language
JEC Joint Economic Committee
JFMIP Joint Financial Management Improvement Program
JLC Justification for Limited Competition
JNCP Justification for Noncompetitive Procurement
JOFOC Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition
JPA Joint Permitting Agreement
JSD Jackson Structured Design
JSP Jackson Structured Programming
JTU Jackson Turbidity Unit
JUDO Judicial Officer Case Tracking System
JV Journal Voucher
42
-------
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
KW
KWH
KWIC/UNVAC
LAA
LABELS
LABPROP
LACS
LAER
LAI
LAMP
LAMS
LAN
LAST
LBAU
LBI
LC
LC
LCD
LCL
LCM
LCRS
LCS
LCS
LCS
LD
LD50
LD50
LDC
LDCRS
LDD
LDEQ
LDIP
LDMS
LDPE
LDPHDN
LDR
Kilowatt
Kilowatt Hour
OA-RTP Key Word in Context Index
Lead Agency Attorney
Region 3 Mail Labels System
Laboratory Property Management System
Los Angeles Catalytic Study
Lowest Achievable Emission Rate
Laboratory Audit Inspection
Lake Acidification Mitigation Project (EPRI)
Lake Analysis Management System
Local Area Network
Labor and Sample Tracking
Lab Automation System
Limited Background Investigation
Lethal Concentration
Liquid Chromatography
Local Climatological Data
Lower Control Limit
Life Cycle Management
Leachate Collection and Removal System
Ann Arbor Laboratory Computer System
OA-Cinci (EMSAC) Library Circulation System
Region 10 Library Circulation System
Light Duty
Low Dose Where Fifty Percent of Animals Die
Median Lethal Dose
London Dumping Convention
Leachate Detection, Collection, and Removal System
Light Duty Diesel
Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality
Laboratory Data Integrity Program
Region 2, Lab Data Management System
Low Density Polyethylene
Lead Additive Report for Refineries and
Importers and for Manufacturing
Land Disposal Restrictions
43
-------
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
LDRRDDB
LDRTF
LDS
LDSFE
LOT
LDV
LEL
LEP
LEPC
LEPD
LERC
LEVEL8(A)
LFL
LIBBKS
LIBR
LIDAR
LIFO
LIMB
LIRAQ
LITS
LLRW
LLWPA
LMF
LMFBR
LMR
LNEP
LNG
LNRD
LOAFL
LOG
LOC-TFCS
LOCATOR
LOE
LOEL
LOIS
LONGZ
LOOK-UP
Land Disposal Restrictions (Rule Development)
Land Disposal Restrictions Task Force
Light-Duty Vehicle/Truck Certification
Fuel Economy
Light Duty Truck
Light Duty Vehicle
Lower Explosive Limit
Laboratory Evaluation Program
Local Emergency Planning Committee
Legal Enforcement Policy Division (OECM)
Local Emergency Response Committee
TSCA 8(a) Level A Information System
Lower Flammability Limit
Headquarters Book System
RTP Library
NEIC Light Detection and Ranging System
Last In/First Out
Limestone-Injection, Multi-Stage Burner
Livermore Regional Air Quality Model
Litigation Support System
Low-Level Radioactive Waste
Low-Level Waste Policy Act
Logical Mainframe
Liquid Metal Fast Breeder Reactor
Labor Management Relations
Low Noise Emission Product
Liquified Natural Gas
Land and Natural Resources Division (DOJ)
Lowest Observed Adverse Effect Level
Library of Congress
Letter of Credit—(Dept. of) Treasury Financial
Communications System
Mail/Locator
Level of Effort
Lowest Observed Effect Level
Loss of Interim Status (SDWA)
Long Term Terrain Model
On-Line Account Status and Payment History
44
-------
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
LOQ
LP
LPG
LRMS
LRO
LRTAP
LSD
LSERA
LSERB
LSI
LSL
LST
LTA
LTC
LTD
LTD
LTOP
LTR
LTU
LUCIFER
LUST
LVAOO
LVFMC
LVRO
LVS
LWCF
LWOP
LWOP
M&IE
MAB
MAC
MADCAP
MAER
MAG
MAP
MAP3S
MAPC
Level of Quantification
Legislative Proposal
Liquified Petroleum Gas
Low Resolution Mass Spectroscopy
Labor Relations Officer
Long-Range Transportation of Air Pollution
Laboratory Services Division (NEIC)
ERL-Duluth Financial Management Package
ERL-Duluth Personnel and Payroll
Legal Support Inspection (CWA)
Lump Sum Leave
Low-Solvent Technology
Lead Trial Attorney
Long-Term Concentration
Land Treatment Demonstration
Landing-Takeoff Cycle
Lease to Purchase
Lead Technical Representative
Land Treatment Unit
Listing of Organic Compounds Identified in Region 4
Leaking Underground Storage Tanks
Las Vegas Accounting Operations Office (OARM)
Las Vegas Financial Management Center (FMD)
Las Vegas Radiation Operations
Laboratory Ventilation Data System
Land and Water Conservation Fund
Lease with Option to Purchase
Leave without Pay
Meals and Incidental Expenses
Man and Biosphere Program
Management Advisory Committee
Model of Advection, Diffusion and Chemistry for Air Pollution
Maximum Allowable Emission Rate
Management Advisory Group
Management Assistance Program
Multistate Atmospheric Power Production Pollution Study
Manpower Model for Control Agencies
45
-------
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
MAPPER
MAPS
MAPSIM
MAR
MARC
MASBAL
MATC
MAXDOSE
MBDA
MBE
MBE/WBE
MBEP
MBER
MBO
MCA
MCD
MCDF
MCEF
MCIA
MCL
MCLG
MCP
MD
MD
MDA
MDAAQS
MDAD
MOD
MDEQ
MDL
MDSD
MECA
MED
MEFS
MEI
MEK
MEM
MENS
Maintaining, Preparing, and Producing Executive Reports
Region 2 Environmental Map Catalog System
Mesoscale Air Pollution Simulation Model
Management Assistance Review
Mining and Reclamation Council
RCRA Mass Balance System
Maximum Allowable Toxicant Concentration
Maximum Individual Dose Model
Minority Business Development Agency
Minority Business Enterprises
Certification Questionnaire-Minority/Women Business Enterprise
Region 4 Minority Business Tracking
Minority Business Enterprise Representative
Management by Objectives
Manufacturing Chemists Association
Municipal Construction Division (OW)
Master Code Descriptor File
Mixed Cellulose Ester Filter
Methyl Chloride Industry Alliance
Maximum Contaminant Level (SDWA)
Maximum Contaminant Level Goals
Municipal Compliance Plan (CWA)
Mail Drop
Management Division (regional)
Methylenedianilline
Miscellaneous Data Analysis and Air Quality Simulation Studies
Monitoring and Data Analysis Division (OA&R)
Management Division Director
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Quality
Method Detection Limit
Monitoring and Data Support Division (OW)
Manufacturers of Emission Controls Association
Minimum Effective Dose
Midterm Energy Forecasting System
Maximum Exposed Individual (TSCA)
Methyl Ethyl Ketone
Modal Emission Model
Mission Element Needs Statement
46
-------
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
MEP
MERL
MES
MESOPAC
MESOPLUME
MESOPUFF
MESS
METL
METL
MEXAMS
MFBI
MFC
MFD
MGD
MH
MHD
MIBK
MIC
MIC
MICAD
MICE
MICROMORT
MIDSD
MINTEQ
MIPS
MIS
MISTT
MTTS
ML
ML
MLAP
MLSS
MLVSS
MMD
MMS
MMT
MOA
MOBILE
Multiple Extraction Procedure
Municipal Environmental Research Laboratory
Modal Emission Model
Mesoscale Meteorological Preprocessor Program
Mesoscale "Bent Plume" Model
Mesoscale Puff Model
Model Evaluation Support System
Metals Data Base
Region 4 Metals System
Metals Exposure Analysis Modeling System
Major Fuel Burning Installation
Metal Finishing Category
Municipal Facilities Division (OW)
Millions of Gallons per Day
Man Hours
Magnethydrodynamics
Methyl Isobutyl Ketone
Master Item Code
Methyl Isocyanate
Micro-Installation, Inc.
Management Information Capability for Enforcement
A One in a Million Chance of Death from Environmental Hazards
Management Information and Data Systems Division
Geochemical Model
Millions of Instructions per Second
Mineral Industry Surveys
Midwest Interstate Sulfur Transformation and Transport
Management Information Tracking System (New Chemicals)
Meteorology Laboratory
Military Leave
Migrant Legal Action Program
Mixed Liquor Suspended Solids
Mixed Liquor Volatile Suspended Solids
Mass Median Diameter
Minerals Management Service (DOI)
Million Metric Tons
Memorandum of Agreement
Mobile Source Emissions Model
47
-------
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
MOCERT
MOCS
MOD
MOD
MOD
MOD
MOD
MODHIWAY
MOI
MOI
MORT
MOS
MOS
MOTRON
MOU
MP
MPD
MPES
MPO
MPP
MPRSA
MPS2
MPTDS
MPTER
MRA
MRAM
MRI
MRP
MS
MS
MS
MS
MSA
MSA
MSAM
MSD
MSDS
MSEE
Motorcycle Certification Data
MacPhail Operant Chambers
Management and Organization Division (OARM)
Manufacturers Operations Division (OA&R)
Marine Operations Division (OW)
Miscellaneous Obligation Document
Modification
Modified Highway Program
Memorandum of Intent
Memorandum of Information (OARM)
HERL-RTP Mortality Data Base
Management Operations Staff (OFC)
Margin of Safety
MacPhail Motron System
Memorandum of Understanding
Melting Point
Metropolitan Police Department
Management Planning and Evaluation Staff (OIRM)
Metropolitan Planning Organization
Merit Promotion Plan
Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act
Region 2 Merit Pay System
MPTER Model with Deposition and Settling of Pollutants
Multiple Point Source Model with Terrain
Minimum Retirement Age
MacPhail Radial Arm Maze
Midwest Research Institute
Multiroller Press (in sludge drying unit)
Mail Stop
Management Staff (OPTS)
Mass Spectrometry
Multilateral Staff (OIA)
Management System Audits
Metropolitan Statistical Areas
Multikeyed Indexed Sequential File Access Method
Management Systems Division (OPPE)
Material Safety Data Sheet
Major Source Enforcement Effort
48
-------
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
MSHA
MSIS
MSL
MSPB
MSRM
MSS
MSS
MTB
MTBE
MTD
MTDDIS
MTG
MTS
MTSL
MTU
MUSWTCH
MVA
MVAPCA
MVEL
MVI/M
MVICSA
MVMA
MVRS
MVS
MVTS
MW
MW
MWC
MWG
MWL
MYDP
N/A
N/A
NA
NA
NAA
Mine Safety and Health Administration (DOL)
Model State Information System
Mean Sea Level
Merit Systems Protection Board
Mixture and Systemic Toxicant Risk Model
Management Support Staff (OPTS)
Management Systems Staff (OGC)
Materials Transportation Bureau
Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether
Maximum Tolerated Dose
Mesoscale Transport Diffusion and Deposition Model for
Industrial Sciences
Media Task Group
Management Tracking System (OW)
Monitoring and Technical Support Laboratory
Mobile Treatment Unit
Mussel Watch
Multivariate Analysis
Motor Vehicle Air Pollution Control Act
Motor Vehicle Emission Laboratory
Motor Vehicle Inspection/Maintenance
Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act
Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Association
Marine Vapor Recovery System
Multiple Virtual System
Motor Vehicle Tampering Survey (FISD, QMS)
Megawatt
Molecular Weight
Municipal Waste Combustor
Model Work Group
Municipal Waste Leachate
Multiyear Development Plans
Not Applicable
Not Available
National Archives
Nonattainment
Nonattainment Area
49
-------
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
NAAG
NAAQS
NAAS
NABN
NAC
NAC
NACA
NACD
NACI
NACO
NADB
NADP
NADPSC
NAE
NAEP
NAB
NALD
NAM
NAMA
NAMF
NAMS
NAMS/MIS
NANCO
NAPA
NAPAP
NAPAP
NAPBN
NAPCTAC
NAR
NARA
NARA
NARS
NAS
NAS
NASA
NASLR
NASN
NASN
National Association of Attorneys General
National Ambient Air Quality Standards Program (CAA)
National Air Audit System (OAR)
EMSL-RTP National Atmospheric Background Network
National Agency Check
National Asbestos Council
National Agricultural Chemicals Association
National Association of Conservation Districts
National Agency Check and Inquiry
National Association of Counties
National Aerometric Data Bank
National Atmospheric Deposition Program
National ADP Service Center
National Academy of Engineering
National Association of Environmental Professionals
Neutral Administrative Inspection Scheme
Nonattainment Areas Lacking Demonstrations
National Association of Manufacturers
National Air Monitoring Audits
National Association of Metal Finishers
National Air Monitoring Station
National Air Monitoring Stations Management Information System
National Association of Noise Control Officials
National Academy of Public Administration
National Acid Precipitation Assessment Program
National Acid Precipitation Program Emission Inventories
National Air Pollution Background Network
National Air Pollution Control Techniques Advisory Committee
National Asbestos Registry
National Air Resources Act
National Archives and Records Administration
National Asbestos-Contractor Registry System
National Academy of Sciences
National Audubon Society
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
National Association of State Land Reclamationists
National Air Sampling Network
National Air Surveillance Network
50
-------
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
NASR
NATICH
NATO
NATS
NAWC
NAWDEX
NBAR
NBS
NCA
NCA
NCAC
NCAF
NCAMP
NCAQ
NCAR
NCASI
NC
NCC
NCC
NCCMAG
NCF
NCHS
NCI
NCIC
NCL
NCLAN
NCLEHA
NCLP
NCLS
NCM
NCM
NCO
NCP
NCP
NCP
NCPIASI
National Association of Solvent Recyclers
National Air Toxics Information Clearinghouse
North Atlantic Treaty Organization
National Air Toxics Strategy
National Association of Water Companies
National Water Data Exchange
Nonbinding Allocation of Responsibility
National Bureau of Standards
National Coal Association
Noise Control Act
National Clean Air Coalition
National Clean Air Fund
National Coalition Against the Misuse of Pesticides
National Commission on Air Quality
National Center for Atmospheric Research
National Council of the Paper Industry for Air and
Stream Improvements, Inc.
Noncarcinogen
National Climatic Center
National Computer Center
National Computer Center Management Advisory Group
Network Control Facility
National Center for Health Statistics (NIH)
National Cancer Institute
National Crime Information Center
National Consumers League
National Crop Loan Assessment Network
Natural Conference of Local Environmental Health Administrators
National Contract Laboratory Program
NEIC Library System
National Coal Model
Notice of Commencement of Manufacture (TSCA)
Negotiated Consent Order
National Contingency Plan (CERCLA)
Noncompliance Penalties (CAA)
Nonconformance Penalty
National Council of the Paper Industry for Air and
Stream Improvements
51
-------
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
NCR
NCR
NCRIC
NCRP
NCS
NCSL
NCV
NCVECS
NCWM
NCWQ
ND
NDD
NDDN
NDIR
NDPD
NDS
NDS
NDWAC
NEA
NECRMP
NEDA
NEDS
NEEC
NEEDS
NEEJ
NEHA
NEIC
NEMA
NEP
NEP
NEPA
NER
NERA
NERO
NEROS
NESPHYTO
NESCAUM
NESHAPS
Noncompliance Report (CWA)
Nonconformance Report
National Chemical Response and Information Center
National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements
National Compliance Strategy
National Conference of State Legislatures
Nerve Conduction Velocity
National Center for Vehicle Emissions Control and Safety
National Conference of Weights and Measures
National Commission on Water Quality
Nondetect
Negotiation Decision Document
National Dry Deposition Network
Nondispersive Infrared Analysis
National Data Processing Division (OARM)
National Dioxin Study
National Disposal Site
National Drinking Water Advisory Council
National Energy Act
Northeast Corridor Regional Modeling Project
National Environmental Development Association
National Emissions Data System (CAA)
National Environmental Enforcement Council (NAAG)
Needs Survey
National Environmental Enforcement Journal (NAAG)
National Environmental Health Association
National Enforcement Investigations Center (OECM)
National Electrical Manufacturers Association
National Energy Plan
National Estuary Program
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
National Emissions Report
National Economic Research Associates
National Energy Resources Organization
ASRL-RTP Northeast Regional Oxidant Study
National Phytoplankton Data Base (in Lakes)
Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management
National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (CAA)
52
-------
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
NETA
NETC
NETTING
NFA
NFAN
NFFE
NFIB
NFIP
NFMA
NFPA
NFPA
NFS
NFWF
NGA
NGA
NGPA
NGWIC
NHANES
NHIS
NHMP
NHPA
NHTSA
NHTSA
NHWP
NICS
NICT
NIEHS
NIEI
NIH
NIM
NIMBY
NIOSH
NIPDWR
NB
NISAC
NIST
NTTEP
National Environmental Training Association
National Emergency Training Center
Emission Trading Used to Avoid PSD/NSR
Permit Review Requirements
National Fire Academy
National Filter Analysis Network
National Federation of Federal Employees
National Federation of Independent Business
National Flood Insurance Program
National Forest Management Act
National Fire Protection Association
National Forest Products Association
National Forest Service
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
National Governors Association
Natural Gas Association
Natural Gas Policy Act
National Ground Water Information Center
National Health and Nutrition Examination Study
National Health Interview Survey
National Human Milk Monitoring Program
National Historic Preservation Act
National Highway Traffic Safety Act
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (DOT)
Northeast Hazardous Waste Project
National Institute for Chemical Studies
National Incident Coordination Team
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
National Indoor Environmental Institute
National Institutes of Health
National Impact Model
Not In My Back Yard
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
National Interim Primary Drinking Water Regulations
Noise Information System
National Industrial Security Advisory Committee
National Institute for Standards and Technology (Formerly NBS)
National Incinerator Testing and Evaluation Program
53
-------
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
NJDEP
NLA
NLAP
NLC
NLETS
NLM
NLT
NMC
NMFS
NMFWF
NMHC
NMI
NML
NMOC
NMP
NMR
NNC
NNEMS
NNPSPP
NO
NO2
NOA
NOAA
NOAEL
NOC
NOD
NOEL
NOHSCP
NOJC
NON
NON
NOPES
NORA
NOS
NOV
NOV/CD
NOx
NP&AA
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
National Lime Association
National Lab Audit Program
National League of Cities
National Law Enforcement Teletype System
National Library of Medicine
Not Later Than
National Meteorological Center
National Marine Fisheries Service (DOC)
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
Nonmethane Hydrocarbons
Northeast Midwest Institute
National Municipal League
Nonmethane Organic Compounds
National Municipal Policy
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
Notice of Noncompliance (TSCA)
National Network for Environmental Management Studies
National Nonpoint Source Pollution Program
Nitric Oxide
Nitrogen Dioxide
New Obligation Authority
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (DOC)
No Observed Adverse Effect Level
Notice of Commencement
Notice of Deficiency (RCRA)
No Observable Effects Level
National Oil and Hazardous Substances Contingency Plan
National Oil Jobbers Council
Notice of Noncompliance
Notice of Noncompliance (TSCA)
Nonoccupational Pesticide Exposure Study
National Oil Recyclers Association
National Ocean Survey (NOAA)
Notice of Violation (CAA, CWA, FIFRA)
Notice of Violation/Compliance Demand
Nitrogen Oxides
Noise Pollution and Abatement Act of 1970
54
-------
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
NPAA
NPCA
NPDES
NPDES
NPDES FILE
NPIRS
NPL
NPM
NPN
NPR
NFS
NFS
NPS
NFTN
NPUG
NRA
NRC
NRC
NRC
NRC
NRC
NRDC
NRT
NRWA
NSA
NSC
NSDWR
NSEC
NSEP
NSF
NSF
NSF
NSI
NSO
NSPE
NSPS
NSR
Noise Pollution and Abatement Act
National Parks and Conservation Association
Laboratory Performance Evaluation (NPDES)
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (CWA)
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)
Compliance Files
National Pesticide Information Retrieval System
National Priority List (CERCLA)
National Program Manager
National Particulate Network
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
National Park Service
National Permit Strategy
National Pesticide Survey (OW)
National Pesticides Telecommunications Network
National Prime User Group
National Recreation Area
National Referral Center
National Research Council
National Response Center
Nonreusable Container (DOT)
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Natural Resources Defense Council
National Response Team
National Rural Water Association
National Security Agency
National Security Council
National Secondary Drinking Water
National System for Emergency Coordination
National System for Emergency Preparedness
National Sanitation Foundation
National Science Foundation
National Strike Force
National Security Information
Nonferrous Smelter Order (CAA)
National Society for Professional Engineers
New Source Performance Standards (CAA)
New Source Review (CAA)
55
-------
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
NSR/PSD
NSTL
NSWMA
NSWS
NTE
NTGS
NTIS
NTN
NTP
NTSB
NUCA
NUREG
NURF
NVPP
NWA
NWF
NWPA
NWRC
NWS
O&G
O&M
O&M
03
OA
OA
OA
OA&R
OADEMQA
OAE
OALJ
OAQPS
OAR
OARM
OASDI
New Source Review and Prevention of
Significant Deterioration Permitting
National Space Technology Laboratory
National Solid Waste Management Association
National Surface Water Survey
Not To Exceed
National Technical Guidance Studies
National Technical Information Service
National Trends Network
National Toxicology Program
National Transportation Safety Board
National Utility Contractors Association
Criteria for Preparation and Evaluation of Radiological Regulations
and Guides
NAPAP Utility Reference File
National Vehicle Population Poll
National Water Alliance
National Wildlife Federation
Nuclear Waste Policy Act
National Weather Records Center
National Weather Service
Oil and Gas
Operation and Maintenance
Region 4 O&M Municipal Inventory
Ozone
Office of Administration (OARM)
Office of Audits
Office of the Administrator
Office of Air and Radiation
Office of Acid Deposition, Environmental Monitoring, and
Quality Assurance
Office of Analysis and Evaluation (OW)
Office of Administrative Law Judges (AO)
Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards (OA&R, RTP)
Office of Air and Radiation
Office of Administration and Resources Management
Old-Age Survivors and Disability Insurance
56
-------
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
OASIS
OC
oc
OCAPO
OCD
OCE
OCEM
OCESL
OC1
OCI
OOL
OCIR
OCIS
OCL
OCM
OCR
OCR
OCR
OCS
OCSLA
OD
OD
OD
OD
ODA
ODATS
ODES
ODN
ODW
OE
OEA
OECD
OECM
OEET
OEOB
OEP
OEP
OEPER
OERR Info System
Object Class
Office of the Comptroller (OARM)
Office of Compliance Analysis and Program Operations
Offshore and Coastal Dispersion Model
Office of Criminal Enforcement (OECM)
Office of Cooperative Environmental Management
Office of Criminal Enforcement and Special Litigation
Office of Criminal Investigation (NEIC)
Organizational Conflicts of Interest
Office of Community and Intergovernmental Liaison
Office of Community and Intergovernmental Relations (OEA)
On-Line Chemical Information System
Office of Congressional Liaison (OEA)
Office of Compliance Monitoring (OPTS)
Office of Civil Rights (AO)
Office of Community Relations
Optical Character Reader
Outer Continental Shelf
Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act
Office of the Director
Operations Division (NEIC)
Organizational Development
Outside Diameter
Office of the Deputy Administrator
Office Director Assignment Tracking System
Ocean Data Evaluation System
Obligation Document Number
Office of Drinking Water (OW)
Office of Enforcement
Office of External Affairs
Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development
Office of Enforcement and Compliance Monitoring
Office of Environmental Engineering and Technology (ORD)
Old Executive Office Building
Office of Enforcement Policy (OECM)
Office of External Programs
Office of Environmental Processes and Effects Research (ORD)
57
-------
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
OER
OERR
OES
OF
OFA
OFPPA
OFSFS
OGC
OGE
OCR
OGWP
OHEA
OHEA
OHMTADS
OHR
OHRM
OHSS
OI
OIA
OIG
OIL
OILHM
OIRA
OIRM
OLA
OMB
OMEP
OMMSQA
OMPC
OMPE
QMS
OMS
OMSE
OMTA
OO
OP
OPA
Office of Exploratory Research (ORD)
Office of Emergency and Remedial Response (OSWER)
Office of Executive Support (AO)
Optional Form
Office of Federal Activities (OEA)
Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act
Office of Federal Statistical Policy and Standards
Office of General Counsel
Office of Government Ethics
Office of Government Relations (Regional)
Office of Ground Water Protection (OW)
Office of Health and Environmental Assessment (ORD)
Office of Health Effects Assessment
Oil and Hazardous Materials Technical Assistance Data System
Office of Health Research (ORD)
Office of Human Resources Management (OARM)
Occupation Health and Safety Staff (OA)
Office of Investigations
Office of International Activities
Office of Inspector General
Office of Intergovernmental Liaison (OEA)
Oil and Hazardous Material Information System
Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs
Office of Information Resources Management (OARM)
Office of Legislative Analysis (OEA)
Office of Management and Budget
Office of Marine and Estuarine Protection (OW)
Office of Modeling, Monitoring Systems and
Quality Assurance (ORD)
Office of Municipal Pollution Control (OW)
Office of Management Planning and Evaluation (OPPE)
Office of Management Support (AO)
Office of Mobile Sources (OA&R)
Office of Management Systems and Evaluation (OPPE)
Office of Management and Technical Assessment
Operation Office (ORD)
Operating Plan
Office of Policy Analysis (OPPE)
58
-------
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
OPA
OPAC
OPAR
OPD
OPF
OPFT
OPFTE
OPM
OPME
OPMO
OPMS
OPMT
OPP
OPPAS
OPPE
OPPI
OPPM
OPTS
OPTSRTS
ORALTOX
ORC
ORD
ORDIS
ORM
ORMS
ORNL
ORO
ORP
ORPM
ORS
ORSSA
ORV
OS/VS
OSC
OSC
OSDBU
OSDH
OSHA
Office of Public Affaire (OEA)
Overall Performance Appraisal Certification
Office of Policy Analysis and Review (OAR)
Office of Program Development (OAR)
Official Personnel Folder
Other Than Permanent Full Time
Other Than Permanent Full Time Equivalent
Office of Program Management (OSWER)
Office of Program Management and Evaluation (OPTS)
Office of Program Management Operations (OPTSXOAR)
Office of Program Management and Support (OSWER)
Office of Program Management and Technology (OSWER)
Office of Pesticide Programs (OPTS)
OPP Administrative Support Systems
Office of Policy, Planning and Evaluation
Office of Policy, Planning and Information (OSWER)
Office of Policy and Program Management (OSWER)
Office of Pesticides and Toxic Substances
OPTS Regulation Tracking System
Acute Oral Toxicity for Birds, Mice, Rats
Office of Regional Counsel
Office of Research and Development
Office of Research and Development Information Systems
Other Regulated Material
Office Resources Management System
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Office of Regional Operations
Office of Radiation Programs (OA&R)
Office of Research Program Management (ORD)
Office of Regulatory Support
Office of Regulatory Support and Scientific Analysis (ORA)
Off-Road Vehicle
Operating System/Virtual Storage
On-Scene Coordinator
Options Selection Committee
Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (AO)
Oklahoma State Department of Health
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
59
-------
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
OSM
OSR
OSTP
OSW
OSWER
OT
OTA
OTP
OTS
OTSMTS
QUO
OUST
OW
OWCP
OWEP
OWEP
OWP
OWPE
OWPO
OWRS
ox
OY
OYG
OZIPP
OZIPPM
P&A
PA
PA
PA
PA/SI
PAA
PAAS
PAD
PADRE
PAGM
PAH
PAHO
Office of Surface Mining (DOI)
Office of Standards and Regulations (OPPE)
Office of Science and Technology Policy
Office of Solid Waste (OSWER)
Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response
Overtime
Office of Technology Assessment (U.S. Congress)
Office of Territorial Programs
Office of Toxic Substances (OPTS)
OTS Milestone Tracking System
Official Use Only
Office of Underground Storage Tanks (OSWER)
Off ice of Water
Office of Workers Compensation Programs
Office of Water Enforcement and Permits (OW)
Oily Waste Extraction Program
Office of Wetlands Protection (OW)
Office of Waste Programs Enforcement (OSWER)
Office of Water Program Operations (OW)
Office of Water Regulations and Standards (OW)
Total Oxidants
Operating Year
Operating Year Guidance
Kinetics Model and Ozone Isopleth Plotting Package
Modified Ozone Isopleth Plotting Package
Precision & Accuracy
Policy Analyst (OMS)
Preliminary Assessment
Property Administrator
Preliminary Assessment/Site Inspection
Priority Abatement Areas
Region 10 External Affairs Labels System
Planning and Analysis Division (OW)
Particulate Data Reduction
Permit Applicants Guidance Manual
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon
Pan American Health Organization
60
-------
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
PAI
PAID
PAIR
PAL
PALDS
PAN
PAD
PAPR
PARACDS
PARS
PAS
PASS
PAT
PBB
PBL
PBLSQ
PC
PC
PC
PC
PC
PC&B
PCA
PCB
PCCW
PCDD
PCDF
PCE
PCEE
pCi/1
POE
PCIO
PdOS
PCM
PCMD
PCMI
PCO
PCON
Performance Audit Inspection (CWA)
Plutonium Air Inhalation Dose
Preliminary Assessment Information Rule
Point, Area, and Line Source Air Quality Model
PAL Model with Deposition and Settling of Pollutants
Peroxyacetyl Nitrate
Property Accountable Officer
Powered Air Purifying Respirator
Missing Parameter Codes
Precision and Accuracy Reporting System
Policy Analysis Staff
Procurement Automated Source System (SBA)
Permit Assistance Team (RCRA)
Polybrominated biphenyl
Planetary Boundary Layer
The Lead Line Source (PBLSQ) Model
Personal Computer
Planned Commitment
Position Classification
Potential Carcinogen
Pulverized Coal
Personnel Compensation and Benefits
Principal Component Analysis
Polychlorinated biphenyl
Public Citizens Congress Watch
Polychlorinated dibenzodioxin
Polychlorinated dibenzofuran
Perchloroethylene
President's Commission on Executive Exchange
Piocuries per Liter
President's Council on Integrity and Efficiency in Government
PC Information Officer
Processor Common Input/Output System
Phase Contrast Microscopy
Procurement and Contracts Management Division (OARM)
President's Council on Management Improvement
Printing Control Officer
Potential Contractor
61
-------
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
PCP
PCS
PCS
PCS
PCSC
PCV
PD
PD
PD
PD
PDAS
PDED
PDFID
PDM
PDMS
PDR
PE
PE
PEARL
PEAS
PED
PEFOS
PEI
PEL
PEL
PEM
PEM
PEPE
PER7
PERF
PERMDATA
PERS
PERSPROP
PES
PESC
PEST
PESTAN
PF
Pentachlorophenyl
Permanent Change of Station
Permit Compliance System (CWA)
Program Coordination Staff (OPTSXORD)
PC Site Coordinator
Positive Crankcase Ventilation System
Permits Division (OW)
Position Description
Position Document
Press Division (OEA)
Physiological Data Acquisition System
Program Development and Evaluation Division (OW)
Preconcentration Direct Flame lonization Detection
Probabilistic Dilution Model
Pesticide Document Management System (OPP)
Particulate Data Reduction
Performance Evaluation
Program Element
Portable Environmental Assessment and Research Laboratory
Policy and External Affairs Staff (POSWER)
Program Evaluation Division (OPPE)
Program Evaluation and Field Operations Staff
Petroleum Equipment Institute
Permissible Exposure Limit
Personal Exposure Limit
Partial Equilibrium Multimarket Model
Personal Exposure Model
Prolonged Elevated Pollution Episode
Region 7 Personnel System
Police Executive Research Forum
PERMDATA Management System
ERL-Ada Personnel System
Personal Property Data Entry and Report System
Planning and Evaluation Staff (ORD)
EMSL-Cinci Performance Evaluation System
Region 7 Nebraska Pesticide
Pesticides Analytical Transport Solution
Potency Factor
62
-------
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
PF
PFLT
PFSS
PFT
PFTE
PGD
PHC
PHE
PHEM
PHF
PHN
PHONEBOOK
PHRED
PHS
PHSA
PI
PI
PIAT
PIC
PIC
PIC
PICO
PIGS
PIMS
PIN
PIP
PIPQUIC
PIRG
PIRT
PIRU
PIS
PITS
PKSDD
PLIRRA
PLM
PLPT
PLS
PLUME
Protection Factor
Paint Filter Liquids Test
Pesticide Farm Worker Safety Staff
Permanent Full Time
Permanent Full Time Equivalent
Policy and Grants Division (OPTS)
Principal Hazardous Constituent
Public Health Evaluation
Public Health Evaluation Manual
Public Health Foundation
Public Health Network
Region 3 Telephone Directory
Public Health Risk Evaluation Data Base (OERR)
Public Health Service
Public Health Service Act
Preliminary Injunction
Program Information
Public Information Assist Team
Pressurized Ion Chamber
Products of Incomplete Combustion
Public Information Center
Pacific Islands Contact Office
Pesticides in Groundwater Strategy
Pesticide Incident Monitoring System
Procurement Information Notice
Public Involvement Program
Program Integration Project Queries Use in Interactive Command
Public Interest Research Group
Pretreatment Implementation Review Task Force
Public Information Reference Unit
Public Information Specialist
Project Information Tracking System (OTS)
Probability Kriging to Spatially Distributed Data System
Pollution Liability Insurance and Risk Retention Act
Polarized Light Microscopy
Pretreatment Local Program Tracking System
Program Liaison Staff (ORD)
Outfall PLUME Model
63
-------
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
PLUME2D
PLUME3D
PLUVUE
PM
PM
PM10
PM15
PMD
PMD
PMEL
PMI
PMIP
PMIS
PMN
PMNF
PMO
PMOS
PMR
PMRK
PMRS
PMRS
PMRS
PMS
PMS
PMS
PMS
PMS
PMSD
PMSO
PMSS
PNA
PO
PO
PO
POA
POC
POC
POE
Two-Dimensional Plumes in Uniform Ground Water Flow
Three-Dimensional Plumes in Uniform Ground Water Flow
Plume Visibility Model
Particulate Matter
Product Manager
Particulate Matter Nominally 10 m and Less
Particulate Matter Nominally 15m and Less
Personnel Management Division (OARM)
Planning and Management Division (regional)
Pacific Marine Environment Laboratory
Presidential Management Intern
Presidential Management Intern Program
Personnel Management Information System
Premanufacture Notification (TSCA)
Premanufacture Notification Form (TSCA)
Program Management Office (OAR)
Program Management and Operation Staff (OSWER)
Pollutant Mass Rate
NEIC Permit Ranking System
Merit Pay System
Performance Management and Recognition System
Performance Monitoring and Reporting System
Performance Management System
Personnel Management Specialist
Planning and Management Staff (OAQPS)
Program Management Staff (OPPEXOW)
Region 4 Position Management System
Program Management and Support Division (OPTS)
Program Management and Support Office (OSWER)
Policy and Management Support Staff (OW)
Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons
Program Operations (OAR)
Project Officer
Purchase Order
Program Office Approvals
Point of Compliance
Program Office Contacts
Point of Exposure
64
-------
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
POGO Privately-Owned/Government-Operated
POHC Principal Organic Hazardous Constituent
POI Point of Interception
POLRE Pollution Report
POM Particulate Organic Matter
POM Polycyclic Organic Matter
POMO Program Operations and Management Office
POR Program of Requirements
PORS Project Officer Record System
POS Program Operations Staff (ORD)
POSS Program Operations Support Staff (OARM)
POTRK Region 3 Purchase Order Tracking System
POTW Publicly-Owned Treatment Works
POV Privately Owned Vehicle
PP Pay Period
PP Program Planning
PPA Pesticide Producers Association
PPA Planned Program Accomplishment
PPAS Personal Property Accountability System
PPB Parts per Billion
PPBS Program Planning and Budget Staff (OGC)
PPC Personal Protective Clothing
PPE Personal Protective Equipment
PPIS Pesticide Product Information System
PPM Parts per Million
PPMAP Power Planning Modeling Application Procedure
PPMS Personal Property Management System
PPRS Program Planning and Review Staff
PPSP Power Plant Siting Program
ppt Parts per Trillion
PPT Permanent Part Time
ppth Parts per Thousand
PPU Pollution Prevention Office
PR Preliminary Review
PR Procurement Request
PRA Paperwork Reduction Act
PRA Planned Regulatory Action
PRAMS Paperwork Reduction Act Management System (PRAMS)
65
-------
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
PREPRZM
PRESTO-EPA
PRI
PRM
PRMS
PROF
PRP
PRS
PRTYPOLS
PRZM
PS
PS
PS
PSAM
PSD
PSD
PSDL
PSE
PSES
PSEUDO-HWD
PSI
PSI
PSI
PSIG
PSM
PSNS
PSP
PSPD
PSS
PSS
PSS
PSS
PSTN
PT
PTAT
PTDIS
PTE
PTFE
Pesticide Root Zone Model
A Low-Level Radioactive Waste Environmental Transport and Risk
Periodic Reinvestigation
Prevention Reference Manuals
Plans Review Management System
Premixed One-Dimensional Flame Code
Potentially Responsible Parties (CERCLA)
Procurement Tracking System
Priority Pollutants
Pesticide Root Zone Model
Planning Staff (OPTS) (ORD)
Point Source
Preparedness Staff (OSWER)
Point Source Ambient Monitoring
Prevention of Significant Deterioration (CAA)
Program Systems Division (OIRM)
Region 4 PSD Log System
Program Sub-Element
Pretreatment Standards for Existing Sources
HWDMS-SAS
Pollutant Standards Index
Pounds per Square Inch (Pressure)
Pressure per Square Inch
Pressure per Square Inch Gauge
Point Source Modeling
Pretreatment Standards for New Sources
Payroll Savings Plan
Permits and State Programs Division (OSWER)
Personnel Security Staff (OEA)
Personnel Staffing Specialist
Physical Security Specialist
Program Support Staff
Pesticide Safety Team Network
Part Time
Pesticides, Toxics and Air Team (ORD)
Single Stack Meteorological Model in EPA UNAMAP Series
Potential to Emit
Polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon)
66
-------
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
PTMAX
PTMTP
PTPLU
PTS
PTSD
PTSED
PUC
PV
PVC
PWEP
PWS
PWS
PWSS
PY
QA
QA/QC
QAC
QAHLE
QAMK
QAMS
QAO
QAPP
QASRCE
qBtu
QC
QCA
QCI
QCP
QCSDS
QL
QNCR
QSI
QUAL-D
QUAL2E
QUAL2EU
R&D
RA
Single Stack Meteorological Model in EPA UNAMAP Series
Multistack Meteorological Model in EPA UNAMAP Series
Point Source Gaussian Diffusion Model
Project Tracking System
Pesticides and Toxic Substances Division (OGS)
Pesticides and Toxic Substances Enforcement Division (ORD)
Public Utility Commission
Project Verification
Polyvinyl Chloride
Oily Waste Extraction Program
Public Water Supply
Public Water System (SDWA)
Public Water Supply System (SDWA)
Prior Year
Quality Assurance
Quality Assistance/Quality Control
Quality Assurance Coordinator
Ambient Quality Assurance Data Base
Quality Assurance Management and Information System
Quality Assurance Management Staff (ORD)
Quality Assurance Officer (OAR)
Quality Assurance Project Plan
EMSL-RTP Quality Assurance Data System
Quadrillion British Thermal Units
Quality Control
Quiet Communities Act
Quality Control Index
Quiet Community Program
Quality Control Sample Distribution
Quantitation Limit
Quarterly Noncompliance Report
Quality Step Increase
Stream Quality Model
Enhanced Stream Water Quality Model
Enhanced Stream Water Quality Model with Uncertainty Analysis
Research and Development
Reasonable Alternative
67
-------
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
RA
RA
RA
RA
RA
RA
RA
RAATS
RAC
RAC
RACF
RACM
RACS
RACT
RAD
RADM
RADM
RADRISK
RADX
RAM
RAMP
RAMS
RAP
RAP
RAPS
RARG
RAS
RAT
RB
RBC
RC
RC
RCA
RGB
RCC
RCDO
RCF
Regional Administrator
Regulatory Alternative
Regulatory Analysis
Remedial Action
Resource Allocation
Risk Analysis
Risk Assessment
RCRA Administrative Action Tracking System
Radiation Advisory Committee (SAB)
Regional Asbestos Coordinator
Resource Access Control Facility (NCC systems security)
Reasonably Available Control Measures
Reiter Acoustic Startle
Reasonably Available Control Technology
Radiation
Random Walk Advection and Dispersion Model
Regional Acid Deposition Model
Radionuclide Dose Rate/Risk
ORD-Cinci Radiation Exposure Tracking System
Urban Air Quality Model for Point and Area Sources in
EPA UNAMAP Series
Rural Abandoned Mine Program
Regional Air Monitoring System
Radon Action Program
Remedial Accomplishment Plan
ASRL-RTP Regional Air Pollution Study
Regulatory Analysis Review Group
Routine Analytical Services
Relative Accuracy Test
Red Border
Red Blood Cells
Regional Counsel
Responsibility Center
Responsibility Center A (OAA/OPMO)
Responsibility Center B (OTLIP)
Radiation Coordinating Council
Regional Case Development Officer
Responsibility Center F (OPA)
68
-------
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
RCM
RCP
RCP
RCRA
RCRC
RCRIS
RCS
RD
RD
RD&D
RDF
rDNA
RDS-HWDMS
RDU
RE
RE
READ
REAG
REAP
REAS
RECALLDB
RECEIV-n
RED
REE
REEP
REEP
REF
REIT
REM
REM/FIT
REMARC
REMS
REP
REPR
REPRBK
REPS
RESOLVE
Responsibility Center Monthly
Research Centers Program (ORD)
Regional Contingency Plan
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
Regional Cost Recovery Coordinator
Resource Conservation & Recovery Information System (RCRA)
Computer Timesharing Resource Control System
Registration Division (OPTS)
Remedial Design (CERCLA)
Research Development and Demonstration
Refuse-Derived Fuel
Recombinant DNA
National Hazardous Waste Data Management Systems
Regional Decision Unit
Reasonable Efforts
Reportable Event
Regulatory and Economics Analysis Division
Reproductive Effects Assessment Group (ORD)
Regional Enforcement Activities Plan
Regional Enforcement and Superfund System
Recall Data Base
Receiving Water Model
RCRA Enforcement Division (OSWER)
Rare Earth Elements
Reasonable Extra Efforts Program
Review of Environmental Effects of Pollutants
Reference
HERL-RTP Reiter Maze System
Roentgen Equivalent, Man
Remedial/Field Investigation Team
Resource Entry, Management, Accountability and
Reporting for Contracts
RCRA Enforcement Management System
Reasonable Efforts Program
Real Estate Planning Report
High Level Radioactive Waste-Repository Risk Model
Regional Emissions Projection System
Center for Environmental Conflict Resolution (CF)
69
-------
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
REXS Report on Executive Staffing
RF Radio Frequency
RF Response Factor
RFA RCRA Facility Assessment (RCRA)
RFA Regulatory Flexibility Act
RFB Request for Bids
RfD Reference Dose
RfDdt Developmental RfD
RFD Reference Dose Values
RFI Remedial Facility Investigation
RFP Reasonable Further Progress
RFP Request for Proposal
RFQ Request for Quote
RGICS Region 7 Version of Region 5 Grants Information and
Control System
RGS Research Grants Staff (ORD)
RI Reconnaissance Inspection (CWA)
RI Remedial Investigation
RI/FS Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study (CERCLA)
RIA Regulatory Impact Analysis
RIA Regulatory Impact Analysis Facility Profile
RIA Regulatory Impact Assessment
RIC Radon Information Council
RIC RTP Information Center
RICC Retirement Information and Counseling Center
RICO Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act
RID Regulatory Integration Division (OPPE)
RTF Reduction in Force
RIM Regulatory Interpretation Memorandum
RIMD Regulation and Information Management Division (OPPE)
RIN Regulatory Identifier Number
RIP RCRA Implementation Plan
RIS Regulatory Innovations Staff (OPPE)
RISC Regulatory Information Service Center (OMB)
RITA Relocation Income Tax Allowance
RITZ Regulator and Treatment Zone Model
RJE Remote Job Entry
RLAB Region 4 Labels System
70
-------
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
RLL
RMAO
RMCL
RMDHS
RMDS
RME
RMIS
RMB/BARS
RMO
RMP
RMS
RMS
RNA
RO
ROADCHEM
ROADWAY
ROC
ROD
ROG
ROLLBACK
ROM
ROMCOE
ROP
ROPA
RP
RP
RPAR
RPD
RPIO
RPM
RPM
RPM
RPO
RPO
RPS
RPTS
Rapid and Large Leakage (Rate)
Resources Management and Administrative Office (OW)
Recommended Maximum Contaminant Levels (SDWA)
Regional Model Data Handling System
Resource Management Directives System
Reasonable Maximum Exposure
Resources Management Information System
Resource Management Information System/
Budget Analysis System
Records Management Officer
Radon/Radon Progeny Measurement Proficiency Program (ORD)
Region 10 Resource Management System
Resource Management Staff (OSWER)
Ribonudeic Acid
Regional Office
ROADWAY Version (that Includes Chemical Reactions of NO, NO2/
and O3)
A Model to Predict Pollutant Concentrations Near a Roadway
Record of Communication
Record of Decisions
Reactive Organic Gases
A Proportional Reduction Model
Regional Oxidant Model
Rocky Mountain Center on Environment
Regional Oversight Policy
Record of Procurement Action
Respirable Particulates
Responsible Party
Rebuttable Presumption Against Registration (FIFRA)
Regulatory Policy Division (OPPE)
Responsible Planning and Implementation Officer
Reactive Plume Model
Remedial Project Manager (CERCLA)
Revolutions Per Minute
Regional Planning Officer
Regional Program Officer (RCRA/CERCLA)
Remedial Planning Staff (OSWER)
Regional Priority Tracking System
71
-------
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
RQs
RQ
RRC
RRS
RRT
RRT
RSCC
RSKERL
RSMD
RSPA
RSS
RT
RTCM
RTD
RTDM
RTECS
RTEL
RTM
RTF
RTS
RUP
RVP
RWC
RX75
S&A
S&A
S&E
S/TCAC
SA
SA
SAAMS
SAB
SAC
SAC
SAC
SAD
SADAA
Reportable Quantities
Reportable Quantity
Regional Response Center
Regulatory Reform Staff (OPPE)
Regional Response Team
Requisite Remedial Technology
Regional Sample Control Center
Robert S. Kerr Environmental Research Laboratory (ORD)
Resource Systems Management Division (CO
Research and Special Programs Administration
Regional Services Staff (ORD)
Regional Total
Reasonable Transportation Control Measures
Return to Duty
Rough Terrain Diffusion Model
Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances
OA-RTP FTS Telephone System
Regional Transport Model
Research Triangle Park (North Carolina)
Regulation Tracking System
Restricted Use Pesticide (FTFRA)
Reid Vapor Pressure
Residential Wood Combustion
Region 10 Laboratory Management System
Surveillance and Analysis
Sampling and Analysis
Salaries and Expenses
Scientific/Technical Careers Advisory Committee
Special Assistant
Sunshine Act
Sample Analyses and Management System, Region 4
Science Advisory Board (AO)
Secretarial Advisory Committee
Support Agency Coordinator
Suspended and Canceled Pesticides (FIFRA)
EMSL-RTP Acid Rain System
Science Assistant to the Deputy Assistant Administrator
72
-------
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
SAE
SAEWG
SAIC
SAIP
SAMAC
SAMWG
SANE
SANSS
SAP
SAP
SAP
SAPCD
SAR
SAR
SARA
SAROAD
SAS
SAS
SASD
SASS
SATO
SBA
SBA
SBI
SBO
SBO
SC
SC
SCAB
SCAC
SCAP
SCBA
SCC
SCFM
SCI
SCLDF
SCORPIO
Society of Automotive Engineers
Standing Air Emission Work Group (OAR)
Special-Agents-in-Charge (NEIC)
Systems Acquisition and Implementation Program
Standing AIRS Management Advisory Committee (OAR)
Standing Air Monitoring Work Group
Sulfur and Nitrogen Emissions
Structure and Nomenclature Search System
Sampling and Analysis Plan
Scientific Advisory Panel
Special Access Program
Sacramento Air Pollution Control District
Start Action Request
Structural Activity Relationship
Superfund Amendments and Reauthorize tion Act of 1986
Storage and Retrieval of Aerometric Data/AIRS
Special Analytical Services
Statistical Analysis System
Strategies and Air Standards Division (OAR)
Source Assessment Sampling System
Scheduled Airline Traffic Office
Small Business Act
Small Business Administration
Special Background Investigation
Senior Budget Officer
Small Business Ombudsman (OSDBU)
Sierra Club
Steering Committee
South Coast Air Basin
Support Careers Advisory Committee
Superfund Comprehensive Accomplishments Plan (CERCLA)
Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus
Source Classification Code
Standard Cubic Feet Per Minute
Sensitive Compartmented Information
Sierra Club Legal Defense Fund
Subject Content Oriented Retriever for
Processing Information On-Line
73
-------
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
SCR
SCRAM
SCRC
SCRP
SCS
SCS
SCS
SCSA
SCSP
SCW
SD
SDBE
SDBUS
SDC
SDCM
SDI
SDWA
SEA
SEA
SEAM
SEAM
SEAS
SEB
SEC
SEC
SEE
SEIA
SEM
SEP
SEPWC
SER
SERC
SERF
SERS
SES
SES
SES
SETS
Selective Catalytic Reduction
State Consolidated RCRA Authorization Manual (RCRA)
Superfund Community Relations Coordinator (OSWER)
Superfund Community Relations Program (OSWER)
Soil Conservation Service
Supplementary Control Strategy
Supplementary Control System
Soil Conservation Society of America
Storm and Combined Sewer Program
Supercritical Water Oxidation
Standard Deviation
Small and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise
Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization Specialist (OSDBU)
Systems Decision Plan
Dry standard cubic meter
Subchronic Daily Intake
Safe Drinking Water Act
State Enforcement Agreement
State/EPA Agreement
Superfund Exposure Assessment Manual
Surface, Environment, and Mining
Strategic Environmental Assessment System
Source Evaluation Board
Securities and Exchange Commission
Senior Enforcement Counsel (OECM)
Senior Environmental Employment
Socioeconomic Impact Analysis
Scanning Electron Microscope
Special Emphasis Program (OCR)
Senate Environment and Public Works Committee
Society for Epidemiologic Research
State Emergency Response Commission
Systems Enhancement Request Form
SES and Executive Resources Staff (OHRM)
Secondary Emissions Standard
Senior Executive Service
Socioeconomic Status
Site Enforcement Tracking System
74
-------
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
SETS
SF
SF
SF
SF-52
SFA
SFFAS
SFIREG
SFO
SGL
SHORTZ
SHWL
SI
SI
SI
SIBAC
SIC
SIC
SICEA
SIEFA
SIMS
SIP
SIRMO
SIS
SIS
SIS
SITE
SITS
SL
SLAMS
SLANG
SLAPS
SLD
SLPD
SLS
SLSM
SM/HD
SMCL
Superfund Enforcement Tracking System
Slope Factor
Standard Form
Superfund
SF-52 Personnel Management Tracking System
Spectral Flame Analyzers
Superfund Financial Assessment System
State FIFRA Issues Research and Evaluation Group (FIFRA)
Servicing Finance Office
Standard General Ledger
Short Term Terrain Model
Seasonal High Water Level
International Systems of Units
Site Inspection
Spark Ignition
Simplified Intragovemmental Billing and Collection System
Standard Industrial Classification
Standard Industrial Code
Steel Industry Compliance Extension Act
Source Inventory Emission Factor Analysis
Secondary Ion-Mass Spectrometry
State Implementation Plan (CAA)
Senior Information Resources Management Officer
Science Integration Staff (OPTS)
Secretarial Information System
Stay in School
Superfund Innovative Technology Evaluation
Site Investigation Tracking System
Sick Leave
State/Local Air Monitoring Station
Selected Letter and Abbreviated Name Guide
St. Louis Air Pollution Study
Special Litigation Division (OECM)
State and Local Planning Division
Superfund Label System
Simple Line Source Model
Survey Meter and Historical Dosimetry Data Base
Secondary Maximum Contaminant Level
75
-------
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
SMCRA
SME
SMO
SMOA
SMS
SMSA
SNA
SNAAQS
SNAP
SNARL
SNARS
SNC
SNUR
S02
soc
SOCMA
SOCMI
SOP
SORTST
SOTDAT
SOV
SOW
SOW
SOX
SPAD
SPAR
SPATS
SPCC
SPD
SPE
SPECS
SPF
SPHEM
SPHI
SPI
SPLMD
SPM
SPMB
Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977
Subject Matter Expert
Sample Management Office
Superfund Memorandum of Agreement
Security Management Section
Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area
System Network Architecture
Secondary National Ambient Air Quality Standards
Significant Noncompliance Action Program
Suggested No Adverse Response Level
Spill Notification and Response System
Significant Noncompliers
Significant New Use Rule (TSCA)
Sulfur Dioxide
Synthetic Organic Chemicals
Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturers Association
Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturing Industry
Standard Operating Procedures
Region I Source Test File
Source Test Data
Single Occupancy Vehicle
Scope of Work
Statement of Work
Sulfur Oxides
Special Programs and Analysis Division (OEA)
Status of Permit Application Report
Small Purchase Automated Tracking System
Spill Prevention, Containment and Countermeasures (CWA)
State Programs Division (OW)
Secondary Particulate Emissions
Specifications
Structured Programming Facility
Superfund Public Health Evaluation Manual
OSW Sludge Program-Health Impacts
Strategic Planning Initiative
Soil-Pore Liquid Monitoring Device
Special Purpose Monitoring
Security and Property Management Branch
76
-------
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
SPMS
SPMS
SPO
SPOC
SPS
SPS
SPSS
SPTS
SPUR
SQAO
SQBE
SQG
SRAP
SRC
SRM
SRU
SS
SS
SSA
SSAC
SSAN
SSC
SSC
SSCD
SSD
SSEIS
SSEIS
SSI
SSIS
SSMS
SSN
sso
sso
sss
sss
SST
SSURO
STALAPCO
Special Purpose Monitoring Stations
Strategic Planning and Management System
Servicing Personnel Officers
.Single Points of Contact
Safety Plan System
State Permit System
Statistical Package for the Social Sciences
Small Purchase Tracking System
Software Package for Unique Reports
Reg 5 Toxics Monitoring System
Small Quantity Burner Exemption (RCRA)
Small Quantity Generator (RCRA)
Superfund Remedial Accomplishment Plan
Solvent Refined Coal
Standard Reference Method
System Resource Unit
Settleable Solids
Superfund Surcharge
Sole Source Aquifer
Soil Site Assimilated Capacity
Social Security Account Number
Scientific Support Coordinator
State Superfund Contracts (OSWER)
Stationary Source Compliance Division (OA&R, RTP)
Standards Support Document
Standard Support and Environmental Impact Statement
Stationary Source Emissions and Inventory System
Size Selective Inlet
Store Stock Inventory/Accounting System
Spark Source Mass Spectroscopy
Social Security Number
Source Selection Official
Support Services Office
Security Support Staff
Strategic Studies Staff (OPPE)
Supersonic Transport
Stop Sale, Use and Removal Order (FIFRA)
State and Local Air Pollution Control Officials
77
-------
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
STAPPA
STAR
STAR
STARA
STARS
STATUS
STC
STDMS
STEL
STEM
STN
STORAGE
STORET
STP
STP
SUP
SUPTRK
SURE
SV
SVE
SVOC
SW
SWAG
SWC
SWDA
SWE
SWERD
SWETS
SWIE
SWMM
SWMU
SYSOP
T-R
T&A
TA
TACB
TAFPD
State and Territorial Air Pollution Program Administrators
Stability Wind Rose
State Acid Rain Projects
Studies on Toxitity Applicable to Risk Assessment
Superfund Transactions Automated Retrieval System
Region 4 Status of GSA Orders
Short-Term Concentration
Sample Tracking and Data Management System
Short-Term Exposure Limit
Scanning Transmission-Electron Microscopy
Scientific and Technical Information Network
CSSD-Cinci(EMSAC) Disk Storage Annual Report
Storage and Retrieval of Water Quality Information
Sewage Treatment Plant
Standard Temperature and Pressure
Standard Unit of Processing
Superfund Site Tracking Information System
Sulfate Regional Experiment Program
Sampling Visit
Society of Vector Ecologists
Semivolatile Organic Chemical
Slow Wave
Simulated Waste Access To Ground Water
Settlement With Conditions
Solid Waste Disposal Act
Society of Women Engineers
Solid Waste and Emergency Response Division (OGC)
Safe Water Enforcement Tracking
Southern Waste Information Exchange
Storm Water Management Model
Solid Waste Management Unit
Systems Operator
Transformer-Rectifier
Time and Attendance
Travel Authorization
Texas Air Control Board
Technical Assessment and Fraud Prevention Division (OEA)
78
-------
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
TALMS
TAMPER
TAMS
TAMTAC
TAO
TAP
TAPDS
TAPP
TAPPI
TAS
TAT
TBI
TBT
TC
TC
TC
TCAS
TCDD
TCDF
TCE
TCL
TCLP
TCM
TCM
TCP
TCP
TCP
TCRI
TCTS
TD
TDH
TDS
TDTOX
TOY
TEAM
TEC
TEG
TEGD
Tunable Atomic Line Molecular Spectroscopy
Antitampering and Fuel-Switching Information System
Toxic Air Monitoring System
Toxic Air Monitoring Technical Advisory Committee
TSCA Assistance Office (OPTS)
Technical Assistance Program
Toxic Air Pollutant Data System
Time and Attendance, Personnel, Payroll
Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry
Terminal Access System
Technical Assistance Team
Throttle Body Injection Systems
Tributyltin
Target Concentration
Technical Center
Toxic Concentration
Telephone Call Analysis System
Dioxin (Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin)
Tetrachlorodibenzofurans
Trichloroethylene
Target Compound List
Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (RCRA)
Texas Climatological Model
Transportation Control Measure
Transportation Control Plan
Trichloroethylene
Trichloropropane
Toxic Chemical Release Inventory
EMSL-Vegas Time Card Tracking System
Toxic Dose
Texas Department of Health
Total Dissolved Solids
Tetradichloroxylene
Temporary Duty
Total Exposure Assessment Methodology
Technical Evaluation Committee
Tetraethylene Glycol
Technical Enforcement Guidance Document
79
-------
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
TEM
TEM
TEP
Term
TES
TEXIN
TFCS
TFMS
TFT
TFTE
TGO
THC
THM
TI
TIBL
TIC
TIC
TIM
TIP
TIS
TISE
TTTC
TLD
TLD
TLV
TMAC
TMC
TMI
TMIRAD
TMS
TNSS
TNT
TO
TO
TOA
TOC
TOC
TOPSY
Texas Episodic Model
Transmission Electron Microscopy
Technical Evaluation Panel
Definition/Use
Technical Enforcement Support
Texas Intersection Air Quality Model
Treasury Financial Communications System
Treasury File Management System
Temporary Full Time
Temporary Full Time Equivalent
Total Gross Output
Total Hydrocarbons
Trihalomethane
Temporary Intermittent
Thermal Internal Boundary Layer
Technical Information Coordinator
Tentatively Identified Compounds
Technical Information Manager
Transportation Improvement Program
Technical Information Staff
Take It Somewhere Else (Solid Waste Syndrome. See NIMBY)
TSCA Interagency Testing Committee
Thermoluminescent Dosimetry Data Base
Toxics Litigation Division (OECM)
Threshold Limit Value
Time Accounting System
Travel Management Center
Three Mile Island
Three Mile Island Environmental Radiation
FMD Travel Management System
Region 7 TOSCA Neutral Selection
Trinitrotoluene
Task Order
Travel Order
Trace Organic Analysis
Total Organic Carbon
Total Organic Compound
Toxics and Pesticides Management System
80
-------
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
TOT
TOX
TOX
TOXFLO
TPC
TPD
TPD
TPI
TPQ
TPSB
TPTH
TPY
TQM
TR
TRAV
TRC
TRD
TRI
TRI
TRIANA
TRIP
TRIS
TRLN
TRO
TRRP
TRS
TRSC
TS
TSA
TSC
TSC
TSCA
TSCATS
TSCC
TSD
TSD
TSD
TSDF
Time-of-Travel
Total Organic Halogens
Tetradichloroxylene
Urban Wastewater Toxics Flow Model
Testing Priorities Committee
Technical Programs Division (ORD)
Toxics and Pesticide Division (ORD)
Technical Proposal Instructions
Threshold Planning Quantity
Transportation Planning Support Information System
Triphenyltinhydroxide
Tons per year
Total Quality Management
Transportation Request
Travel System
Technical Review Committee
Technical Resources Document
Toxic Chemical Release Inventory
Toxic Release Inventory
Triana Medical Claims Information System
Toxic Release Inventory Program
Toxic Chemical Release Inventory System
Triangle Research Library Network
Temporary Restraining Order
Trends Report
Total Reduced Sulfur
Total Reduced Sulfur Compounds
Toxic Substances
Technical Systems Audit
Toxic Substances Coordinator
Transportation Systems Center
Toxic Substances Control Act
TSCA Test Submissions Database (OTS)
Toxic Substances Coordinating Committee
Technical Support Division (OQAPS)
Technical Support Document
Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facilities
Air Emissions from Treatment Storage and
Disposal Facilities for Hazardous Waste
81
-------
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
TSDF Treatment, Storage & Disposal Facility (RCRA)
TSDG Toxic Substances Dialogue Group
TSM Transportation System Management
TSO Time Sharing Option
TSP Teleprocessing Services Program
TSP Thrift Savings Plan
TSP Total Suspended Particulates
TSS Technical Services Staff (OEA)
TSS Terminal Security System
TSS Total Suspended Solids
TSS Technical Support Staff (OAR)
TSSMS Time Sharing Services Management System
TTFA Target Transformation Factor Analysis
TTHM Total Trihalomethane
TTO Total Toxic Organics
TTS TRI Tracking System
TTY Teletypewriter
TUCC Triangle University Computer Center
TV Travel Voucher
TVA Tennessee Valley Authority
TWA Time Weighted Authority
TWC Texas Water Commission
TWMD Toxics and Waste Management Division (regional)
TZ Treatment Zone
UAC User Advisory Committee
UAM Urban Airshed Model
UAPSP Utility Acid Precipitation Study Program
UAQI Uniform Air Quality Index
UARG Utility Air Regulatory Group
UCC Ultra Clean Coal
UCL Upper Control Limit
UDMH Unsymmetrical Dimethyl Hydrazine
UEL Upper Explosive Limit
UFL Upper Flammability Limit
U1C Underground Injection Control (SDWA)
U1CTS UIC Tracking System
UL Underwriter's Laboratories
82
-------
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
ULP
UMP
UMTA
UMTRCA
UN
UNAMAP
UNEP
UNESCO
UNIDO
UO
UPCONE
USA
USAO
USBM
USBS
use
use
USCA
USCG
USCP
USDA
USDOI
USDW
USEPA
USFS
USGS
USNRC
USPHS
USPP
USPS
USSS
UST
UTM
UTP
UV
UZM
VA
Unfair Labor Practice
Upward Mobility Program
Urban Mass Transportation Administration
.Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control Act
United Nations
Users' Network for Applied Modeling of Air Pollution
United Nations Environment Program
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
United National Industrial Development Organization
Utilization Officer
Upconing of a Salt-Water/Fresh-Water Interface
Below a Pumping Well
United States Attorney
United States Attorney's Office
United States Bureau of Mines
United States Bureau of Standards
Unified Soil Classification
United States Code
United States Code Annotated
United States Coast Guard
United States Capitol Police
United States Department of Agriculture
United States Department of the Interior
Underground Source of Drinking Water
United States Environmental Protection Agency
United States Forest Service
United States Geological Survey (DOI)
United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission
United States Public Health Service
United States Park Police
United States Postal Service
United States Secret Service
Underground Storage Tank
Universal Transverse Mercator
Urban Transportation Planning
Ultraviolet
Unsaturated Zone Monitoring
Veterans Administration
83
-------
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
VALLEY
VAN
VAT
VBOK
VCEM
VCM
VDT
VE
VEO
VMS
VHT
VIEW
VISTA
VISTTA
VKT
VLIB
VMAL
VMT
voc
VOLSTORAGE
VOS
VOST
VP
VSAM
VSD
VSI
VSPC
VSS
VSS
WA
WACO
WADTF
WAM
WAP
WASP
Meteorological Model to Calculate Concentrations on
Elevated Terrain
HERL-RTP Van System
Value Added Tax
EMSL-Vegas Library Book System
EMSL-Vegas Chemical Inventory
Vinyl Chloride Monomer
Video Display Terminal
Visual Emissions
Visible Emission Observation
Vertical and Horizontal Spread Model
Vehicle-Hours of Travel
Visibility Investigative Experiment in the West
Employee I.D. No. Data Entry at Parklawn Computer Center
Visibility Impairment from Sulfur Transformation &
Transport in the Atmosphere
Vehicle Kilometers Traveled
EMSL-Vegas Library Inventory
EMSL-Vegas Mail List
Vehicle Miles Traveled
Volatile Organic Compounds
Volatile Organic Liquid Storage Facilities
Vehicle Operating Survey
Volatile Organic Sampling Train
Vapor Pressure
Virtual Storage Access Method
Virtually Safe Dose
Visual Site Inspection
EMSL-Vegas Species System
Volatile Suspended Solids
Voucher and Scheduling System
Work Assignment
Region 7 NPDES Water Compliance System
Western Atmospheric Deposition Task Force
Work Assignment Manager
Waste Analysis Plan (RCRA)
Water Quality Analysis Simulation Program, Version 3.1
84
-------
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
WATER
WATQ
WB
WB
WBC
WBC
WBE
WCC
WCED
WD
WDROP
WED
WED
WENDB
WERL
WESPDOSE2
WFPM
WG
WG
WGI
WHO
WHO-WMO
WHWT
WIC
WICEM
WISE
WL
WL
WLA/TMDL
WLD
WLM
WMD
WMD
WMED
WMO
WMS
WOW
WP
Economic Analysis of Water Supply
Region 2 Water Quality Analysis Graphics System
Wet Bulb
World Bank
White Blood Cells
Whole-Body Count and Bioassay
Women's Business Enterprise
Washington Computer Center
World Commission on Environment and Development
Water Division (OGC)
Distribution Register of Organic Pollutants in Water
Water Enforcement Division (OECM)
Women's Equality Day
Water Enforcement National Data Base
Water Engineering Research Laboratory (ORD)
High Level Radioactive Waste Risk Model Environmental Pathways
Western Fine Paniculate Monitoring
Wage Grade
Work Group
Within Grade Increase
World Health Organization (UN)
International Air Data Base
Water and Hazardous Waste Team
Washington Information Center
World Industry Conference on Environmental Management
Women in Science and Engineering
Warning Letter
Working Levels
Wasteload Allocation/Total Maximum Daily Load
Water and Land Division (ORD)
Working Level Months
Waste Management Division (ORD)
Water Management Division (Regional)
Waste Management and Economics Division (OSWER)
World Meteorological Organization
Work Force Management Staff (OHRM)
We-Cycle Office Wastepaper
Water Pollution Lab Performance Evaluation Studies
85
-------
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
WPC
WPCF
WPD
WPI
WPO
WPPISDC
woe
WQM4
WQMSGL
WRC
WRC
WRDA
WRI
WRS
WS
WS
WSAP
WSF
WSM
WSRA
WSSM
WSTB
WSVS
WTPS
WTS
WTSHRD
WWEMA
WWF
WWMMRD
WWMS
WWTP
YTD
ZBB
ZHE
ZOI
ZRL
Word Processing Center
Water Pollution Control Federation
Water Planning Division (OW)
Wholesale Price Index
Water Policy Office (OW)
Wisconsin Power Plant Impact Study Data Center
Water Quality Criteria
Region 4 Water Quality Modeling
Water Quality Modeling System for the Great Lakes
Water Resources Congress
Water Resources Council
Water Resources Development Act
World Resources Institute
Reg 5 ADP Workload Reporting System
Water Supply Evaluation Studies Lab Performance
Work Status
Weighted Sensitivity Analysis Program
Water Soluble Fraction
Waterside Mall
Wild and Scenic Rivers Act
Water Supply Simulation Model
Water Science and Technology Board
Region 2 Water Supply Violation Assessment Graphics System
Water, Toxics and Pesticides Staff (ORD)
HPOB Automated Workload Management System
Water and Toxic Substances Health Research Division (ORD)
Waste and Wastewater Equipment Manufacturers Association
World Wildlife Fund
Water and Waste Management Monitoring Research Division
(ORD)
Water and Waste Management Staff (ORD)
Wastewater Treatment Plant
Year to Date
Zero Base Budgeting
Zero Headspace Extractor
Zone of Incorporation
Zero Risk Level
86
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
A-Scale Sound Level—
A measurement of sound approximating the sensitivity of the human ear, used to note the
intensity or annoyance of sounds.
Abandoned Well—
A well whose use has been permanently discontinued or which is in a state of disrepair such that
it cannot be used for its intended purpose.
Abatement—
Reducing the degree or intensity of, or eliminating, pollution.
ABEL—
EPA's computer model for analyzing a violator's ability to pay a civil penalty.
Absorption—
1. Adhesion of molecules of gas, liquid, or dissolved solids to a surface.
2. An advanced method of treating wastes in which activated carbon removes organic matter
from wastewater.
3. The passage of one substance into or through another; e.g., an operation in which one or more
soluble components of a gas mixture are dissolved in a liquid.
Accelerator—
In radiation science, a device that speeds up charged particles such as electrons or protons.
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)—
An estimate similar in concept to the RfDs, however, derived using a less rigorously defined
methodology. RfDs have replaced the ADI as the Agency's preferred value for use in evaluating
potential noncarcinogenic health effects resulting from exposure to a chemical.
Acceptable Intake for Chronic Exposure (AICs)
An estimate similar in concept to the RfDs, however, derived using a less rigorously defined
methodology. RfDs have replaced AICs as the Agency's preferred value for use in evaluating
potential noncarcinogenic health effects resulting from exposure to a chemical.
Acceptable Intake for Subchronic Exposure (AIS)—
An estimate similar in concept to a subchronic RfDs, however, derived using a less rigorously
defined methodology. Subchronic RfDs have replaced AICs as the Agency's preferred value for
use in evaluating potential noncarcinogenic health effects resulting from exposure to a chemi-
cal.
87
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
Accident Site—
The location of an unexpected occurrence, failure, or loss, either at a plant or along a
transportation route, resulting in a release of hazardous materials.
Acclimatization—
The physiological and behavioral adjustments of an organism to changes in its environment.
Acetylcho line—
A substance in the human body having important neurotransmitter effects on various internal
systems; often used as a bronchoconstrictor.
Acid Deposition—
A complex chemical and atmospheric phenomenon that occurs when emissions of sulfur and
nitrogen compounds and other substances are transformed by chemical processes in the
atmosphere, often far from the original sources, and then deposited on earth in either a wet or
dry form. The wet forms, popularly called "acid rain," can fall as rain, snow, or fog. The dry
forms are acidic gases or particulates.
Acid Rain—
(See: acid deposition)
Action Levels—
1. Regulatory levels recommended by EPA for enforcement by FDA and USDA when pesticide
residues occur in food or feed commodities for reasons other than the direct application of the
pesticide. As opposed to "tolerances" which are established for residues occurring as a direct
result of proper usage, action levels are set for inadvertent residues resulting from previous
legal use or accidental contamination.
2. In the Superfund program, the existence of a contaminant concentration in the environment
high enough to warrant action or trigger a response under SARA and the National Oil and
Hazardous Substances Contingency Plan. The term can be used similarly in other regulatory
programs. (See: Tolerances)
Activated Carbon—
A highly adsorbent form of carbon used to remove odors and toxic substances from liquid or
gaseous emissions. In waste treatment it is used to remove dissolved organic matter from waste
water. It is also used in motor vehicle evaporative control systems.
Activated Sludge—
Sludge that results when primary effluent is mixed with bacteria-laden sludge and then agitated
and aerated to promote biological treatment. This speeds breakdown of organic matter in raw
sewage undergoing secondary waste treatment.
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
Active Ingredient—
In any pesticide product, the component which kills, or otherwise controls, target pests.
Pesticides are regulated primarily on the basis of active ingredients.
Acute Exposure—
A single exposure to a toxic substance which results in severe biological harm or death. Acute
exposures are usually characterized as lasting no longer than a day.
Acute Toxicity—
The ability of a substance to cause poisonous effects resulting in severe biological harm or death
soon after a single exposure or dose. Also, any severe poisonous effect resulting from a single
short-term exposure to a toxic substance. (See: Chronic Toxicity, Toxicity)
Adaptation—
Changes in an organism's structure that help it adjust to its surroundings.
Add On Control Device—
An air pollution control device such as carbon absorber or incinerator which reduces the
pollution in an exhaust gas. The control device usually does not affect the process being
controlled and thus is "add on" technology, as opposed to a scheme to control pollution through
making some alteration to the basic process.
Adhesion—
Molecular attraction which holds the surfaces of two substances in contact.
Administrative Order—
A legal document signed by EPA directing an individual, business, or other entity to take
corrective action or refrain from an activity. It describes the violations and actions to be taken,
and can be enforced in court. Such orders may be issued, for example, as a result of an
administrative complaint whereby the respondent is ordered to pay a penalty for violations of
a statute.
Administrative Procedures Act—
A law that spells out procedures and requirements related to the promulgation of regulations.
Adulterants—
Chemical impurities or substances that by law do not belong in a food or in a pesticide.
89
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
Advanced Waste Water Treatment—
Any treatment of sewage that goes beyond the secondary or biological water treatment stage
and includes the removal of nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen and a high percentage
of suspended solids. (See: Primary, Secondary Treatment)
Advisory—
A nonregulatory document that communicates risk information to persons who may have to
make risk management decisions.
Aeration—
A process which promotes biological degradation of organic water. The process may be passive
(as when waste is exposed to air) or active (as when a mixing or bubbling device introduces the
air).
Aeration Tank—
A chamber used to inject air into water.
Aerobic—
Life or processes that retire, or are not destroyed by, the presence of oxygen. (See: Anaerobic)
Aerobic Treatment—
Process by which microbes decompose complex organic compounds in the presence of oxygen
and use the liberated energy for reproduction and growth. Types of aerobic processes include
extended aeration, trickling filtration, and rotating biological contactors.
Aerosol—
A suspension of liquid or solid particles in a gas.
Afterburner—
In incinerator technology, a burner located so that the combustion gases are made to pass
through its flame in order to remove smoke and odors. It may be attached to or be separated
from the incinerator proper.
Agent Orange—
A toxic herbicide and defoliant which was used in the Vietnam conflict. It contains 2,4,5-
trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4,5-T) and 2-4 dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) with trace
amounts of dioxin.
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
Agglomeration—
The process by which precipitation particles grow larger by collision or contact with cloud
particles or other precipitation particles.
Agglutination—
The process of uniting solid particles coated with a thin layer of adhesive material or of arresting
solid particles by impact on a surface coated with an adhesive.
Agricultural Pollution—
The liquid and solid wastes from farming, including: runoff and leaching of pesticides and
fertilizers; erosion and dust from plowing; animal manure and carcasses; crop residues; and
debris.
Air Changes Per Hour (ACH)—
The movement of a volume of air in a given time; if a house has one air change per hour, it means
that all of the air in the house will be replaced in a one-hour period.
Air Contaminant—
Any participate matter, gas, or combination thereof, other than water vapor or natural air. (See:
Air Pollutant)
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 meteorological or polluted characteristics, e.g., a
heat inversion or smogginess while set in one location. The characteristics can change as it
moves away.
Air Monitoring—
(See: Monitoring)
Air Pollutant—
Any substance in air which could, if in high enough concentration, harm man, other animals,
vegetation, or material. Pollutants may include almost any natural or artificial composition of
matter capable of being airborne. They may be in the form of solid particles, liquid droplets,
91
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
gases, or in combinations of these forms. Generally, they fall into two main groups: (1) those
emitted directly from identifiable sources; and (2) those produced in the air by interaction
between two or more primary pollutants, or by reaction with normal atmospheric constituents,
with or without photoactivation. Exclusive of pollen, fog, and dust, which are of natural origin,
about 100 contaminants have been identified and fall into these categories: solids, sulfur
compounds, volatile organic chemicals, nitrogen compounds, oxygen compounds, halogen
compounds, radioactive compounds, and odors.
Air Pollution—
The presence of contaminant or pollutant substances in the air that do not disperse properly and
interfere with human health or welfare, or produce other harmful environmental effects.
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. (See: Episode, Pollution)
Air Quality Control Region—
An area—designated by the federal government—in which communities share a common air
pollution problem. Sometimes several states are involved.
Air Quality Criteria—
The levels of pollution and lengths of exposure above which adverse health and welfare effects
may occur.
Air Quality Standards—
The level of pollutants prescribed by regulations that may not be exceeded during a specified
time in a defined area.
Airborne Particulates—
Total suspended particulate matter found in theatmosphere as solid particles or liquid droplets.
The chemical composition of particulates varies widely, depending onlocationand timeof year.
Airborne particulates include windblown dust, emissions from industrial processes, smoke
from the burning of wood and coal, and the exhaust of motor vehicles.
Airborne Release—
Release of any chemical into the air.
92
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
Alachlor—
A herbicide, marketed under the trade name Lasso, used mainly to control weeds in corn and
soybean fields.
Alar-
Trade name for daminozide, a pesticide that makes apples redder, firmer, and less likely to drop
off trees before growers are ready to pick them. It is also used to a lesser extent on peanuts, tart
cherries, concord grapes, and other fruits.
Aldicarb—
An insecticide sold under the trade name Temik. It is made from ethyl isocyanate.
Algae—
Simple rootless plants that grow in sunlit waters in relative proportion to the amounts of
nutrients available. They can affect water quality adversely by lowering the dissolved oxygen
in the water. They are food for fish and small aquatic animals.
Algal Blooms—
Sudden spurts of algal growth, which can affect water quality adversely and indicate poten-
tially hazardous changes in local water chemistry.
Alpha Particle—
A positively charged particle composed of 2 neutrons and 2 protons released by some atoms
undergoing radioactive decay. The particle is identical to the nucleus of a helium atom.
Alternate Method—
Any method of sampling and analyzing for an air pollutant which is not a reference or
equivalent method but which has been demonstrated in specific cases to EPA's satisfaction to
produce results adequate for compliance.
Ambient Air Quality Standards—
(See: Criteria Pollutants, National Ambient Air Quality Standards)
Ambient Air—
Any unconfined portion of the atmosphere: open air, surrounding air.
Anadromous—
Fish that spend their adult life in the sea but swim upriver to fresh water spawning grounds to
reproduce.
93
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
Anaerobic—
A life or process that occurs in, or is not destroyed by, the absence of oxygen.
Analytes—
The chemicals for which a sample is analyzed.
Antagonism—
The interaction of two chemicals having an opposing, or neutralizing, effect on each other, or
given some specific biological effect a chemical interaction that appears to have an opposing or
neutralizing effect over what might otherwise be expected.
Antarctic "Ozone Hole"—
Refers to the seasonal depletion of ozone in a large area over Antarctica.
Antidegradation Clause—
Part of federal air quality and water quality requirements prohibiting deterioration where
pollution levels are above the legal limit.
Antibodies—
Proteins produced in the body by immune system cells in response to antigens, and capable of
combining with antigens.
Antigen—
A substance that causes production of antibodies when introduced into animal or human tissue.
Aquifer—
An underground geological formation, or group of formations, containing usable amounts of
groundwater that can supply wells and springs.
Arbitration—
A process for the resolution of disputes. Decisions are made by an impartial arbitrator selected
by the parties. These decisions are usually legally binding. (See: Mediation)
Area of Review—
In the UIC program, the area surrounding an injection well that is reviewed during the
permitting process to determine whether the injection operation will induce flow between
aquifers.
94
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
Area Source—
Any small source of nonnatural air pollution that is released over a relatively small area but
which cannot be classified as a point source. Such sources may include vehicles and other small
fuel combustion engines.
Asbestos—
A mineral fiber that can pollute air or water and cause cancer or asbestosis when inhaled. EPA
has banned or severely restricted its use in manufacturing and construction.
Asbestosis—
A disease associated with chronic exposure to and inhalation of asbestos fibers. The disease
makes breathing progressively more difficult and can lead to death.
Ash—
The mineral content of a product remaining after complete combustion.
Assimilation—
The ability of a body of water to purify itself of pollutants.
Atmosphere—
1. A standard unit of pressure representing the pressure exerted by a 29.92-inch column of
mercury at sea level at 45' latitude and equal to 1000 grams per square centimeter.
2. The whole mass of air surrounding the earth, composed largely of oxygen and nitrogen.
Atomize
To divide a liquid into extremely minute particles, either by impact with a jet of steam or
compressed air, or by passage through some mechanical device.
Attainment Area—
An area considered to have air quality as good as or better than the national ambient air quality
standards as defined in the Clean Air Act. An area may be an attainment area for one pollutant
and a nonattainment area for others.
Attenuation—
The process by which a compound is reduced in concentration over time, through adsorption,
degradation, dilution, and/or transformation.
Attractant—
A chemical or agent that lures insects or other pests by stimulating their sense of smell.
95
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
Attrition—
Wearing or grinding down of a substance by friction. A contributing factor in air pollution, as
with dust.
Autotrophic—
An organism that produces food from inorganic substances.
Background Level—
In air pollution control, the concentration of air pollutants in a definite area during a fixed time
prior to the starting up or on the stoppage of a source of emission under control. In toxic
substances monitoring, the average presence in the environment, originally referring to
naturally occurring phenomena.
BACT (Best Available Control Technology)—
An emission limitation based on the maximum degree of emission reduction which (consider-
ing energy, environmental, and economic impacts and other costs) is achievable through
application of production processes and available methods, systems, and techniques. In no
event does BACT permit emissions in excess of those allowed under any applicable Clean Air
Act provisions. Use of the BACT concept is allowable on a case by case basis for major new or
modified emissions sources in attainment areas and applies to each regulated pollutant.
Bacteria—
Microscopic living organisms which can aid in pollution control by consuming or breaking
down organic matter in sewage, or by similarly acting on oil spills or other water pollutants.
Bacteria in soil, water or air can also cause human, animal and plant health problems. The
singular form of bacteria is bacterium.
Baffle Chamber—
In incinerator design, a chamber designed to promote the settling of fly ash and coarse
particulate matter by changing the direction and/or reducing the velocity of the gases produced
by the combustion of the refuse or sludge.
Baghouse Filter—
Large fabric bag, usually made of glass fibers, used to eliminate intermediate and large (greater
than 20 microns in diameter) particles. This device operates in a way similar to the bag of an
electric vacuum cleaner, passing the air and smaller particulate matter, while entrapping the
larger particulates.
96
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
Baling—
Compacting solid waste into blocks to reduce volume and simplify handling.
Ballistic Separator— .
A machine mat sorts organic from inorganic matter for composting.
Band Application—
In pesticides, the spreading of chemicals over, or next to, each row of plants in a field.
Banking—
A system for recording qualified air emission reductions for later use in bubble, offset, or netting
transactions. (See: Emissions Trading)
Bar Screen—
In wastewater treatment, a device used to remove large solids.
Barrier Coating(s)—
A layer of a material that acts to obstruct or prevent passage of something through a surface that
is to be protected, e.g., grout, caulk, or various sealing compounds. Sometimes used with
polyurethane membranes to prevent corrosion or oxidation of metal surfaces, chemical impacts
on various materials, or, for example, to prevent soil-gas-borne radon from moving through
walls, cracks, or joints in a house.
Basal Application—
In pesticides, the application of a chemical on plant stems or tree trunks just above the soil line.
BEN—
EPA's computer model for analyzing a violator's economic gain from not complying with the
law.
Benthic Organism (Benthos)—
A form of aquatic plant or animal life that is found on or near the bottom of a stream, lake, or
ocean.
Benthic Region—
The bottom layer of a body of water.
Beryllium—
An airborne metal that can be hazardous to human health when inhaled. It is discharged by
machine shops, ceramic and propellant plants, and foundries.
97
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
Beta Particle—
An elementary particle emitted by radioactive decay that may cause skin burns. It is halted by
a thin sheet of paper.
Bioaccumu lative—
Substances that increase in concentration in living organisms (that are very slowly metabolized
or excreted) as they breathe contaminated air, drink contaminated water, or eat contaminated
food. (See: Biological Magnification)
Bioassay—
Using living organisms to measure the effect of a substance, factor, or condition by comparing
before—and after—data. Term is often used to mean cancer bioassays.
Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD)—
A measure of the amount of oxygen consumed in the biological processes that break down
organic matter in water. The greater the BOD, the greater the degree of pollution.
Biodegradable—
The ability to break down or decompose rapidly under natural conditions and processes.
Biological Control—
In pest control, the use of animals and organisms that eat or otherwise kill or out-compete pests.
Biological Magnification—
Refers to the process whereby certain substances such as pesticides or heavy metals move up
the food chain, work their way into a river or lake and are eaten by aquatic organisms such as
fish, which in turn are eaten by large birds, animals, or humans. The substances become
concentrated in tissues or internal organs as they move up the chain. (See: Bioaccumulative)
Biological Oxidation—
The way bacteria and microorganisms feed on and decompose complex organic materials. Used
in self-purification of water bodies and in activated sludge wastewater treatment.
Biological Treatment—
A treatment technology that uses bacteria to consume waste. This treatment breaks down
organic materials.
Biomass—
All of the living material in a given area; often refers to vegetation. Also called "biota."
98
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
Biomonitoring—
1. The use of living organisms to test the suitability of effluents for discharge into receiving
waters and to test the quality of such waters downstream from the discharge.
2. Analysis of blood, urine, tissues, etc., to measure chemical exposure in humans.
Biosphere—
The portion of Earth and its atmosphere that can support life.
Biostabilizer—
A machine that converts solid waste into compost by grinding and aeration.
Biota—
(See: Biomass)
Biotechnology—
Techniques that use living organisms or parts of organisms to produce a variety of products
(from medicines to industrial enzymes) to improve plants or animals or to develop microorgan-
isms for specific uses such as removing toxics from bodies of water, or as pesticides.
Biotic Community—
A naturally occurring assemblage of plants and animals that live in the same environment and
are mutually sustaining and interdependent.
Black Lung—
A disease of the lungs caused by habitual inhalation of coal dust.
Blackwater—
Water that contains animal, human, or food wastes.
BODS—
The amount of dissolved oxygen consumed in five days by biological processes breaking down
organic matter.
Bog—
A type of wetland that accumulates appreciable peat deposits. Bogs depend primarily on
precipitation for their water source and are usually acidic and rich in plant residue with a
conspicuous mat of living green moss.
99
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
Boom—
1. A floating device used to contain oil on a body of water.
2. A piece of equipment used to apply pesticides from ground equipment such as a tractor or
truck. (See: Sonic Boom)
Botanical Pesticide—
A pesticide whose active ingredient is a plant produced chemical such as nicotine or strychnine.
Bottle Bill-
Proposed or enacted legislation which requires a returnable deposit on beer or soda containers
and provides for retail store or other redemption centers. Such legislation is designed to
discourage use of throwaway containers.
Bottom Land Hardwoods—
Forested freshwater wetlands adjacent to rivers in the southeastern United States. They are
especially valuable for wildlife breeding and nesting and habitat areas.
Brackish Water—
A mixture of fresh and salt water.
Broadcast Application—
In pesticides, the spreading of chemicals over an entire area.
Bubble—
A system under which existing emissions sources can propose alternate means to comply with
a set of emissions limita tions. Under the bubble concept, sources can control more than required
at one emission point where control costs are relatively low in return fora comparable relaxation
of controls at a second emission point where costs are higher.
Bubble Policy—
(See: Emissions Trading)
Buffer Strips-
Strips of grass or other erosion-resisting vegetation between or below cultivated strips or fields.
Burial Ground (Graveyard)—
A disposal site for radioactive waste materials that uses earth or water as a shield.
100
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
By-product—
Material, other than the principal product, that is generated as a consequence of an industrial
process.
Cadmium (CD)—
A heavy metal element that accumulates in the environment.
Cancellation—
Refers to Section 6(b) of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), which
authorizes cancellation of a pesticide registration if unreasonable adverse effects to the
environment and public health develop when a product is used according to widespread and
commonly recognized practice, or if its labeling or other material required to be submitted does
not comply with FIFRA provisions.
Cap—
A layer of clay, or other highly impermeable material, installed over the top of a closed landfill
to prevent entry of rainwater and minimize production of leachate.
Capture Efficiency—
The fraction of all organic vapors generated by a process that are directed to an abatement or
recovery device.
Carbon Adsorber—
An add on control device which uses activated carbon to absorb volatile organic compounds
(VOCs) from a gas stream. The VOCs are later recovered from the carbon.
Carbon Dioxide (COJ—
A colorless, odorless, nonpoisonous gas, which results from fossil fuel combustion and is
normally a part of the ambient air.
Carbon Monoxide (CO)—
A colorless, odorless, poisonous gas produced by incomplete fossil fuel combustion.
Carboxyhemoglobin—
Hemoglobin in which the iron is associated with carbon monoxide (CO). The affinity of
hemoglobin for CO is about 300 times greater than for oxygen.
Carcinogen—
Any substance that can cause or contribute to the production of cancer.
101
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
Carcinogen Risk Assessment Verification Endeavor (CRAVE) Work Group—
An EPA work group formed to validate Agency carcinogen risk assessments and resolve
conflicting potency values among various program offices.
Carcinogenic—
Cancer-producing.
Carrying Capacity—
1. In recreation management, the amount of use a recreation area can sustain without deterio-
ration of its quality.
2. In wildlife management, the maximum number of animals an area can support during a given
period of the year.
Cask—
A thick-walled container (usually lead) used to transport radioactive material. Also called a
coffin.
Catalytic Converter—
An air pollution abatement device that removes pollutants from motor vehicle exhaust, either
by oxidizing them into carbon dioxide and water or reducing them to nitrogen and oxygen.
Catalytic Incinerator—
A control device which oxidizes volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by using a catalyst to
promote the combustion process. Catalytic incinerators require lower temperatures than
conventional thermal incinerators, with resultant fuel and cost savings.
Catanadramous—
Fish that swim downstream to spawn.
Categorical Exclusion—
A class of actions which either individually or cumulatively would not have a significant effect
on the human environment and therefore would not require preparation of an environmental
assessment or environmental impact statement under the National Environmental Policy Act
(NEPA).
Categorical Pretreatment Standard—
A technology-based effluent limitation for an industrial facility which discharges into a
municipal sewer system. Analogous in stringency to Best Availability Technology (BAT) for
direct dischargers.
102
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
Cathodic Protection—
A technique to prevent corrosion of a metal surface by making that surface the cathode of an
electrochemical cell.
Caustic Soda—
Sodium hydroxide, a strong alkaline substance used as the cleaning agent in some detergents.
CBOD5 —
The amount of dissolved oxygen consumed in five days from the carbonaceous portion of
biological processes breaking down in an effluent. The test methodology is the same as for
BODS, except that nitrogen demand is suppressed.
Cells—
\. In solid waste disposal, holes where waste is dumped, compacted, and covered with layers
of dirt on a daily basis.
2. The smallest structural part of living matter capable of functioning as an independent unit.
Centrifugal Collector—
A mechanical system using centrifugal force to remove aerosols from a gas stream or to de-
water sludge.
Cesium (Cs)—
A silver-white, soft ductile element of the alkali metal group that is the most electropositive
element known. Used especially in photoelectric cells.
Channelization—
Straightening and deepening streams so water will move faster. A flood-reduction or marsh-
drainage tactic that can interfere with waste assimilation capacity and disturb fish and wildlife
habitats.
Characteristic—
Any one of the four categories used in defining hazardous waste: ignitability, corrosivity,
reactivity, and toxicity.
Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD)—
A measure of the oxygen required to oxidize all compounds in water, both organic and
inorganic.
103
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
Chemical Treatment—
Any one of a variety of technologies that use chemicals or a variety of chemical processes to treat
waste.
Chemicals of Potential Concern—
Chemicals that are potentially site-related and whose data are of sufficient quality for use in the
quantitative risk assessment.
Chemosterilant—
A chemical that controls pests by preventing reproduction.
Chilling Effect—
The lowering of the Earth's temperature because of increased particles in the air blocking the
sun's rays. (See: Greenhouse Effect)
Chlorinated Hydrocarbons—
These include a class of persistent, broad-spectrum insecticides, that linger in the environment
and accumulate in the food chain. Among them are DDT, aldrin, dieldrin, heptachlor, chlor-
dane, lindane, endrin, mirex, hexachloride, and toxaphene. Other examples include TCE, used
as an industrial solvent.
Chlorinated Solvent—
An organic solvent containing chlorine atoms, e.g., methylene chloride and 1,1,1—trichlorom-
ethane, which are used in aerosol spray containers and in traffic paint.
Chlorination—
The application of chlorine to drinking water, sewage, or industrial waste to disinfect or to
oxidize undesirable compounds.
Chlorinator—
A device that adds chlorine, in gas or liquid form, to water or sewage to kill infectious bacteria.
Chlorine-Contact Chamber—
That part of a water treatment plant where effluent is disinfected by chlorine.
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)—
A family of inert, nontoxic, and easily liquified chemicals used in refrigeration, air conditioning,
packaging, insulation, or as solvents and aerosol propellants. Because CFCs are not destroyed
104
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
in the lower atmosphere, they drift into the upper atmosphere where their chlorine components
destroy ozone.
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 RfD—
An estimate (with uncertainty spanning perhaps an order of magnitude or greater) of a lifetime
daily exposure level for the human population, including sensitive subpopulations, that is
likely to be without an appreciable risk of deleterious effects. Chronic RfDs are specifically
developed to be protective for long-term exposure to a compound (7 years to lifetime).
Chronic Toxicity—
The capacity of a substance to cause long-term poisonous human health effects. (See: Acute
Toxicity.)
Clarification—
Clearing action that occurs during wastewater treatment when solids settle out. This is often
aided by centrifugal action and chemically induced coagulation in wastewater.
Clarifier—
A tank in which solids are settled to the bottom and are subsequently removed as sludge.
Cleanup—
Actions taken to deal with a release or threat of release of a hazardous substance that could affect
humans and/or the environment. The term "cleanup" is sometimes used interchangeably with
the terms remedial action, removal action, response action, or corrective action.
Clear Cut—
A forest management technique that involves harvesting all the trees in one area at one time.
Under certain soil and slope conditions it can contribute sediment to water pollution.
Cloning—
In biotechnology, obtaining a group of genetically identical cells from a single cell. This term has
assumed a more general meaning that includes making copies of a gene.
105
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
Closed-Loop Recycling—
Reclaiming or reusing wastewater for nonpotable purposes in an enclosed process.
Coagulation—
A clumping of particles in wastewater to settle out impurities. It is often induced by chemicals
such as lime, alum, and iron salts.
Coastal Zone—
Lands and waters adjacent to the coast that exert an influence on the uses of the sea and its
ecology, or, inversely, whose uses and ecology are affected by the sea.
Coefficient of Haze (COH)—
A measurement of visibility interference in the atmosphere.
Coliform Index—
A rating of the purity of water based on a count of fecal bacteria.
Coliform Organism—
Microorganisms found in the intestinal tract of humans and animals. Their presence in water
indicates fecal pollution and potentially dangerous bacterial contamination by disease causing
microorganisms.
Combined Sewers—
A sewer system that carries both sewage and storm-water runoff. Normally, its entire flow goes
to a waste treatment plant, but during a heavy storm, the storm water volume may be so great
as to cause overflows. When this happens, untreated mixtures of storm water and sewage may
flow into receiving waters. Storm-water runoff may also carry toxic chemicals from industrial
areas or streets into the sewer system.
Combustion—
Burning, or rapid oxidation, accompanied by release of energy in the form of heat and light. A
basic cause of air pollution.
Combustion Product—
Substance produced during the burning or oxidation of a material.
Command Post—
Facility located at a safe distance upwind from an accident site, where the on-scene coordinator,
106
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
responders, and technical representatives can make response decisions, deploy manpower and
equipment, maintain liaison with news media, and handle communications.
Comment Period—
Time provided for the public to review and comment on a proposed EPA action or rulemaking
after it is published in the Federal Register.
Comminuter—
A machine that shreds or pulverizes solids to make waste treatment easier.
Comminution—
Mechanical shredding or pulverizing of waste. Used in both solid waste management and
wastewater treatment.
Common Laboratory Contaminants—
Certain organic chemicals (considered by EPA to be acetone, 2-butanone, methylene chloride,
toluene, and the phthalate esters) that are commonly used in the laboratory and thus may be
introduced into a sample from laboratory cross-contamination, not from the site.
Community Relations—
The EPA effort to establish two-way communication with the public to create understanding of
EPA programs and related actions, to assure public input into decision-making processes
related to affected communities, and to make certain that the Agency is aware of and responsive
to public concerns. Specific community relations activities are required in relation to Superfund
remedial actions.
Community Water System—
A public water system which serves at least fifteen service connections used by year-round
residents or regularly serves at least twenty-five year-round residents.
Compaction—
Reduction of the bulk of solid waste by rolling and tamping.
Compliance Coating—
A coating whose volatile organic compound content does not exceed that allowed by regula-
tion.
Compliance Schedule—
A negotiated agreement between a pollution source and a government agency that specifies
107
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
dates and procedures by which a source will reduce emissions and/ thereby, comply with a
regulation.
Compost—
A mixture of garbage and degradable trash with soil in which certain bacteria in the soil break
down the garbage and trash into organic fertilizer.
Composting—
The natural biological decomposition of organic material in the presence of air to form a humun-
like material. Controlled methods of composting include mechanical mixing and aerating,
ventilating the materials by dropping them through a vertical series of aerated chambers, or
placing the compost in piles out in the open air and mixing or turning it periodically.
Conditional Registration—
Under special circumstances, the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (F1FRA)
permits registration of pesticide products that is "conditional" upon the submission of addi-
tional data. These special circumstances include a finding by the EPA Administrator that a new
product or use of an existing pesticide will not significantly increase the risk of unreasonable
adverse effects. A product containing a new (previously unregistered) active ingredient may be
conditionally registered only if the Administrator finds that such conditional registration is in
the public interest, that a reasonable time for conducting the additional studies has not elapsed,
and the use of the pesticide for the period of conditional registration will not present an
unreasonable risk.
Confined Aquifer—
An aquifer in which ground water is confined under pressure that is significantly greater than
atmospheric pressure.
Consent Decree—
A legal document, approved by a judge, that formalizes an agreement reached between EPA
and potentially responsible parties (PRPs) through which PRPs will conduct all of part of a
cleanup action at a Superfund site; cease or correct actions or processes that are polluting the
environment; or otherwise comply with regulations where the PRP's failure to comply caused
EPA to initiate regulatory enforcement actions. The consent decree describes the actions PRPs
will take and may be subject to a public comment period.
Conservation—
Avoiding waste of, and renewing when possible, human and natural resources. The protection,
108
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
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).
Also, soil that contains the minute skeletons of certain algae that scratches and dehydrates
waxy-coated insects.
Contact rate—
Amount of medium (e.g., ground water, soil) contacted per unit time or event (e.g. liters of water
ingested per day).
Contaminant—
Any physical, chemical, biological, or radiological substance or matter tha t has an adverse affect
on air, water, or soil
Contingency Plan—
A document setting out an organized, planned, and coordinated course of action to be followed
in case of a fire, explosion, or other accident that releases toxic chemicals, hazardous wastes, or
radioactive materials which threaten human health or the environment. (See: National Oil and
Hazardous Substances Contingency Plan.)
Contour Plowing—
Farming methods that break ground following the shape of the land in a way that discourages
erosion.
Contract Laboratory Program—
Analytical program developed for Superfund waste site samples to fill the need for legally
defensible analytical results supported by a high level of quality assurance and documentation.
Contract Labs—
Laboratories under contract to EPA, which analyze samples taken from wastes, soil, air, and
water or carry out research projects.
Contract-Required Quantitation Limit—
Chemical-specific levels that a CLP laboratory must be able to routinely and reliably detect and
quantitate in specified sample matrices. May or may not equal the reported quantitation limit
of a given chemical in a given sample.
109
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
Contrails—
Long, narrow clouds caused when high-flying jet aircraft disturb the atmosphere.
Control Technique Guidelines (CTG)—
A series of EPA documents designed to assist states in defining reasonable available control
technology (RACT) for major sources of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Conventional Pollutants—
Statutorily listed pollutants which are understood well by scientists. These may be in the form
of organic waste, sediment, acid, bacteria and viruses, nutrients, oil and grease, or heat.
Conventional Systems—
Systems that have been traditionally used to collect municipal waste water in gravity sewers and
convey it to a central primary or secondary treatment plant prior to discharge to surface waters.
Coolant—
A liquid or gas used to reduce the heat generated by power production in nuclear reactors,
electric generators, various industrial and mechanical processes, and automobile engines.
Cooling Tower—
A structure that helps remove heat from water used as a coolant, e.g., in electric power
generating plants.
Core —
The uranium-containing heart of a nuclear reactor, where energy is released.
Corrosion —
The dissolving and wearing a way of metal caused by a chemical reaction such as between water
and the pipes that the water contacts, chemicals touching a metal surface, or contact between
two metals.
Corrosive—
A chemical agent that reacts with the surface of a material causing it to deteriorate or wear away.
Cost Recovery—
A legal process by which potentially responsible parties who contributed to contamination at
a Superfund site can be required to reimburse the Trust Fund for money spent during any
cleanup actions by the federal government.
110
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
Cost-Effective Alternative—
An alternative control or corrective method identified after analysis as being the best available
in terms of reliability, permanence, and economic considerations. Although costs are one
important consideration, when regulatory and compliance methods are being considered, such
analysis does not require EPA to choose the least expensive alternative. For example, when
selecting a method for cleaning up a site on the Superfund National Priorities List, the Agency
balances costs with the long term effectiveness of the various methods proposed.
Cover—
Vegetation or other material providing protection as ground cover.
Cover Materia I—
Soil used to cover compacted solid waste in a sanitary landfill.
Crawl Space—
In some types of houses, which are constructed so that the floor is raised slightly above the
ground, an area beneath the floor which allows access to utilities and other services. This is in
contrast to slab-on-grade or basement construction houses.
Criteria—
Descriptive factors taken into account by EPA in setting standards for various pollutants. These
factors are used to determine limits on allowable concentration levels and to limit the number
of violations per year. When issued by EPA, the criteria provide guidance to the states on how
to establish their standards.
Criteria Pollutants—
The 1970 amendments to the Clean Air Act required EPA to set National Ambient Air Quality
Standards for certain pollutants known to be hazardous to human health. EPA has identified
and set standards to protect human health and welfare for six pollutants: ozone, carbon
monoxide, total suspended particulates, sulfur dioxide, lead, and nitrogen oxide. The term,
"criteria pollutants" derives from the requirement that EPA must describe the characteristics
and potential health and welfare effects of these pollutants. It is on the basis of these criteria that
standards are set or revised.
Cubic Feet Per Minute (CFM)—
A measure of the volume of a substance flowing through air within a fixed period of time. With
regard to indoor air, refers to the amount of air, in cubic feet, that is exchanged with indoor air
in a minute's time, or an air exchange rate.
Ill
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
Cultural Eut rophication—
Increasing rate at which water bodies "die" by pollution from human activities.
Cumulative Working Level Months (CWLM)—
The sum of lifetime exposure to radon working levels expressed in total working level months.
Curie—
A quantitative measure of radioactivity equal to 3.7 x 1010 disintegrations per second.
Cutie-Pie—
An instrument used to measure radiation levels.
Cyclone Collector—
A device that uses centrifugal force to pull large particles from polluted air.
Data Call-In—
A part of the Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP) process of developing key required test data,
especially on the long-term, chronic effects of existing pesticides, in advance of scheduled
Registration Standard reviews. Da ta Call-In is an adjunct of the Registra tion Standards program
intended to expedite reregistration and involves the "calling in" of data from manufacturers.
DDT—
The first chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticide (chemical name: Dichloro-Diphsdyl-Trichlorom-
ethane). It has a half-life of fifteen 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 United
States in 1972 because of its persistence in the environment and accumulation in the food chain.
Dechlorination—
Removal of chlorine from a substance by chemically replacing it with hydrogen or hydroxide
ions in order to detoxify the substances involved.
Decibel (dB)—
A unit of sound measurement. In general, a sound doubles in loudness for every increase of ten
decibels.
Decomposition—
The breakdown of matter by bacteria and fungi. It changes the chemical makeup and physical
appearance of materials.
112
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
Defoliant—
A herbicide that removes leaves from trees and growing plants.
Degradatiot
The process by which a chemical is reduced to a less complex form.
Delegated State—
A state (or other governmental entity) which has applied for, and received authority to
administer, within its territory, its state regulatory program as the federal program required
under a particular federal statute. As used in connection with NPDES, UIC, and PWS programs,
the term does not connote any transfer of federal authority to a state.
Delist—
Use of the petition process to have a facility's toxic designation rescinded.
Denitrification—
The anaerobic biological reduction of nitrate nitrogen to nitrogen gas.
Depletion Curve—
In hydraulics, a graphical representation of water depletion from storage-stream channels,
surface soil, and ground water. A depletion curve can be drawn for base flow, direct runoff, or
total flow.
Depressurizatiot
A condition that occurs when the air pressure inside a structure is lower that the air pressure
outside. Depressurization can occur when household appliances that consume or exhaust
house air, such as fireplaces or furnaces, are not supplied with enough makeup air. Radon-
containing soil gas may be drawn into a house more rapidly under depressurized conditions.
Dermal Toxicity—
The ability of a pesticide or toxic chemical to poison people or animals by contact with the skin.
(See: contact pesticide.)
DES—
A synthetic estrogen, diethylstilbestrol is used as a growth stimulant in food animals. Residues
in meat are thought to be carcinogenic.
Desa linization—
Removing salt from ocean or brackish water.
113
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
Desiccant—
A chemical agent that absorbs moisture; some desiccants are capable of drying out plants or
insects, causing death.
Designated Pollutant—
An air pollutant which is neither a criteria nor hazardous pollutant, as described in the Clean
Air Act, but for which new sources of performance standards exist. The Clean Air Act does
require states to control these pollutants, which include acid mist, total reduced sulfur (TRS),
and fluorides.
Designated Uses—
Those water uses identified in state water quality standards which must be achieved and
maintained as required under the Clean Water Act. Uses can include cold water fisheries, public
water supply, agriculture, etc.
Designer Bugs—
Popular term for microbes developed through biotechnology that can degrade specific toxic
chemicals at their source in toxic waste dumps or in ground water.
Desulfurization—
Removal of sulfur from fossil fuels to reduce pollution.
Detection Limit—
The lowest amount that can be distinguished from the normal electronic noise of an analytical
instrument.
Detergent—
Synthetic washing agent that helps to remove dirt and oil. Some contain compounds which kill
useful bacteria and encourage algae growth when they are in wastewater that reaches receiving
waters.
Developer—
A person, government unit, or company that proposes to build a hazardous waste treatment,
storage, or disposal facility.
Developmental RfD—
An estimate (with uncertainty spanning perhaps an order of magnitude or greater) of an
exposure level for the human population, including sensitive subpopulations, that is likely to
114
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
be without an appreciable risk of developmental effects. Developmental RfDs are used to
evaluate the effects of a single event (generally one day) exposure.
Diatomaceous Earth (Diatomite)—
A chalk-like material (fossilized diatoms) used to filter out solid waste in waste-water treatment
plants, also used as an active ingredient in some powdered pesticides.
Diazinon—
An insecticide. In 1986, EPA banned its use on open areas such as sod farms and golf courses
because it posed a danger to migratory birds who gathered on them in large numbers. The ban
did not apply to its use in agriculture, or on lawns of homes and commercial establishments.
Dicofol—
A pesticide used on citrus fruits.
Differentiation
The process by which single cells grow into particular forms of specialized tissue, e.g., root,
stem, leaf.
Diffused Air—
A type of aeration that forces oxygen into sewage by pumping air through perforated pipes
inside a holding tank and bubbling it through the sewage.
Digester—
In wastewater treatment, a closed tank; in solid waste conversion, a unit in which bacterial
action is induced and accelerated in order to break down organic matter and establish the
proper carbon to nitrogen ratio.
Digestion—
The biochemical decomposition of organic matter, resulting in partial gasification, liquefaction,
and mineralization of pollutants.
Dike —
A low wall that can act as a barrier to prevent a spill from spreading.
Dilution Ratio—
The relationship between the volume of water in a stream and the volume of incoming water.
It affects the ability of the stream to assimilate waste.
115
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
Dinocap—
A fungicide used primarily by apple growers to control summer diseases. EPA, in 1986,
proposed restrictions on its use when laboratory tests found it caused birth defects in rabbits.
Dinoseb—
A herbicide that is also used as a fungicideand insecticide. It was banned by EPA in 1986 because
it posed the risk of birth defects and sterility.
Dioxin—
Any of a family of compounds known chemically as dibenzo-p-dioxins. Concern about them
arises from their potential toxicity and contaminants in commercial products. Tests on labora-
tory animals indicate that it is one of the more toxic man-made chemicals known.
Direct Discharger—
A municipal or industrial facility which introduces pollution through a defined conveyance or
system; a point source.
Disinfectant—
A chemical or physical process that kills pathogenic organisms in water. Chlorine is often used
to disinfect sewage treatment effluent, water supplies, wells, and swimming pools.
Disversant—
A chemical agent used to break up concentrations of organic material such as spilled oil.
Disposal—
Final placement or destruction of toxic, radioactive, or other wastes; surplus or banned
pesticides or other chemicals; polluted soils; and drums containing hazardous materials from
removal actions or accidental releases. Disposal may be accomplished through use of approved
secure landfills, surface impoundments, land farming deep well injection, ocean dumping, or
incineration.
Dissolved Oxygen (DO)—
The oxygen freely available in water. Dissolved oxygen is vital to fish and other aquatic life and
for the prevention of odors. Traditionally, the level of dissolved oxygen has been accepted as
the single most important indicator of a water body's ability to support desirable aquatic life.
Secondary and advanced waste treatment are generally designed to protect DO in waste
receiving waters.
116
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
Dissolved Solids—
Disintegrated organic and inorganic material contained in water. Excessive amounts make
water unfit to drink or use in industrial processes.
Distillation
The act of purifying liquids through boiling, so that the steam condenses to a pure liquid and
the pollutants remain in a concentrated residue.
DNA—
Deoxyribonucleic acid, the molecule in which the genetic information for most living cells is
encoded. Viruses, too, can contain RNA.
DNA Hybridization—
Use of a segment of DNA, called a DNA probe, to identify its complementary DNA; used to
detect specific genes. This process takes advantage of the ability of a single strand of DNA to
combine with a complimentary strand.
Dose—
The amount of a substance penetrating the exchange boundaries of an organism after contact.
Dose is calculated from the intake and the absorption efficiency, and it usually is expressed as
mass of a substance absorbed into the body per unit body weight per unit time (e.g., mg/kg-
day). Also, in radiology, the quantity of energy or radiation absorbed.
Dose-response evaluation—
The process of quantitatively evaluating the toxicity information and characterizing the
relationship between the dose of the contaminant administered or received and the incidence
of adverse health effects in the exposed population. From the quantitative dose-response
relationship, toxicity values are derived that are used in the risk characterization step to
estimate the likelihood of adverse effects occurring in humans at different exposure levels.
Dosimeter—
An instrument that measures exposure to radiation.
Dredging—
Removal of mud from the bottom of water bodies using a scooping machine. This disturbs the
ecosystem and causes silting that can kill aquatic life. Dredging of contaminated muds can
expose aquatic life to heavy metals and other toxics. Dredging activities may be subject to
regulation under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act.
117
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
Dump—
A site used to dispose of solid wastes without environmental controls.
Dust—
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/or organic matter, that contain many
plants but few fish and are highly acidic.
Eco logica I Impact—
The effect that a man-made or natural activity has on living organisms and their nonliving
(abiotic) environment.
Ecology—
The relationship of living things to one another and their environment, or the study of such
relationships.
Economic Poisons—
Chemicals used to control pests and to defoliate cash crops such as cotton.
Ecosphere—
The "bio-bubble" that contains life on earth, in surface waters, and in the air. (See: biosphere.)
Ecosystem—
The interacting system of a biological community and its nonliving environmental surround-
ings.
Effluent—
Wastewater—treated or untreated—that flows out of a treatment plant, sewer, or industrial
outfall. Generally refers to wastes discharged into surface waters.
Effluent Limitation—
Restrictions established by a State or EPA on quantities, rates, and concentra tions in wastewater
discharges.
118
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
Electrodialysis—
A process that uses electrical current applied to permeable membranes to remove minerals from
water. Often used to desalinize salty or brackish water.
Electrostatic Precipitator (ESP)—
An air pollution control device that removes particles from a gas stream (smoke) after
combustion occurs. The ESP imparts an electrical charge to the particles, causing them to adhere
to metal plates inside the precipitator. Rapping on the plates causes the particles to fall into a
hopper for disposal.
Eligible Costs—
The construction costs for waste-water treatment works upon which EPA grants are based.
Emergency (Chemical)—
A situation created by an accidental release or spill of hazardous chemicals which poses a threat
to the safety of workers, residents, the environment, or property.
Emergency Episode—
(See: air pollution episode.)
Eminent Domain—
Government taking or forced acquisition—of private land for public use, with compensation
paid to the landowner.
Emission—
Pollution discharged into the atmosphere from smokestacks, other vents, and surface areas of
commercial or industrial facilities; from residential chimneys; and from motor vehicle, locomo-
tive, or aircraft exhausts.
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 ma king iron would be the number
of pounds of particulates per ton of raw materials.
Emission Inventory—
A listing, by source, of the amount of air pollutants discharged into the atmosphere of a
community. It is used to establish emission standards.
119
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
Emission Standard—
The maximum amount of air polluting discharge legally allowed from a single source, mobile
or stationary.
Emissions Trading—
EPA policy that allows a plant complex with several facilities to decrease pollution from some
facilities while increasing it from others, so long as total results are equal to or better than
previous limits. Facilities where this is done are treated as if they exist in a bubble in which.total
emissions are averaged out. Complexes that reduce emissions substantially may "bank" their
"credits" or sell them to other industries.
Endangered Assessment—
A study conducted to determine the nature and extent of contamination at a site on the National
Priorities List and the risk posed to public health or the environment. EPA or the state conduct
the study when a legal action is to be taken to direct potentially responsible parties to clean up
a site or pay for the cleanup. An endangered assessment supplements a remedial investigation.
Endangered Species—
Animals, birds, fish, plants, or other living organisms threatened with extinction by man-made
or natural changes in their environment. Requirements for declaring a species endangered are
contained in the Endangered Species Act.
Enforcemen t—
EPA, state, or local legal actions to obtain compliance with environmental laws, rules, regula-
tions, or agreements and/or obtain penalties or criminal sanctions for violations. Enforcement
procedures may vary, depending on the specific requirements of different environmental laws
and related implementing regulatory requirements. Under CERCLA, for example, EPA will
seek to require potentially responsible parties to clean up a Superfund site, or pay for the
cleanup, whereas under the Clean Air Act the agency may invoke sanctions against cities failing
to meet ambient air quality standards that could prevent certain types of construction or federal
funding. In other situations, if investigations by EPA and state agencies uncover willful
violations, criminal trials and penalties are sought.
Enforcement Decision Document (EDD)—
A document that provides an explanation to the public of EPA's selection of the cleanup
alternative at enforcement sites on the National Priorities List. Similar to a Record of Decision.
Enrichment—
The addition of nutrients (e.g., nitrogen, phosphorus, carbon compounds) from sewage effluent
120
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
or agricultural runoff to surface water. This process greatly increases the growth potential for
algae and aquatic plants.
Environment—
The sum of all external conditions affecting the life, development and survival of an organism.
Environmental Assessment—
A written environmental analysis which is prepared pursuant to the National Environmental
Policy Act to determine whether a federal action would significantly affect the environment and
thus require preparation of a more detailed environmental impact statement.
Environmental Audit—
1. An independent assessment of the current status of a party's compliance with applicable
environmental requirements.
2. An independent evaluation of a party's environmental compliance policies, practices, and
controls.
Environmental Impact Statement—
A document required of federal agencies by the National Environmental Policy Act for major
projects or legislative proposals significantly affecting the environment. A tool for decision
making, it describes the positive and negative effects of the undertaking and lists alternative
actions.
Environmental Response Team—
EPA experts located in Edison, N.J., and Cincinnati, OH, who can provide around-the-clock
technical assistance to EPA regional offices and states during all types of emergencies involving
hazardous waste sites and spills of hazardous substances.
EPA—
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; established in 1970 by Presidential Executive
Order, bringing together parts of various government agencies involved with the control of
pollution.
Epidemic—
Widespread outbreak of a disease, or a large number of cases of a disease in a single community
or relatively small area.
Epidemiology—
The study of diseases as they affect population, including the distribution of disease, or other
121
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
health-related states and events in human populations, the factors (e.g. age, sex, occupation,
economic status) that influence this distribution, and the application of this study to control
health problems.
Episode (Pollution)—
An air pollution incident in a given area caused by a concentration of atmospheric pollution
reacting with meteorological conditions that may result in a significant increase in illnesses or
deaths. Although most commonly used in relation to air pollution, the term may also be used
in connection with other kinds of environmental events such as a massive water pollution
situation.
Equilibrium—
In relation to radiation, the state at which the radioactivity of consecutive elements within a
radioactive series is neither increasing nor decreasing.
Equivalent Method—
Any method of sampling and analyzing for air pollution which has been demonstrated to the
EPA Administrator's satisfaction to be, under specific conditions, an acceptable alternative to
the normally used reference methods.
Erosion—
The wearing away of land surface by wind or water. Erosion occurs naturally from weather or
runoff but can be intensified by land-clearing practices related to farming, residential or
industrial development, road building, or timber-cutting.
Estuary—
Regions of interaction between rivers and near shore ocean waters, where tidal action and river
flow create a mixing of fresh and sal t water. These areas may include bays, mouths of rivers, salt
marshes, and lagoons. These brackish water ecosystems shelter and feed marine life, birds, and
wildlife. (See: wetlands.)
Ethylene Dibromide (EDB)—
A chemical used as an agricultural fumigant and in certain industrial processes. Extremely toxic
and found to be a carcinogen in laboratory animals, EDB has been banned for most agricultural
uses in the United States.
Eutrophic Lakes—
Shallow, murky bodies of water that have excessive concentrations of plant nutrients causing
excessive algal production. (See: dystrophic lakes.)
122
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
Eutrophication—
The slow aging process during which a lake, estuary, or bay evolves into a bog or marsh and
eventually disappears. During the later stages of eutrophication the water body is choked by
abundant plant life as the result of increased amounts of nutritive compounds such as nitrogen
and phosphorus. Human activities can accelerate the process.
Evaporation Ponds—
Areas where sewage sludge is dumped and allowed to dry out.
Evapotranspiration—
The loss of water from thesoil both by evaporation and by transpiration from the plants growing
in the soil.
Exceedance—
Violation of environmental protection standards by exceeding allowable limits or concentra-
tion levels.
Exclusionary—
Any form of zoning ordinance that tends to exclude specific classes of persons or businesses
from a particular district or area.
Exempt Solvent—
Specific organic compounds that are not subject to requirements of regulation because they
have been deemed by EPA to be of negligible photochemical reactivity.
Exempted Aquifer—
Underground bodies of water defined in the Underground Injection Control program as
aquifers that are sources of drinking water (although they are not being used as such) and that
are exempted from regulations barring underground injection activities.
Exposure—
The amount of radiation or pollutant present in an environment which represents a potential
health threat to the living organisms in that environment.
Exposure—
Contact of an organism with a chemical or physical agent. Exposure is quantified as the amount
of the agent available at the exchange boundaries of the organism (e.g., skin, lungs, gut) and
available for absorption.
123
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
Exposure Assessment—
The determination or estimation (qualitative or quantitative) of the magnitude, frequency,
duration, and route of exposure.
Exposure event—
An incident of contact with a chemical or physical agent. An exposure event can be defined by
time (e.g., day, hour) or by the incident (e.g., eating a single meal of contaminated fish).
Exposure pathway—
The course a chemical or physical agent takes from the source to the exposed organism. An
exposure pathway describes a unique mechanism by which an individual or population is
exposed to chemicals or physical agents at or originating from the site. Each exposure pathway
includes a source or release from a source, an exposure point, and an exposure route. If the
exposure point differs from the source, a transport/exposure medium (e.g., air) or media (in
cases of intermedia transfer) also is included.
Exposure point—
A point of potential contact between an organism and a chemical or physical agent.
Exposure point concentration—
The concentration of a chemical at the exposure point.
Exposure route—
The way a chemical or physical agent comes in contact with an organism (i.e., by ingestion,
inhalation, or dermal contact).
Extremely Hazardous Substances—
Any of 406 chemicals identified by EPA on the basis of toxicity, and listed under SARA Title 111.
The list is subject to revision.
Fabric Filter—
A cloth device that catches dust particles from industrial emissions.
Feasibility Study—
1. Analysis of the practicability of a proposal; e.g., a description and analysis of the potential
cleanup alternatives for a site or alternatives for a site on the National Priorities List. The
feasibility study usually recommends selection of a cost effective alternative. It usually starts as
soon as the remedial investigation is underway; together, they are commonly referred to as the
"RI/FS". The term can apply to a variety of proposed corrective or regulatory actions.
124
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
2. In research, a small-scale investigation of a problem to ascertain whether or not a proposed
research approach is likely to provide useful data.
Fecal Coliform Bacteria—
Bacteria found in the intestinal tracts of mammals. Their presence in water or sludge is an
indicator of pollution and possible contamination by pathogens.
Feedlot—
A relatively small, confined area for the controlled feeding of animals that tends to concentrate
large amounts of animal wastes that cannot be absorbed by the soil and, hence, may be carried
to nearby streams or lakes by rainfall runoff.
Fen—
A type of wetland that accumulates peat deposits. Fens are less acidic than bogs, deriving most
of their water from groundwater rich in calcium and magnesium. (See: wetlands.)
Fermentation—
Chemical reactions accompanied by living microbes that are supplied with nutrients and other
critical conditions such as heat, pressure, and light that are specific to the reaction at hand.
Fertilizer—
Materials such as nitrogen and phosphorus that provide nutrients for plants. Commercially
sold fertilizers may contain other chemicals or may be in the form of processed sewage sludge.
Field Sampling Plan—
Provides guidance for all fieldwork by defining in detail the sampling and data-gathering
methods to be used on a project.
Filling—
Depositing dirt and mud or other materials into aquatic areas to create more dry land, usually
for agricultural or commercial development purposes. Such activities often damage the ecology
of the area.
Filtration—
A treatment process, under the control of qualified operators, for removing solid (particulate)
matter from water by passing the water through porous media such as sand or a man-made
filter. The process is often used to remove particles that contain pathogenic organisms.
125
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
Finding of No Significant Impact (FNSI)—
A document prepared by a federal agency that presents the reasons impact: why a proposed
action would not have a significant impact on the environment and thus would not require
preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement. An FNSI is based on the results of an
environmental assessment.
First Draw—
The water that immediately comes out when a tap is first opened. This water is likely to have
the highest level of lead contamination from plumbing materials.
Floe—
A dump of solids formed in sewage by biological or chemical action.
Flocculation—
The process by which clumps of solids in water or sewage are made to increase in size by
biological or chemical action so that they can be separated from the water.
Floor Sweep—
A vapor collection designed to capture vapors which are heavier than air and which collect
along the floor.
Flowmeter—
A gauge that shows the speed of wastewater moving through a treatment plant. Also used to
measure the speed of liquids moving through various industrial processes.
Flue Gas—
The air coming out of a chimney after combustion in the burner it is venting. It can include
nitrogen oxides, carbon oxides, water vapor, sulfur oxides, particles and many chemical
pollutants.
Flue Gas Desulfurization—
A technology which uses a sorbent, usually lime or limestone, to remove sulfur dioxide from
the gases produced by burning fossil fuels. Flue gas desulfurization is current the state-of-the
art technology in use by major S02 emitter, e.g., power plants.
Flume—
A natural or man-made channel that diverts water.
126
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
Fluorides—
Gaseous, solid, or dissolved compounds containing fluorine that result from industrial pro-
cesses. Excessive amounts in food can lead to fluor.
Fluorocarbon (PCs}—
Any of a number of organic compounds analogous to hydrocarbons in which one or more
hydrogen atoms are replaced by fluorine. Once used in the United States as a propellant in
aerosols, they are now primarily used in coolants and some industrial processes. PCs containing
chlorine are called chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). They are believed to be modifying the ozone
layer in the stratosphere, thereby allowing more harmful solar radiation to reach the Earth's
surface.
Fluorosis—
An abnormal condition caused by excessive intake of Quorine, characterized chiefly by
mottling of the teeth.
Flush—
1. To open a cold-water tap to clear out all the water which may have been sitting for a long time
in the pipes. In new homes, to flush a system means to send large volumes of water gushing
through the unused pipes to remove loose particles of solder and flux.
2. To force large amounts of water through liquid to clean out piping or tubing, storage or
process tanks.
Fly Ash—
Noncombustible residual particles from the combustion process, carried by flue gas.
Fogging—
Applying a pesticide by rapidly heating the liquid chemical so that it forms very fine droplets
that resemble smoke or fog. It may be used to destroy mosquitoes, black flies, and similar pests.
Food Chain—
A sequence of organisms, each of which uses the next, lower member of the sequence as a food
source.
Formaldehyde—
A colorless, pungent, irritating gas, CH20, used chiefly as a disinfectant and preservative and
in synthesizing other compounds and resins.
127
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
Formulation—
The substance or mixture of substances which is comprised of all active and inert ingredients
in a pesticide.
Fresh Water—
Water that generally contains less than 1,000 milligrams per liter of dissolved solids.
Fuel Economy Standard—
The Corporate Average Fuel Economy Standard (CAFE) which went into effect in 1978. It was
meant to enhance the national fuel conservation effort by slowing fuel consumption through a
miles-per-gallon requirement for motor vehicles.
Fugitive Emissions—
Emissions not caught by a capture system.
Fume—
Tiny particles trapped in vapor in a gas stream.
Fumigant—
A pesticide that is vaporized to kill pests. Used in buildings and greenhouses.
Functional Equivalent—
Term used to describe EPA's decision-making process and its relationship to the environmental
review conducted under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). A review is consid-
ered functionally equivalent when it addresses the substantive components of a NEPA review.
Fungi—
(Singular, Fungus) Molds, mildews, yeasts, mushrooms, and puffballs, a group organisms that
lack chlorophyll (i.e., are not photosynthetic) and which are usually nonmobile, filamentous,
and multicellular. Some grow in the ground, others attach themselves to decaying trees and
other plants, getting their nutrition from decomposing organic matter. Some cause disease,
others stabilize sewage and break down solid wastes in composting.
Fungicide —
Pesticides which are used to control, prevent, or destroy fungi.
Game Fish—
Species like trout, salmon, or bass, caught for sport. Many of them show more sensitivity to
environmental change than "rough" fish.
128
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
Gamma Radiation—
Gamma rays are true rays of energy in contrast to alpha and beta radiation. The properties are
similar to x rays and other electromagnetic waves. They are the most penetrating waves of
radiant nuclear energy but can be blocked by dense materials such as lead.
Gasification—
Conversion of solid material such as coal into a gas for use as a fuel.
Geiger Counter—
An electrical device that detects the presence of certain types of radioactivity.
Gene—
A length of DNA that directs the synthesis of a protein.
Gene Library—
A collection of DNA fragments from cells or organisms. So far, no simple way for sorting the
contents of gene libraries has been devised. However, DNA pieces can be moved into bacterial
cells where sorting according to gene function becomes feasible.
General Permit—
A permit applicable to a class or category of dischargers.
Generator—
A facility or mobile source that emits pollutants into the air or releases hazardous wastes into
water or soil.
Genetic Engineering—
A process of inserting new genetic information into existing cells in order to modify any
organism for the purpose of changing one of its characteristics.
Germicide—
Any compound that kills disease-causing microorganisms.
Grain Loading—
The rate at which particles are emitted from a pollution source. Measurement is made by the
number of grains per cubic foot of gas emitted.
129
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
Granular Activated Carbon Treatment—
A filtering system often vised in small water systems and individual homes to remove organics.
GAC can be highly effective in removing elevated levels of radon from water.
Gray Water—
The term given to domestic wastewater composed of washwater from sinks, kitchen sinks,
bathroom sinks and tubs, and laundry tubs.
Greenhouse Effect—
The warming of the Earth's atmosphere caused by a build-up of carbon dioxide or other trace
gases; it is believed by many scientists that this build-up allows light from the sun's rays to heat
the Earth but prevents a counterbalancing loss of heat.
Grinder Pump—
A mechanical device which shreds solids and raises the fluid to a higher elevation through
pressure sewers.
Gross Alpha Particle Activity—
Total activity due to emission of alpha particles. Used as the screening measurement for
radioactivity generally due to naturally-occurring radionuclides. Activity is commonly meas-
ured in picocuries.
Gross Beta Particle Activity—
Total activity due to emission of beta particles. Used as the screening measurement for
radioactivity from man-made radionuclides since the decay products of fission are beta particle
and gamma ray emitters. Activity is commonly measured in picocuries.
Ground Cover—-
Plants grown to keep soil from eroding.
Ground Water—
The supply of fresh water found beneath the Earth's surface, usually in aquifers, which is often
used forsupplying wellsand springs. Because ground water is a major source of drinking water
there is growing concern over areas where leaching agricultural or industrial pollutants or
substances from leaking underground storage tanks are contaminating ground water.
Habitat—
The place where a population (e.g., human, animal, plant, microorganism) lives and its
surroundings, both living and nonliving.
130
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
Half-Life—
1. The time required for a pollutant to lose half its affect on the environment. For example, the
half-life of DDT in the environment is fifteen years, of radium, 1,580 years.
2. The time required for half of the atoms of a radioactive element to undergo decay.
3. The time required for the elimination of one half a total dose from the body.
Halogen—
Any of a group of five chemically-related nonmetallic elements that includes bromine, fluorine,
chlorine, iodine, and astatine.
Halon—
Bromine containing compounds with long atmospheric lifetimes whose breakdown in the
stratosphere cause depletion of ozone. Halons are used in fire fighting.
Hammermill—
A high-speed machine that hammers and cutters use to crush, grind, chip, or shred solid wastes.
Hard Wafer-
Alkaline water containing dissolved salts that interfere with some industrial processes and
prevent soap from lathering.
Hazard quotient—
The ratio of a single substance exposure level over a specified time period (e.g., subchronic) to
a reference dose for that substance derived from a similar exposure period.
Hazardous Air Pollutants—
Air pollutants which are not covered by ambient air quality standards but which, as defined in
the Clean Air Act, may reasonably be expected to cause or contribute to irreversible illness or
death. Such pollutants include asbestos, beryllium, mercury, benzene, coke oven emissions,
radionuclides, and vinyl chloride.
Hazardous Ranking System—
The principle screening tool used by EPA to evaluate risks to public health and the environment
associated with abandoned or uncontrolled hazardous waste sites. The HRS calculates a score
based on the potential of hazardous substances spreading from the site through the air, surface
water, or ground water and on other factors such as nearby population. This score is the primary
factor in deciding if the site should be on the National Priorities List and, if so, what ranking it
should have compared to other sites on the list.
131
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
Hazardous Substance—
1. Any material that poses a threat to human health and/or the environment. Typical hazardous
substances are toxic, corrosive, ignitable, explosive, or chemically reactive.
2. Any substance designated by EPA to be reported if a designated quantity of the substance is
spilled in the waters of the United States or if otherwise emitted to the environment.
Hazardous Waste—
By-products of society that can pose a substantial or potential hazard to human health or the
environment when improperly managed. Possesses at least one of four characteristics (ignita-
bility, corrosivity, reactivity, or toxicity), or appears on special EPA lists.
Hazards Analysis—
The procedures involved in:
(1) identifying potential sources of release of hazardous materials from fixed facilities or
transportation accidents;
(2) determining the vulnerability of a geographical area to a release of hazardous materials; and
(3) comparing hazards to determine which present greater or lesser risks to a community.
Hazards identification—
1. Providing information on which facilities have extremely hazardous substances, what those
chemicals are, and how much there is at each facility. The Process also provides information on
how the chemicals are stored and whether they are used at high temperatures.
2. The process of determining whether exposure to an agent can cause an increase in the
incidence of a particular adverse health effect (e.g., cancer, birth defect) and whether the adverse
health effect is likely to occur in humans.
Heat Island Effect—
A "dome" of elevated temperatures over an urban area caused by structural and pavement heat
fluxes, and pollutant emissions from the area below the dome.
Heavy Metals—
Metallic elements with high atomic weights, e.g., mercury, chromium, cadmium, arsenic, and
lead. They can damage living things at low concentrations and tend to accumulate in the food
chain.
Heptachlor—
An insecticide that was banned in some food products in 1975 and all of them 1978. It was
allowed for use in seed treatment until in 1983. More recently it was found in milk and other
132
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
dairy products in Arkansas and Missouri, as a result of illegally feeding treated seed to dairy
cattle.
Herbicide
A chemical pesticide designed to control or destroy plants, weeds, or grasses.
Herbivore
An animal that feeds on plants.
Heterotrophic Organisms—
Consumers such as humans and animals, and decomposers—chiefly bacteria and fungi—that
are dependent on organic matter for food.
High-Density Polyethylene—
A material that produces toxic fumes when burned. Used to make plastic bottles and other
products.
High-Level Radioactive Waste (HLW)—
Waste generated in the fuel of a nuclear reactor, found at nuclear reactors or nuclear fuel
reprocessing plants. It is a serious threat to anyone who comes near the wastes without
shielding. (See Low-Level Radioactive Waste).
Holding Pond—
A pond or reservoir, usually made of earth, built to store polluted runoff.
Hood Capture Efficiency—
The emissions from a process which are captured by hood and directed into the control device,
expressed as a percent of all emissions.
Host—
I. In genetics, the organism, typically a bacterium, into which a gene from another organism is
transplanted.
2. In medicine, an animal infected by or parasitized by another organism.
Humus—
Decomposed organic material.
Hybrid—
A cell or organism resulting from a cross between two unlike plant or animal cells or organisms.
133
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
Hybridoma—
A hybrid cell that produces monoclonal antibodies in large quantities.
Hydrocarbons QIC)—
Chemical compounds that consist entirely of carbon and hydrogen.
Hydrogen Sulfide (US)—
Gas emitted during organic decomposition. Also a byproduct of oil refining and burning. It
smells like rotten eggs and, in heavy concentration, can cause illness.
Hydrogeo logy—
The geology of ground water, with particular emphasis on the chemistry and movement of
water.
Hydrology—
The science dealing with the properties, distribution, and circulation of water.
Ignitable—
Capable of burning or causing a fire.
Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH)
The maximum level to which a healthy individual can be exposed to a chemical for thirty
minutes and escape without suffering irreversible health effects or impairing symptoms. Used
as a "level of concern." (See: level of concern.)
Impoundment—
A body of water or sludge confined by a dam, dike, floodgate, or other barrier.
In Vitro—
1. "In glass"; a test-tube culture.
2. Any laboratory test using living cells taken from an organism.
In Vivo—
In the living body of a plant or animal, in vivo tests are those laboratory experiments carried out
on whole animals or human volunteers.
Incineration—
1. Burning of certain types of solid, liquid or gaseous materials.
134
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
2. A treatment technology involving destruction of waste by controlled burning at high
temperatures, e.g., burning sludge to remove the water and reduce the remaining residues to
a safe, nonburnable ash which can be disposed of safely on land, in some waters or in
underground locations.
Incineration at Sea—
Disposal of waste by burning at sea on specially-designed incinerator ships.
Incinerator—
A furnace for burning wastes under controlled conditions.
Indicator—
In biology, an organism, species, or community whose characteristics show the presence of
specific environmental conditions.
Indirect Discharge—
Introduction of pollutants from a nondomestic source into a publicly owned waste treatment
system. Indirect dischargers can be commercial or industrial facilities whose wastes go into the
local sewers.
Indoor Air—-
The breathing air inside a habitable structure or conveyance.
Indoor Air Pollution—
Chemical, physical, or biological contaminants in indoor air.
Indoor Climate—
Temperature, humidity, lighting and noise levels in a habitable structure or conveyance. Indoor
climate can affect indoor air pollution.
Inert Ingredient—
Pesticide components such as solvents, carriers, and surfactants that are not active against target
pests. Not all inert ingredients are innocuous.
Inertial Separator—
A device that uses centrifugal force to separate waste particles.
Infiltration—
1. The penetration of water through the ground surface into subsurface soil or the penetration
135
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
of water from the soil into sewer or other pipes through defective joints, connections, or
manhole walls.
2. A land application technique where large volumes of waste water are applied to land, allowed
to penetrate the surface and percolate through the underlying soil. (See: percolation.)
Inflow—
Entry of extraneous rain water into a sewer system from sources other than infiltration, such as
basement drains, manholes, storm drains, and street washing.
Influent—
Water, wastewater, or other liquid flowing into a reservoir, basin, or treatment plant.
Information File—
In the Superfund program, a file that contains accurate, up-to-date documents on a Superfund
site. The file is usually located in a public building such as a school, library, or city hall that is
convenient for local residents.
Injection Well—
A well into which fluids are injected for purposes such as waste disposal, improving the
recovery of crude oil, or solution mining.
Injection Zone—
A geological formation, group of formations, or part of a formation receiving fluids through a
well.
Inoculum—
1. Bacterium placed in compost to start biological action.
2. A medium containing organisms which is introduced into cultures or living organisms.
Inorganic Chemicals—
Chemical substances of mineral origin, not of basically carbon structure.
Insecticide—
A pesticide compound specifically used to kill or control the growth of insects.
Inspection and Maintenance(I/M)—
1. Activities to assure proper emissions related operation of mobile sources of air pollutants,
particularly automobile emissions controls.
2. Also applies to wastewater treatment plants and other antipollution facilities and processes.
136
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
In-Stream Use—
Water use taking place within a stream channel, e.g., hydroelectric power generation, naviga-
tion, water-quality.
Intake—
A measure of exposure expressed as the mass of substance in contact with the exchange
boundary per unity body weight per unit time (e.g., mg/kg-day). Also termed the normalized
exposure rate.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)—
A mixture of pesticide and nonpesticide methods to control pests.
Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS)—
IRIS is an EPA data base containing verified RiDs and slope factors and up-to-date health risks
and EPA regulatory information for numerous chemicals. IRIS is EPA's preferred source for
toxicity information for Superfund.
Interceptor Sewers—
Large sewer lines that, in a combined system, control the flow of the sewage to the treatment
plant. In a storm, they allow some of the sewage to flow directly into a receiving stream, thus
preventing an overload by a sudden surge of water into the sewers. They are also used in
separate systems to collect the flows from main and trunk sewers and carry them to treatment
points.
Interim (Permit) Status—
Period during which treatment, storage and disposal facilities coming under RCRA in 1980 are
temporarily permitted to operate while awaiting denial or issuance of a permanent permit.
Permits issued under these circumstances are usually called "Part A" or "Part B" permits.
Interstate Carrier Water Supply—
A source of water for drinking and sanitary use on planes, buses, trains, and ships operating in
more than one state. These sources are federally regulated.
Interstate Waters—
Waters that flow across or form part of state or international boundaries, e.g., the Great Lakes,
the Mississippi River, or coastal waters.
Interstitial Monitoring—
The continuous surveillance of the space between the walls of an underground storage tank.
137
-------
E]SAORONMENTAL GLOSSARY
Inventory—
TSCA inventory of chemicals produced pursuant to Section 8 (b) of the Toxic Substances
Control Act.
Inversion—
An atmospheric condition caused by a layer of warm air preventing the rise of cooling air
trapped beneath it. This prevents the rise of pollutants that might otherwise be dispersed and
can cause an air pollution episode.
Ion—
An electrically charged atom or group of atoms which can be drawn from waste water during
the electrodialysis process.
Ion Exchange Treatment—
A common water softening method often found on a large scale at water purification plants that
removes some organics and radium by adding calcium oxide or calcium hydroxide to increase
the pH to a level where the metals will precipitate out.
lonization Chamber—
A device that measures the intensity of ionizing radiation.
Ionizing Radiation—
Radiation that can remove electrons from atoms, i.e., alpha, beta, and gamma radiation.
Irradiated Food—
Food that has been subject to brief radioactivity, usually by gamma rays, to kill insects, bacteria,
and mold, and preserve it without refrigeration or freezing.
Irradiation—
Exposure to radiation of wavelengths shorter than those of visible light (gamma, x-ray, or
ultraviolet), for medical purposes, the destruction of bacteria in milk or other foodstuffs, or for
inducing polymerization of monomers or vulcanization of rubber.
Irrigation—
Technique for applying water or wastewater to land areas to supply the water and nutrient
needs of plants.
138
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
Isotope—
A variation of an element that has the same atomic number but a different weight because of its
neutrons. Various isotopes of the same element may have different radioactive behaviors.
Kinetic Rate Coefficient—
A number that describes the rate at which a water constituent such as a biochemical oxygen
demand or dissolved oxygen increases or decreases.
Lagoon—
1. A shallow pond where sunlight, bacterial action, and oxygen work to purify waste water; also
used for the storage of wastewaters or spent nuclear fuel rods.
2. Shallow body of water, often separated from the sea by coral reefs or sandbars.
Land Application—
Discharge of wastewater onto the ground for treatment or reuse. (See: irrigation.)
Land Farming (of waste)—
A disposal process in which hazardous waste deposited on or in the soil is naturally degraded
by microbes.
Landfills—
1. Sanitary landfills are land disposal sites for nonhazardous solid wastes at which the waste is
spread in layers, compacted to the smallest practical volume, and cover material applied at the
end of each operating day.
2. Secure chemical landfills are disposal sites for hazardous waste. They are selected and
designed to minimize the chance of release of hazardous substances into the environment.
Lateral Sewers—
Pipes that run under city streets and receive the sewage from homes and businesses.
LC50/Lethal Concentration—
Median level concentration, a standard measure of toxicity. It tells how much of a substance is
needed to kill half of a group of experimental organisms at a specific time of observation. (See
LD50.)
LDO—
The highest concentration of a toxic substance at which none of the test organisms die.
139
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
LD 501 Lethal Dose—
The dose of a toxicant that will kill 50 percent of the test organisms within a designated period
of time. The lower the LD 50, the more toxic the compound.
LDLO—
The lowest concentration and dosage of a toxic substance which kills test organisms.
Leachate—
A liquid that results from water collecting contaminants as it trickles through wastes, agricul-
tural pesticides or fertilizers. Leaching may occur in farming areas, feedlots, and landfills, and
may result in hazardous substances entering surface water, ground water, or soil.
Leachate Collection System—
A system that gathers leachate and pumps it to the surface for treatment.
Leaching—
The process by which soluble constituents are dissolved and carried down through the soil by
a percolating fluid. (See: leachate.)
Lead (PE>—
A heavy metal that is hazardous to health if breathed or swallowed. Its use in gasoline, paints,
and plumbing compounds has been sharply restricted or eliminated by federal laws and
regulations. (See: heavy metals.)
Leaded Gasoline—
Gasoline to which lead has been added to raise the octane level.
Level of Concern (LOC)—
The concentration in air of an extremely hazardous substance above which there may be serious
immediate health effects to anyone exposed to it for short periods of time.
Lift-
In a sanitary landfill, a compacted layer of solid waste and the top layer of cover material.
Lifting Station—
(See: pumping station.)
Limestone Scrubbing—
Process in which sulfur gases moving towards a smokestack are passed through a limestone and
water solution to remove sulfur before it reaches the atmosphere.
140
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
Limiting Factor—
A condition, whose absence, or excessive concentration, is incompatible with the needs or
tolerance of a species or population and which may have a negative influence on their ability
to grow or even survive.
Limnology—
The study of the physical, chemical, meteorological, and biological aspects of fresh water.
Liner—
1. A relatively impermeable barrier designed to prevent leachate from leaking from a landfill.
Liner materials include plastic and dense clay.
2. An insert or sleeve for sewer pipes to prevent leakage or infiltration.
Lipid Solubility—
The maximum concentration of a chemical that will dissolve in fatty substances; lipid soluble
substances are insoluble in water. If a substance is lipid soluble it will very selectively disperse
through the environment via living tissue.
Liquefaction—
Changing a solid into a liquid.
List-
Shorthand term for EPA list of violating facilities or lists of firms debarred from obtaining
government contracts because they violated certain sections of the Clean Air or Clean Water
Acts. The list is maintained by the Office of Enforcement and Compliance Monitoring.
Listed Waste-
Wastes listed as hazardous under RCRA but which have not been subjected to the Toxic
Characteristics Listing Process because the dangers they present are considered self-evident.
Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC)—
A committee appointed by the state emergency response commission, as required by SARA
Title in to formulate a comprehensive emergency plan for its jurisdiction.
Low Level Radioactive Waste (LLKW)—
Wastes less hazardous than most of those generated by a nuclear reactor. Usually generated by
hospitals, research laboratories, and certain industries. The Department of Energy, Nuclear
Regulatory Commission, and EPA share responsibilities for managing them. (See: high-level
radioactive wastes.)
141
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
Lower Explosive Limit (LEL)—
The concentration of a compound in air below which a flame will not propagate if the mixture
is ignited.
Lowest Achievable Emission Rate—
Under the Clean Air Act, this is the rate of emissions which reflects (a) the most stringent
emission limitation which is contained in the implementation plan of any state for such source
unless the owner or operator of the proposed source demonstrates such limitations are not
achievable; or (b) the most stringent emissions limitation achieved in practice, whichever is
more stringent Application of this term does not permit a proposed new or modified source to
emit pollutants in excess of existing new source standards.
Lowest-Observed-Adverse-Effect Level—
(LOAEL) In dose-response experiments, the experimental exposure level representing the
lowest level tested at which adverse effects were demonstrated.
Major Modification—
This term is used to define modifications with respect to Prevention of Significant Deterioration
and New Source Review under the Clean Air Act and refers to modifications to major stationary
sources of emissions and provides significant pollutant increase levels below which a modifi-
cation is not considered major.
Major Stationary Sources—
Term used to determine to applicability of Prevention of Significant Deterioration and new
source regulations. In a nonattainment area, any stationary pollutant source that has a potential
to emit more than 100 tons per year is considered a major stationary source. In PSD areas the
cutoff level may be either 100 or 250 tons, depending upon the type of source.
Manufacturers Formulation—
A list of substances or component parts as described by the maker of a coating, pesticide.
Marine Sanitation Device—
Any equipment installed on board a vessel to receive, retain, treat, or discharge sewage and any
process to treat such sewage.
Marsh—
A type of wetland that does not accumulate appreciable peat deposits and is dominated by
herbaceous vegetation. Marshes may be either fresh or saltwater and tidal or nontidal. (See:
wetlands.)
142
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
Matabolite—
Any substance produced in or by biological processes and derived from a pesticide.
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)—
A compilation of information required under the OSHA Communication Standard on the
identity of hazardous chemicals, health, and physical hazards, exposure limits, and precau-
tions. Section 311 of SARA requires facilities to submit MSDSs under certain circumstances.
Maximum Contaminant Level—
The maximum permissible level of a contaminant in water delivered to any user of a public
water system. MCLs are enforceable standards.
Mechanical Aeration—
Use of mechanical energy to inject air into water to cause a waste stream to absorb oxygen.
Mechanical Turbulence—
Random irregularities of fluid motion in air caused by buildings or mechanical, nonthermal,
processes.
Media—
Specific environments—air, water, soil—which are the subject of regulatory concern and
activities.
Mercury—
A heavy metal that can accumulate in the environment and is highly toxic if breathed or
swallowed. (See: heavy metals.)
Methane—
A colorless, nonpoisonous, flammable gas created by anaerobic decomposition of organic
compounds.
Method 18—
An EPA test method which uses gas chromatographic techniques to measure the concentration
of individual volatile organic compounds in a gas stream.
Method 24—
An EPA reference method to determine density, water content and total volatile content (water
and VOC) of coatings.
143
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
Method 25—
An EPA reference method to determine the VOC concentration in gas stream.
Microbes—
Microscopic organisms such as algae, animals, viruses, bacteria, fungus, and protozoa, some of
which cause diseases. (See: microorganism.)
Microbial Pesticide—
A microorganism that is used to control a pest. They are of low toxicity to man.
Microorganism—
Living organisms so small that individually they can usually only be seen through a micro-
scope.
Million-gallons Per Day (MGD)—
A measure of water flow.
Mist-
Liquid particles measuring 40 to 500 microns, that are formed by condensation of vapor. By
comparison, "fog" particles are smaller than 40 microns.
Mitigation—
Measures taken to reduce adverse impacts on the environment.
Mixed Liquor—
A mixture of activated sludge and water containing organic matter undergoing activated
sludge treatment in an aeration tank.
Mobile Source—
A moving producer of air pollution, mainly forms of transportation such as cars, trucks,
motorcycles, airplanes.
Model Plant—
A description of a typical but theoretical plant used for developing economic, environmental
impact and energy impact analyses as support for regulations or regulatory guidelines. It is an
imaginary plant, with features of existing or future plants used to estimate the cost of
incorporating air pollution control technology as the first step in exploring the economic impact
of a potential NSPS.
144
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
Modeling—
An investigative technique using a mathematical or physical representation of a system or
theory that accounts for all or some its known properties. Models are often used to test the effect
of changes of system components on the overall performance of the system.
Monitoring—
Periodic or continuous surveillance or testing to determine the level of compliance with
statutory requirements and/or pollutant levels in various media or in humans, animals, and
other living things.
Monitoring Wells—
Wells drilled at a hazardous waste management facility or Superfund site to collect groundwa-
ter samples for the purpose of physical, chemical, or biological analysis to determine the
amounts, types, and distribution of contaminants in the ground water beneath the site.
Monoclonal Antibodies—
(Also called MABs and MCAs) Molecules of living organisms that selectively find and attach
to other molecules to which their structure conforms exactly. This could also apply to equivalent
activity by chemical molecules.
Muck Soils—
Earth made from decaying plant materials.
Mulch—
A layer of material (wood chips, straw, leaves, etc.) placed around plants to hold moisture,
prevent weed growth, protect the plants, and enrich the soil.
Multiple Use-
Use of land for more than one purpose; i.e., grazing of livestock, wildlife production, recreation,
watershed, and timber production. Could also apply to use of bodies of water for recreational
purposes, fishing, and water supply.
Mutagen—
Any substance that can cause a change in genetic material.
Mutate-
To bring about a change in the genetic constitution of a cell by altering its DNA. In turn,
"mutagenesis" is any process by which cells are mutated.
145
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)—
Air quality standards established by EPA that apply to outside air.
National Emissions Stqfldards For Hazardous Air Pollutants—
Also know as NESHAPS, these emissions standards set by EPA for an air pollutant not covered
by NAAQS that may cause an increase in deaths or in serious, irreversible, or incapacitating
illness. Primary standards are designed to protect human health, secondary standards to
protect public welfare.
National Oil and Hazardous Substances Contingency Plan—
The federal regulation that guides determination of the sites to be corrected under the
Superfund program and the program to prevent or control spills into surface waters or other
portions of the environment. [Also known as NOHSCP/NCP].
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)—
A provision of the Clean Water Act which prohibits discharge of pollutants into waters of the
United States unless a special permit is issued by EPA, a state, or (where delegated) a tribal
government on an Indian reservation.
National Priorities List (NPL)—
EPA's list of the most serious uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous waste sites identified for
possible long-term remedial action under Superfund. A site must be on the NPL to receive
money from the Trust Fund for remedial action. The list is based primarily on the score a site
receives from the Hazard Ranking System. EPA is required to update the NPL at least once a
year.
National Response Center—
The federal operations center that receives notifications of all releases of oil and hazardous
substances into the environment. The Center, open twenty-four hours a day, is operated by the
U.S. Coast Guard, which evaluates all reports and notifies the appropriate agency.
National Response Team (NRT)—
Representatives of thirteen federal agencies that, as a team, coordinate federal responses to
nationally significant incidents of pollution and provide advice and technical assistance to the
responding agency(ies) before and during a response action.
Natural Gas—
A natural fuel containing primarily methane and ethane that occurs in certain geologic
formations.
146
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
Natural Selection—
The process of survival of the fittest, by which organisms that adapt to their environment
survive and those that do not disappear.
Naturally Occurring Background Levels—
Ambient concentrations of chemicals that are present in the environment and have not been
influenced by humans (e.g., aluminum, manganese).
Navigable Waters—
Traditionally, waters sufficiently deep and wide for navigation by all, or specified sizes of
vessels; such waters in the United States come under federal jurisdiction and are included in
certain provisions of the Clean Water Act.
Necrosis—
Death of plant or animal cells. In plants, necrosis can discolor areas on the plant or kill it entirely.
Nematocide—
A chemical agent which is destructive to nematodes (roundworms or threadworms.)
Neutra liza tion—
Decreasing the acidity or alkalinity of a substance by adding to it alkaline or acidic materials
respectively.
New Source—
Any stationary source which is built or modified after publication of final or proposed
regulations that prescribe a standard of performance which is intended to apply to that type of
emission source.
New Source Performance Standards (NSPS)—
Uniform national EPA air emission and water effluent standards which limit the amount of
pollution allowed from new sources or from existing sources that have been modified.
Nitrate—
A compound containing nitrogen which can exist in the atmosphere or as a dissolved gas in
water and which can have harmful effects on humans and animals. Nitrates in water can cause
severe illness in infants and cows.
Nitric Oxide (NO)—
A gas formed by combustion under high temperature and high pressure in an internal
147
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
combustion engine. It changes into nitrogen dioxide in the ambient air and contributes to
photochemical smog.
Nitrification —
The process whereby ammonia in wastewater is oxidized to nitrite and then to nitrate by
bacterial or chemical reactions.
Nitrilotriacetic Acid (NTA)—
A compound being used to replace phosphates in detergents.
Nitrite—
1. An intermediate in the process of nitrification.
2. Nitrous oxide salts used in food preservation.
Nitrogen Dioxide
The result of nitric oxide combining with oxygen in the atmosphere. A major component of
photochemical smog.
Nitrogen Oxide (NO}—
Product of combustion from transportation and stationary sources and a major contributor to
the formation of ozone in the troposphere and acid deposition.
Nitrogenous Wastes —
Animal or vegetable residues that contain significant amounts of nitrogen.
No-Observed-Effect-Level —
In dose-response experiments, the experimental exposure level representing the highest level
tested at which no effects at all were demonstrated.
Nonattainment Area —
Geographic area which does not meet one or more of the National Ambient Air Quality
Standards for the criteria pollutants designated in the Clean Air Act.
Noncommunity Water System —
A public water system that is not a community water system, e.g., the water supply at a camp
site or national park.
Nonconventional Pollutant —
Any pollutant which is not statutorily listed or which is poorly understood by the scientific
community.
148
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
Nondetects—
Chemicals that are not detected in a particular sample above a certain limit. This limit usually
will be the quantitation limit for the chemical in that sample. (Note, however, that it is possible
to detect and estimate concentrations of chemicals below the quantitation limit but above the
detection limit.)
Nonionizing Electromagnetic Radiation—
1. Radiation that does not change the structure of atoms but does heat tissue and may cause
harmful biological effects.
2. Microwaves, radio waves, and low frequency electromagnetic fields from high voltage
transmission lines.
Nonobserved-Adverse-Effect-Level(NOAEL)—
In dose-response experiments, the experimental exposure level representing the highest level
tested at which no adverse effects were demonstrated.
Nonpoint Source—
Pollution sources which are diffuse and do not ha ve a single point oforiginorarenot introduced
into a receiving stream from a specific outlet. The pollutants are generally carried off the land
by stormwater runoff. The commonly used categories for nonpoint sources are: agriculture,
forestry, urban, mining, construction, dams and channels, land disposal, and saltwater intru-
sion.
Nuclear Power Plant—
A facility that converts atomic energy into usable power; heat produced by a reactor makes
steam to drive turbines which produce electricity.
Nuclear Winter—
Prediction by some scientists that smoke and debris rising from massive fires resulting from a
nuclear war could enter the atmosphere and block out sunlight for weeks or months. The
scientists making this prediction project a cooling of the earth's surface, and changes in climate
which could, for example, negatively effect world agricultural and weather patterns.
Nutrient—
Any substance assimilated by living things that promotes growth. The term is generally applied
to nitrogen and phosphorus in wastewater, but is also applied to other essential and trace
elements.
149
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
Off-Site Facility—
A hazardous waste treatment, storage or disposal area that is located at a place away from the
generating site.
Oil Fingerprinting—
A method that identifies sources of oil and allows spills to be traced back to their source.
Oil Spill—
An accidental or intentional discharge of oil which reaches bodies of water. Can be controlled
by chemical dispersion, combustion, mechanical containment, and/or adsorption.
Oligotrophic Lakes—
Deep dear lakes with low nutrient supplies. They contain little organic matter and have a high
dissolved-oxygen level.
On-Scene Coordinator (OSC)—
The predesignated EPA, Coast Guard, or Department of Defense official who coordinates and
directs Superfund removal actions or Clean Water Act oil- or hazardous-spill corrective actions.
On-Site Facility—
A hazardous waste treatment, storage or disposal area that is located on the generating site.
Oncogenic —
A substance that causes tumors, whether benign or malignant.
Opacity—
The amount of light obscured by particulate pollution in the air; clear window glass has a zero
opacity, a brick wall has 100 percent opacity. Opacity is used as an indicator of changes in
performance of particulate matter pollution control systems.
Open Burning—
Uncontrolled fires in an open dump.
Open Dump—
An uncovered site used for disposal of waste without environmental controls. (See: dump.)
Operable Unit—
Term for each of a number of separate activities undertaken as part of a Superfund site cleanup.
A typical operable unit would be removing drums and tanks from the surface of a site.
150
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
Operation and Maintenance—
1. Activities conducted at a site after a Superfund site action is completed to ensure that the
action is effective and operating properly.
2. Actions taken after construction to assure that facilities constructed to treat waste water will
be properly operated, maintained, and managed to achieve efficiency levels and prescribed
effluent limitations in an optimum manner.
Organic—
1. Referring to or derived from living organisms.
2. In chemistry, any compound containing carbon.
Organic Chemicals/Compounds—
Animal or plant-produced substances containing mainly carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.
Organic Matter—
Carbonaceous waste contained in plant or animal matter and originating from domestic or
industrial sources.
Organism—
Any living thing.
Organophosphates—
Pesticide chemicals that contain phosphorus; used to control insects. They are short-lived, but
some can be toxic when first applied.
Organotins—
Chemical compounds used in antifoulant paints to protect the hulls of boats and ships, buoys,
and dock pilings from marine organisms such as barnacles.
Osmosis—
The tendency of a fluid to pass through a permeable membrane such as the wall of a living cell
into a less concentrated solution so as to equalize the concentrations on both sides of the
membrane.
Outfall—
The place where an effluent is discharged into receiving waters.
Overburden—
The rock and soil cleared away before mining.
151
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
Overfire Air —
Air forced into the top of an incinerator or boiler to fan the flames.
Overland Flow —
A land application technique that cleanses waste water by allowing it to flow over a sloped
surface. As the water flows over the surface, the contaminants are removed and the water is
collected at the bottom of the slope for reuse.
Overturn —
The period of mixing (turnover), by top to bottom circulation, of previously stratified water
masses. This phenomenon may occur in spring and/or fall, or after storms. It results in a
uniformity of chemical and physical properties of the water at all depths.
Oxidant —
A substance containing oxygen that reacts chemically in air to produce a new substance. The
primary ingredient of photochemical smog.
Oxidation —
1. The addition of oxygen which breaks down organic waste or chemicals such as cyanides,
phenols, and organic sulfur compounds in sewage by bacterial and chemical means.
2. Oxygen combining with other elements.
3. The process in chemistry whereby electrons are removed from a molecule.
Oxidation Pond —
A man-made lake or body of water in which waste is consumed by bacteria. It is used most
frequently with other waste-treatment processes. An oxidation pond is basically the same as a
sewage lagoon.
Oxygenated Solvent —
An organic solvent containing oxygen as part of the molecular structure. Alcohols and ketones
are oxygenated compounds often used as paint solvents.
Ozonator —
A device that adds ozone to water.
Ozone
Found in two layers of the atmosphere, the stratosphere and the troposphere. In the strato-
sphere (the atmospheric layer beginning 7 to 10 miles above the earth's surface) ozone is a form
152
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
of oxygen found naturally which provides a protective layer shielding the earth from ultraviolet
radiation's harmful health effects on humans and the environment. In the troposphere (the layer
extending up 7 to 10 miles from the earth's surface), ozone is a chemical oxidant and major
component of photochemical smog. Ozone can seriously affect the human respiratory system
and is one of the most prevalent and widespread of all the criteria pollutants for which the Clean
Air Act required EPA to set standards. Ozone in the troposphere is produced through complex
chemical reactions of nitrogen oxides, which are among the primary pollutants emitted by
combustion sources; hydrocarbons, released into the atmosphere through the combustion,
handling and processing of petroleum products; and sunlight.
Ozone Depletion—
Destruction of the stratospheric ozone layer which shields the earth from ultraviolet radiation
harmful to biological life. This destruction of ozone is caused by the breakdown of certain
chlorine and/or bromine containing compounds (chlorofluorocarbons or halons) which break
down when they reach the stratosphere and catalytically destroy ozone molecules.
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 pollutants in the air stream
either dissolve or chemically react with the liquid.
Pandemic—
Widespread throughout an area, nation or the world.
Paraquat—
A standard herbicide used to kill various types of crops, including marijuana.
Part A Permit, Part B Permit—
(See Interim Permit Status.)
Particulate Loading—
The mass of participates per unit volume of air or water.
Particulates—
Fine liquid or solid particles such as dust, smoke, mist, fumes, or smog, found in a ir or emissions.
Pathogenic—
Capable of causing disease.
153
-------
ENfVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
Pathogens—
Microorganisms that can cause disease in other organisms or in humans, animals and plants.
They may be bacteria, viruses, or parasites and are found in sewage, in runoff from animal farms
or rural areas populated with domestic and/or wild animals, and in water used for swimming.
Fish and shellfish contaminated by pathogens, or the contaminated water itself, can cause
serious illnesses.
PCBs—
A group of toxic, persistent chemicals (polychlorinated biphenyls) used in transformers and
capacitators for insulating purposes and in gas pipeline systems as a lubricant. Further sale of
new use was banned by law in 1979.
Percolation—
The movement of water downward and radially through the subsurface soil layers, usually
continuing downward to the ground water.
Permea bility—
The rate at which liquids pass through soil or other materials in a specified direction.
Permit—
An authorization, license, or equivalent control document issued by EPA or an approved state
agency to implement the requirements of an environmental regulation; e.g., a permit to operate
a wastewater treatment plant or to operate a facility that may generate harmful emissions.
Persistence—
Refers to the length of time a compound, once introduced into the environment, stays there. A
compound may persist for less than a second or indefinitely.
Persistent Pesticides—
Pesticides that do not break down chemically or break down very slowly and that remain in the
environment after a growing season.
Pest—
An insect, rodent, nematode, fungus, weed or other form of terrestrial or aquatic plant oranimal
life or virus, bacterial or microorganism that is injurious to health or the environment.
Pesticide—
Substance or mixture of substances intended for preventing, destroying, repelling, or mitigat-
ing any pest. Also, any substance or mixture of substances intended for use as a plant regulator,
154
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
defoliant, or desiccant. Pesticides can accumulate in the food chain and/or contaminate the
environment if misused.
Pesticide Tolerance—
The amount of pesticide residue allowed by law to remain in or on a harvested crop. By using
various safety factors, EPA sets these levels well below the point where the chemicals might be
harmful to consumers.
pa-
A measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a liquid or solid material.
Phenols—
Organic compounds that are by-products of petroleum refining, tanning, and textile, dye, and
resin manufacturing. Low concentrations cause taste and odor problems in water; higher
concentrations can kill aquatic life and humans.
Pheromone—
Hormonal chemical produced by female of a species to attract a mate.
Phosphates—
Certain chemical compounds containing phosphorus.
Phosphorus—
An essential chemical food element that can contribute to the eutrophication of lakes and other
water bodies. Increased phosphorus levels result from discharge of phosphorus-containing
materials into surface waters.
Photochemical Smog—
Air pollution caused by chemical reactions.
Photosynthesis—
The manufacture by plants of carbohydrates and oxygen from carbon dioxide and water in the
presence of chlorophyll, using sunlight as an energy source.
Physical and Chemical Treatment—
Processes generally used in large-scale waste-water treatment facilities. Physical processes may
involve air-stripping or filtration. Chemical treatment includes coagulation, chlorination, or
ozone addition. The term can also refer to treatment processes, treatment of toxic materials in
155
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
surface waters and ground waters, oil spills, and some methods of dealing with hazardous
materials on or in the ground.
Phytoplankton—
That portion of the plankton community comprised of tiny plants, e.g., algae, diatoms.
Phytotoxic—
Something that harms plants.
Picocurie—
Measurement of radioactivity. A picocurie is one million millionth, or a trillionth, of a curie, and
represents about 2.2 radioactive particle disintegrations per minute.
Picocuries Per Liter( pCVL)—
A unit of measure used for expressing levels of radon gas. (See picocurie.)
Pig-
A container, usually lead, used to ship or store radioactive materials.
Pile—
1. The fuel element in a nuclear reactor.
2. A heap of waste.
Plankton-
Tiny plants and animals that live in water.
Plastnid—
A circular piece of DNA that exists apart from the chromosome and replicates independently
of it. Bacterial plasmids carry information that renders the bacteria resistant to antibiotics.
Plasmids are often used in genetic engineering to carry desired genes into organisms.
Plastics—
Nonmetallic compounds that result from a chemical reaction, and are molded or formed into
rigid or pliable construction materials or fabrics.
Plugging—
1. The act or process of stopping the flow of water, oil, or gas into or out of a formation through
a borehole or well penetrating that formation.
2. Stopping a leak or sealing off a pipe or hose.
156
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
Plume—
1. A visible or measurable discharge of a contaminant from a given point of origin. Can be visible
or thermal in water, or visible in the air as, for example, a plume of smoke.
2. The area of measurable and potentially harmful radiation leaking from a damaged reactor.
3. The distance from a toxic release considered dangerous for those exposed to the leaking
fumes.
Plutonium—
A radioactive metallic element similar chemically to uranium.
Point Source—
A stationery location or fixed facility from which pollutants are discharged or emitted. Also, any
single identifiable source of pollution, e.g., a pipe, ditch, ship, ore pit, factory smokestack.
Pollen—
I. A fine dust produced by plants.
2. The fertilizing element of flowering plants.
3. A natural or background air pollutant.
Pollutant—
Generally, any substance introduced into the environment that adversely affects the usefulness
of a resource.
Pollutant Standard Index (PS/)—
Measure of adverse health effects of air pollution levels in major cities.
Pollution—
Generally, the presence of matter or energy whose nature, location or quantity produces
undesired environmental effects. Under the Clean Water Act, for example, the term is defined
as the man-made or man-induced alteration of the physical, biological, and radiological
integrity of water.
Polyelectrolytes—
Synthetic chemicals that help solids to clump during sewage treatment.
Polymer—
Basic molecular ingredients in plastic.
157
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVQ—
A tough, environmentally indestructible plastic that releases hydrochloric acid when burned.
Population—
A group of interbreeding organisms of the same kind occupying a particular space. Generically,
the number of humans or other living creatures in a designated area.
Positive Data—
Analytical results for which measurable concentrations (i.e., above a quantitation limit) are
reported. May have data qualifiers attached.
Post-Closure
The time period following the shutdown of a waste management or manufacturing facility. For
monitoring purposes, this is often considered to be thirty years.
Potable Water—
Water that is safe for drinking and cooking.
Potentially Responsible Party (PRP)—
Any individual or company—including owners, operators, transporters or generators—poten-
tially responsible for, or contributing to, the contamination problems at a Superfund site.
Whenever possible, EPA requires PRPs, through administrative and legal actions, to clean up
hazardous waste sites they have contaminated.
PPM/PPB—
Parts per million/parts per billion, a way of expressing tiny concentrations of pollutants in air,
water, soil, human tissue, food, or other products.
Precipitate—
A solid that separates from a solution because of some chemical or physical change.
Precipitation—
Removal of solids from liquid waste so that the hazardous solid portion can be disposed of
safely; removal of particles from airborne emissions.
Precipitators—
Air pollution control devices that collect particles from an emission.
158
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
Precursor—
In photochemical terminology, a compound such as a volatile organic compound (VOC) that
"precedes" an oxidant. Precursors react in sunlight to form ozone or other photochemical
oxidants.
Preliminary Assessment—
The process of collecting and reviewing available information about a known or suspected
waste site or release.
Pressure Sewers—
A system of pipes in which water, wastewater, or other liquid is transported to a higher
elevation by use of pumping force.
Pretreatment—
Processes used to reduce, eliminate,oralterthenatureof wastewater pollutants fromnondomestic
sources before they are discharged into publicly owned treatment works.
Prevention—
Measures taken to minimize the release of wastes to the environment.
Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD)—
EPA program in which state and/or federal permits are required that are intended to restrict
emissions for new or modified sources in places where air quality isalready better than required
to meet primary and secondary ambient air quality standards.
Primary Drinking Water Regulation—
Applies to public water systems and specifies a contaminant level, which, in the judgment of
the EPA Administrator, will have no adverse effect on human health.
Primary Waste Treatment—
First steps in wastewater treatment; screens and sedimentation tanks are used to remove most
material that floats or will settle. Primary treatment results in the removal of about 30 percent
of carbonaceous biochemical oxygen demand from domestic sewage.
Process Weight—
Total weight of all materials, including fuel, used in a manufacturing process. It is used to
calculate the allowable particulate emission rate from the process.
159
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
Proteins—
Complex nitrogenous organic compounds of high molecular weight that contain amino acids
as their basic unit and are essential for growth and repair of animal tissue. Many proteins are
enzymes.
Protoplast—
A membrane bound cell from which the outer cell wall has been partially or completely
removed. The term often is applied to plant cells.
Public Water System—
A system that provides piped water for human consumption to at least fifteen service
connections or regularly serves twenty-five individuals.
Publicly Owned Treatment Works—
A waste-treatment works owned by a state, unit of local government, or Indian tribe, usually
designed to treat domestic wastewaters. Also know as POTWs.
Pumping Station—
Mechanical devices installed in sewer or water systems or other liquid-carrying pipelines that
move the liquids to a higher level.
Putrescible—
Able to rot quickly enough to cause odors and attract flies.
Pyrolysis—
Decomposition of a chemical by extreme heat.
Quality Assurance Project Plan—
Describes the policy, organization, functional activities, and quality assurance and quality
control protocols necessary to achieve DQOs dictated by the intended use of the data (RI/FS
Guidance).
Quality Assurance/Quality Control—
A system of procedures, checks, audits, and corrective actions to ensure that all EPA research
design and performance, environmental monitoring and sampling, and other technical and
reporting activities are of the highest achievable quality.
160
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
Quantitation Limit—
The lowest level at which a chemical may be accurately and reproducible quantitated. Usually
equal to the detection limit multiplied by a factor of 3 to 5, but varies between chemicals and
between samples.
Quench Tank—
A water-filled tank used to cool incinerator residues or hot materials during industrial
processes.
RAD (Radiation Absorbed Dose)—
A unit of absorbed dose of radiation. One RAD of absorbed dose is equal to .01 joules per
kilogram.
Radiation—
Any form of energy propagated as rays, waves, or streams of energetic particles. The term is
frequently used in relation to the emission of rays from the nucleus of an atom.
Radiation Standards—
Regulations that set maximum exposure limits for protection of the public from radioactive
materials.
Radio Frequency Radiation—
(See Nonionizing Radiation.)
Radioactive Substances—
Substances that emit radiation.
Radiobiology—
The study of radiation effects on living things.
Radionuclide—
Radioactive element characterized according to its atomic mass and atomic number which can
be man-made or naturally occurring. Radioisotopes can have a long life as soil or water
pollutants, and are believed to have potentially mutagenic effects on the human body.
Radius of Vulnerable Zone—
The maximum distance from the point of release of a hazardous substance in which the airborne
concentration could reach the level of concern under specified weather conditions.
161
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
Radon—
A colorless naturally occurring, radioactive, inert gaseous element formed by radioactive decay
of radium atoms in soil or rocks.
Radon Decay Products—
A term used to refer collectively to the immediate products of the radon decay chain. These
include Po 218, Pb 214, Bi 214, and Po 214, which have an average combined half life of about
thirty minutes.
Rasp—
A machine that grinds waste into a manageable material and helps prevent odor.
Raw Sewage—
Untreated waste water.
Reasonably Available Control Technology (RACT)—
The lowest emissions limit that a particular source is capable of meeting by the application of
control technology that is both reasonably available, as well as technologically and economi-
cally feasible. RACT is usually applied to existing sources in nonattainment areas and most
cases is less stringent than new source performance standards.
Receiving Waters—
A river, lake, ocean, stream or other watercourse into which wastewater or treated effluent is
discharged.
Recharge—
The process by which water is added to a zone of saturation, usually by percolation from the
soil surface, e.g., the recharge of an aquifer.
Recharge Area—
A land area in which water reaches to the zone of saturation from surface infiltration, e.g., an
area where rainwater soaks through the earth to reach an aquifer.
RecombinantDNA (rDNA)—
The new DNA that is formed by combining pieces of DNA from different organisms or cells.
Recombinant Bacteria—
A type of microorganism whose genetic makeup has been altered by deliberate introduction of
162
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
new genetic elements. The offspring of these altered bacteria also contain these new genetic
elements.
Recommended Maximum Contaminant Level (RMCL)—
The maximum level of a contaminant in drinking water at which no known or anticipated
adverse affect on human health would occur, and which includes an adequate margin of safety.
Recommended levels are nonenforceable health goals. (See: maximum contaminant level.)
Reconstructed Source—
An existing facility in which components are replaced to such an extent that the fixed capital cost
of the new components exceed 50 percent of the capital cost that would be required to construct
a comparable entirely new facility. New source performance standards may be applied to
sources which are reconstructed after the proposal of the standard if it is technologically and
economically feasible to meet the standard.
Record of Decision (ROD)—
A public document that explains which cleanup altemative(s) will be used at National Priorities
List sites where, under CERCLA, Trust Funds pay for the cleanup.
Recycle/Reuse—
The process of minimizing the generation of waste by recovering usable products that might
otherwise become waste. Examples are the recycling of aluminum cans, wastepaper, and
bottles.
Red Border—
An EPA document that is undergoing final review before being submitted for final manage-
ment decision.
Red Tide—
A proliferation of a marine plankton that is toxic and often fatal to fish. This natural phenom-
enon may be stimulated by the addition of nutrients. A tide can be called red, green or brown,
depending on the coloration of the plankton.
Reentry Interval—
The period of time immediately following the application of a pesticide during which unpro-
tected workers should not enter a field.
Reference Dose (RfD)—
Toxicity value used most often in evaluating noncarcinogenic effects resulting from exposures
163
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
at Superfund sites. See specific entries for chronic RfDs, subchronic RfDs, and developmental
RfDs.
Refuse—
(See: solid waste.)
Refuse Reclamation—
Conversion of solid waste into useful products, e.g., composting organic wastes to make soil
conditioners or separating aluminum and other metals for melting and recycling.
Regeneration—
Manipulation of individual cells or masses of cells to cause them to develop into whole plants.
Regional Response Team (RRT)—
Representatives of federal, local, and state agencies who may assist in coordination of activities
at the request of the On-Scene Coordinator before and during a Superfund response action.
Registrant—
Any manufacturer or formulator who obtains registration for a pesticide active ingredient or
product.
Registration Standards—
Published reviews of all the data available on pesticide active ingredients.
Registration—
Formal listing with EPA of a new pesticide before it can be sold or distributed in intra- or
interstate commerce. The product must be registered under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide,
and Rodenticide Act. EPA is responsible for registration (premarket licensing) of pesticides on
the basis of data demonstrating that they will not cause unreasonable adverse effects on human
health or the environment when used according to approved label directions.
REM (Roentgen Equivalent Man)—
The unit of dose equivalent from ionizing radiation to the human body, used to measure the
amount of radiation to which a person or a part of a human has been exposed.
Remedial Action (RA)—
The actual construction or implementation phase of a Superfund site cleanup that follows
remedial design.
164
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
Remedial Design—
A phase of remedial action that follows the remedial investigation/feasibility study and
includes development of engineering drawings and specifications for a site cleanup.
Remedial Investigation—
An in-depth study designed to gather the data necessary to determine the nature and extent of
contamination at a Superfund site; establish criteria for cleaning up the site; identify prelimi-
nary alternatives for remedial actions; support the technical and cost analyses of the alterna-
tives. The remedial investigation is usually done with the feasibility study. Together, they are
usually referred to as the "RI/FS".
Remedial Project Manager (RPM)—
The EPA or state official responsible for overseeing remedial action at a site.
Remedial Response—
A long-term action that stops or substantially reduces a release or threat of a release of
hazardous substances that is serious but not an immediate threat to public health.
Removal Action—
Short-term immediate actions taken to address releases of hazardous substances that require
expedited response. (See: cleanup.)
Reportable Quantity (RQ)—
The quantity of a hazardous substance that triggers reports under CERCLA. If a substance is
released in amounts exceeding its RQ the release must be reported to the National Response
Center, the SERC, and community emergency coordinators for areas likely to be affected.
Reregistration—
The reevaluation and relicensing of existing pesticides originally registered prior to current
scientific and regulatory standards. EPA reregisters pesticides through its Registration Stan-
dards Program.
Reservoir—
Any natural or artificial holding area used to store, regulate, or control water.
Residual—
Amount of a pollutant remaining in the environment after a natural or technological process has
taken place, e.g., the sludge remaining after initial wastewater treatment, or particulates
remaining in air after the air passes through a scrubbing or process.
165
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
Resistance—
For plants and animals, the ability to withstand poor environmental conditions and/or attacks
by chemicals or disease. The ability may be inborn or developed.
Resource—
A person, thing, or action needed for living or to improve the quality of life.
Resource Recovery—
The process of obtaining matter or energy from materials formerly discarded.
Response Action—
A CERCLA-authorized action involving either a short-term removal action or a long-term
removal response that may include but is not limited to: removing hazardous materials from
a site to an EPA-approved hazardous waste facility for treatment, containment, or destruction;
containing the waste safely on-site; destroying or treating the waste on-site; and identifying and
removing the source of ground water contamination and halting further migration of contami-
nants. (See: cleanup.)
Restoration—
Measures taken to return a site to previolation conditions.
Restricted Use—
When a pesticide is registered, some or all of its uses may be classified (under FIFRA
regulations) for restricted use if the pesticide requires special handling because of its toxicity.
Restricted-use pesticides may be applied only by trained, certified applicators or those under
their direct supervision.
Restriction Enzymes—
Enzymes that recognize certain specific regions of a long DNA molecule and then cut the DNA
into smaller pieces.
Reverse Osmosis—
A water treatment process used in small water systems by adding pressure to force water
through a semipermeable membrane. Reverse osmosis removes most drinking water contami-
nants. Also used in wastewater treatment. Large-scale reverse osmosis plants are now being
developed.
RibonucleicAcid (RNA)—
A molecule that carries the genetic message from DNA to a cell's protein producing mecha-
nisms; similar to, but chemically different from, DNA.
166
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
Ringlemann Chart—
A series of shaded illustrations used to measure the opacity of air pollution emissions. The chart
ranges from light grey through black and is used to set and enforce emissions standards.
Riparian Habitat—
Areas adjacent to rivers and streams that have a high density, diversity, and productivity of
plant and animal species relative to nearby uplands.
Riparian Rights—
Entitlement of a land owner to the water on or bordering his property, including the right to
prevent diversion or misuse of upstream waters. Generally, a matter of state law.
Risk Assessment—
The qualitative and quantitative evaluation performed in an effort to define the risk posed to
human health and/or the environment by the presence or potential presence and/or use of
specific pollutants.
Risk Communication—
The exchange of information about health or environmental risks between risk assessors, risk
managers, the general public, news media, interest groups, etc.
Risk Management—
The process of evaluating alternative regulatory and non regulatory responses to risk and
selecting among them. The selection process necessarily requires the consideration of legal,
economic and social factors.
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 fish, not prized for eating, such as gar and suckers. Most are more tolerant of changing
environmental conditions than game species.
Routine Analytical Services—
Theset of Contract Laboratory Program (CLP) analytical protocols tha t areused to analyze most
167
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
Superfund site samples. These protocols are provided in the EPA Statements of Work for the
CLP (SOW for Inorganics; SOW for Organics) and must be followed by every CLP laboratory.
Rubbish—
Solid waste, excluding food waste and ashes, from homes, institutions, and work places.
Run-Off—
That part of precipitation, snow melt, or irrigation water that runs off the land into streams or
other surface-water. It can carry pollutants from the air and land into the receiving waters.
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 may be called sea water intrusion.
Salts-
Minerals that water picks up as it passes through the air, over and under the ground, and as it
is used by households and industry.
Salvage—
The utilization of waste materials.
Sample Management Office—
EPA contractor providing management, operational, and administrative support to the CLP to
facilitate optimal use of the program.
Sampling and Analysis Plan—
Consists of a Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) and a Field Sampling Plan (FSP).
Sand Filters—
Devices that remove some suspended solids from sewage. Air and bacteria decompose
additional wastes filtering through the sand so that cleaner water drains from the bed.
Sanitary Landfill—
(See: landfill, sanitary.)
168
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
Sanitary Sewers—
Underground pipes that carry off only domestic or industrial waste, not storm water.
Sanitary Survey—
An on-site review of the water sources, facilities, equipment, operation and maintenance of a
public water system to evaluate the adequacy of those elements for producing and distributing
safe drinking water.
Sanitation—
Control of physical factors in the human environment that could harm development, health, or
survival.
Saturated Zone—
A subsurface area in which all pores and cracks are filled with water under pressure equal to
or greater than that of the atmosphere.
Scrap—
Materials discarded from manufacturing operations that may be suitable for reprocessing.
Screening—
Use of screens to remove coarse floating and suspended solids from sewage.
Scrubber—
An air pollution device that uses a spray of water or reactant or a dry process to trap pollutants
in emissions.
Secondary Drinking Water Regulations—
Unenforceable regulations which apply to public water systems and which specify the maxi-
mum contamination levels which, in the judgement of EPA, are required to protect the public
welfare. These regulations apply to any contaminants that may adversely affect the odor or
appearance of such water and consequently may cause people served by the system to
discontinue its use.
Secondary Treatment—
The second step in most publicly owned waste treatment systems in which bacteria consume
the organic parts of the waste. It is accomplished by bringing together waste, bacteria, and
oxygen in trickling filters or in the activated sludge process. This treatment removes floating
and settleable solids and about 90 percent of the oxygen demanding substances and suspended
solids. Disinfection is the final stage of secondary treatment. (See: primary, tertiary treatment.)
169
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
Secure Chemical—
(See: landfills.)
Secure Maximum Contaminant Level—
Maximum permissible level of a contaminant in water which is delivered to the free flowing
outlet of the ultimate user of a water supply, the consumer, or of contamination resulting from
corrosion of piping and plumbing caused by water quality.
Sedimentation—
Letting solids settle out of wastewater by gravity during wastewater treatment.
Sedimentation Tanks—
Holding areas for wastewater where floating wastes are skimmed off and settled solids are
removed for disposal.
Sediments—
Soil, sand, and minerals washed from land into water usually after rain. They pile up in
reservoirs, rivers and harbors, destroying fish-nesting areas and holes of water animals, and
clouding the water so that needed sunlight might not reach aquatic plants. Careless farming,
mining, and building activities will expose sediment materials, allowing them to be washed off
the land after rainfalls.
Selective Pesticide—
A chemical designed to affect only certain types of pests, leaving other plants and animals
unharmed.
Semiconfined Aquife
An aquifer that is partially confined by a soil layer (or layers) of low permeability through which
recharge and discharge can occur.
Senescence—
Term for the aging process. Sometimes used to describe lakes or other bodies of water in
advanced stages of eutrophication.
Septic Tank—
An underground storage tank for wastes from homes having no sewer line to a treatment plant.
The waste goes directly from the home to the tank, where the organic waste is decomposed by
bacteria and the sludge settles to the bottom. The effluent flows out of the tank into the ground
through drains; the sludge is pumped out periodically.
170
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
Service Connector—
The pipe that carries tap water from the public water main to a building.
Settleable Solids-
Material heavy enough to sink to the bottom of a wastewater treatment tank.
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.
Settling Tank—
A holding area for wastewater, where heavier particles sink to the bottom for removal and
disposal.
Sewage—
The waste and wastewater produced by residential and commercial establishments and
discharged into sewers.
Sewage Lagoon—
(See: lagoon.)
Sewage Sludge—
Sludge produced at a Publicly Owned Treatment Works, the disposal of which is regulated
under the Clean Water Act.
Sewer—
A channel or conduit that carries wastewater and stormwater runoff from the source to a
treatment plant or receiving stream. Sanitary sewers carry household, industrial, and commer-
cial waste. Storm sewers carry runoff from rain or snow. Combined sewers are used for both
purposes.
Sewerage—
The entire system of sewage collection, treatment, and disposal.
Shotgun—
Nonscientific term for the process of breaking up the DNA derived from an organism and then
moving each separate and unidentified DNA fragment into a bacterium.
171
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
Signal Words—
The words used on a pesticide label—Danger, Warning, Caution—to indicate the level of
toxirity of the chemicals.
Significant Deterioration—
Pollution resulting from a new source in previously "dean" areas. (See: prevention of signifi-
cant deterioration.)
Significant Municipal Facilities—
Those publicly owned sewage treatment plants that discharge a million gallons per day or more
and are therefore considered by states to have the potential for substantial effect on the quality
of receiving waters.
Significant Violations—
Violations by point source dischargers of sufficient magnitude and/or duration to be a
regulatory priority.
Silt—
Fine particlesofsandorrockthatcanbepickedupbytheair or waterand deposited assediment.
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 and sink it to the bottom of the body of
water where the agent and the oil are biodegraded.
Site Inspection—
The collection of information from a Superfund site to determine the extent and severity of
hazards posed by the site. It follows and is more extensive than a preliminary assessment. The
purpose is to gather information necessary to score the site, using the Hazard Ranking System,
and to determine if the site presents an immediate threat that requires prompt removal action.
Siting—
The process of choosing a location for a facility.
Skimming—
Using a machine to remove oil or scum from the surface of the water.
172
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
Slope factor—
A plausible upper-bound estimate of the probability of a response per unit intake of a chemical
over a lifetime. The slope factor is used to estimate an upper-bound probability of an individual
developing cancer as a result of a lifetime of exposure to a particular level of a potential
carcinogen.
Slow Sand Filtration—
Treatment process involving passage of raw water through a bed of sand at low velocity which
results in the substantial removal of chemical and biological contaminants.
Sludge—
A semisolid residue from any of a number of air or water treatment processes. Sludge can be a
hazardous waste.
Slurry—
A watery mixture of insoluble matter that results from some pollution control techniques.
Smelter—
A facility that melts or fuses ore, often with an accompanying chemical change, to separate the
metal. Emissions are known to cause pollution. Smelting is the process involved.
Smog-
Air pollution associated with oxidants. (See: photochemical smog.)
Smoke—
Particles suspended in air after incomplete combustion of materials.
Soft Detergents—
Cleaning agents that break down in nature.
Soft Water—
Any water that is not "hard," i.e., does not contain a significant amount of dissolved minerals
such as salts containing calcium or magnesium.
Soil Adsorption Field—
A subsurface area containing a trench or bed with clean stones and a system of distribution
piping through which treated sewage may seep into the surrounding soil for further treatment
and disposal.
173
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
Soil Conditioner—
An organic material like humus or compost that helps soil absorb water, build a bacterial
community, and distribute nutrients and minerals.
Soil Gas—
Gaseous elements and compounds that occur in the small spaces between particles of the earth
and soil. Such gases can move through or leave the soil or rock, depending on changes in
pressure.
Solder—
A metallic compound used to seal the joints between pipes. Until recently, most solder
contained 50 percent lead.
Sole Source Aquifer—
An aquifer that supplies 50 percent or more of the drinking water of an area.
Solid Waste—
Nonliquid, nonsoluble materials ranging from municipal garbage to industrial wastes that
contain complex, and sometimes hazardous, substances. Solid wastes also include sewage
sludge, agricultural refuse, demolition wastes, and mining residues. Technically, solid waste
also refers to liquids and gases in containers.
Solid Waste Management—
Supervised handling of waste materials from their source through recovery processes to
disposal.
Solid Waste Disposal—
The final placement of refuse that is not salvaged or recycled.
Solidification and Stabilization—
Removal of wastewater from a waste or changing it chemically to make the waste less
permeable and susceptible to transport by water.
Solvent—
Substance (usually liquid) capable of dissolving or dispersing one or more other substances.
Soot—
Carbon dust formed by incomplete combustion.
174
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
Sorptiot
The action of soaking up or attracting substances. A process used in many pollution control
systems.
Special Analytical Services—
Nonstandardized analyses conducted under the CLP to meet user requirements that cannot be
met using RAS, such as shorter analytical turnaround time, lower detection limits, and analysis
of nonstandard matrices or non-TCL compounds
Special Review—
Formerly known as Rebuttable Presumption Against Registra tion (RPAR), this is the regulatory
process through which existing pesticides suspected of posing unreasonable risks to human
health, nontarget organisms, or the environment are referred for review by EPA. The review
requires an intensive risk/benefit analysis with opportunity for public comment. If the risk of
any use of a pesticide is found to outweigh social and economic benefits, regulatory actions—
ranging from label revisions and use-restriction to cancellation or suspended registration—can
be initiated.
Species—
A reproductively isolated aggregate of interbreeding populations of organisms.
Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasures Plan (SPCC)—
Plan covering the release of hazardous substances as defined in the Clean Water Act.
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.
Sprawl—
Unplanned development of open land.
Stabilization Ponds—
(See: lagoon.)
Stabiliza tion—
Conversion of the active organic matter in sludge into inert, harmless material.
Stable Air—
A mass of air that is not moving normally, so that it holds rather than disperses pollutants.
175
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
Stack—
A chimney or smokestack; a vertical pipe that discharges used air.
Stack Effect-
Used air, as in a chimney, that moves upward because it is warmer than the surrounding
atmosphere.
Stack Gas—
(See: flue gas.)
Stagnation—
Lack of motion in a mass of air or water, which tends to hold pollutants.
Standards—
Prescriptive norms which govern action and actual limits on the amount of pollutants or
emissions produced. EPA, under most of its responsibilities, establishes minimum standards.
States are allowed to be stricter.
State Emergency Response Commission (SERC)—
Commission appointed by each state governor according to the requirements of SARA Title HI.
The SERC's designated emergency planning districts appoint local emergency planning
committees, and supervise and coordinate their activities.
State Implementation Plans (SIP)—
EPA-approved state plans for the establishment, regulation, and enforcement of air pollution
standards.
Statements of Work for the CLP—
These documents specify the instrumentation, sample handling procedures, analytical parame-
ters and procedures, required quantitation limits, QC requirements, and report format to be
used by CLP laboratories. The SOW also contains the TCL.
Stationary Source—
A fixed, nonmoving producer of pollution, mainly power plants and other facilities using
industrial combustion processes.
Sterilization—
1. In pest control, the use of radiation and chemicals to damage body cells needed for
reproduction.
176
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
2. The destruction of all living organisms in water or on the surface of various materials. In
contrast, disinfection is the destruction of most living organisms in water or on surfaces.
Storage—
Temporary holding of waste pending treatment or disposal. Storage methods include contain-
ers, tanks, waste piles, and surface impoundments.
Storm Sewer—
A system of pipes (separate from sanitary sewers) that carry only water runoff from building
and land surfaces.
Stratification—
Separating into layers.
Stratosphere—
The portion of the atmosphere that is ten to twenty-five miles above the Earth's surface.
Strip-Cropping—
Growing crops in a systematic arrangement of strips or bands which serve as barriers to wind
and water erosion.
Strip-Mining—
A process that uses machines to scrape soil or rock away from mineral deposits just under the
earth's surface.
Subchronic RfD (RfDs)—
An estimate (with uncertainty spanning perhaps an order of magnitude or greater) of a daily
exposure level for the human population, including sensitive subpopulations, that is likely to
be without an appreciable risk of deleterious effects if the exposure were to occur for a period
of less than seven years.
Sulfur Dioxide (SOJ—
A heavy, pungent, colorless, gaseous air pollutant formed primarily by the combustion of fossil
plants.
Sump—
A pit or tank that catches liquid runoff for drainage or disposal.
177
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
Sump Pump—
A mechanism for removing water or wastewater from a sump or wet well.
Superfund—
The program operated under the legislative authority of CERCLA and SARA that funds and
carries out the EPA solid waste emergency and long-term removal remedial activities. These
activities include establishing the National Priorities List, investigating sites for inclusion on the
list, determining their priority level on the list, and conducting and/or supervising the
ultimately determined cleanup and other remedial actions.
Surface Impoundment—
Treatment, storage, or disposal of liquid hazardous wastes in ponds.
Surface Water-
All water naturally open to the atmosphere (rivers, lakes, reservoirs, streams, impoundments,
seas, estuaries, etc.) and all springs, wells, or other collectors which are directly influenced by
surface water.
Surfactant—
A surface-active agent used in detergents to cause lathering.
Surveillance System—
A series of monitoring devices designed to determine environmental quality.
Suspended Solids—
Small particles of solid pollutants that float on the surface of, or are suspended in sewage or
other liquids. They resist removal by conventional means. (See: Total Suspended Solids.)
Suspension—
The act of suspending the use of a pesticide when EPA deems it necessary to do so in order to
prevent an imminent hazard resulting from continued use of the pesticide. An emergency
suspension takes effect immediately; under an ordinary suspension a registrant can request a
hearing before the suspension goes into effect. Such a hearing process might take six months.
Suspension Culture—
Individual cells or small clumps of cells growing in a liquid nutrient medium.
Swamp—
A type of wetland that is dominated by woody vegetation and does not accumulate appreciable
peat deposits. Swamps may be fresh or salt water and tidal or nontidal. (See: Wetlands.)
178
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
Synergism—
The cooperative interaction of two or more chemicals or other phenomena producing a greater
total effect than the sum of their individual effects.
Synthetic Organic Chemicals (SOCs)
Man-made organic chemicals. Some SOCs are volatile, others tend to stay dissolved in water
rather than evaporate out of it.
Systemic Pesticide—
A chemical that is taken up from the ground or absorbed through the surface and carried
through the system of the organism being protected, making the organism toxic to pests.
Tailings—
Residue of raw materials or waste separated out during the processing of crops or mineral ores.
Target Compound List—
Developed by EPA for Superfund site sample analyses. The TCL is a list of analytes (thirty-four
volatile organic chemicals, sixty-five semivolatile organic chemicals, nineteen pesticides, seven
polychlorinated biphenyls, twenty-three metals, and total cyanide) for which every Superfund
sample must be analyzed using the RAS of the EPA Contract Laboratory Program.
TBT Paints (Trybutilin)—
(See: organotins.)
Technology-Based Standards—
Effluent limitations applicable to direct and indirect sources which are developed ona category-
by-category basis using statutory factors, not including water-quality effects.
Teratogen—
Substance that causes malformation or serious deviation from normal development of embryos
and fetuses.
Terracing—
Diking, built along the contour of sloping agricultural land, that holds runoff and sediment to
reduce erosion.
Tertiary Treatment-
Advanced cleaning of wastewater that goes beyond the secondary or biological stage. It
removes nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen and most BOD and suspended solids.
179
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
Thermal Pollution—
Discharge of heated water from industrial processes that can affect the life processes of aquatic
organisms.
Threshold Limit Value CTLV)—
Represents the air concentrations of chemical substances to which it is believed that workers
may be daily exposed without adverse effect.
Threshold Planning Quantity—
A quantity designated for each chemical on the list of extremely hazardous substances that
triggers notification by facilities to the state emergency response commission that such facilities
are subject to emergency planning under SARA Title III.
Tidal Marsh—
Low, flat marshlands traversed by channels and tidal hollows and subject to tidal inundation;
normally, the only vegetation present are salt-tolerant bushes and grasses. (See: wetlands.)
Tolerances—
The permissible residue levels for pesticides in raw agricultural produce and processed foods.
Whenever a pesticide is registered for use on a food or a feed crop, a tolerance (or exemption
from the tolerance requirement) must be established. EPA establishes the tolerance levels,
which are enforced by the Food and Drug Administration and the Department of Agriculture.
Total exposure point—
A point of potential exposure to substances from more than one exposure pathway.
Total Suspended Solids (TSS>—
A measure of the suspended solids in wastewater, effluent, or water bodies, determined by
using tests for "total suspended nonfilterable solids." (See: suspended solids.)
Toxic—
Harmful to living organisms.
Toxic Chemical Release Form—
Information form required to be submitted by facilities that manufacture, process, or use (in
quantities above a specific amount) chemicals listed under SARA Title III.
Toxic Cloud—
Airborne mass of gases, vapors, fumes, or aerosols containing toxic materials.
ISO
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
Toxic Pollutants-
Materials contaminating the environment that cause death, disease, birth defects in organisms
that ingest or absorb them. The quantities and length of exposure necessary to cause these effects
can vary widely.
Toxic Substance—
A chemical or mixture that may present an unreasonable risk of injury to health or the
environment.
Toxicant—
A poisonous agent that kills or injures animal or plant life.
Toxicity—
The degree of danger posed by a substance to animal or plant life. (See: acute, chronic toxicity.)
Toxicology—
The science and study of poisons control.
Transformation—
The process of placing new genes into a host cell, thereby inducing the host cell to exhibit
functions encoded by the DNA.
Transpiration—
The process by which water vapor is lost to the atmosphere from living plants. The term can also
be applied to the quantity of water thus dissipated.
Trash-to-Energy Plat
A plan for putting waste back to work by burning trash to produce energy.
Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facility—
Site where a hazardous substance is treated, stored, or disposed. TSD facilities are regulated by
EPA and states under RCRA.
Trichloroethylene (TCE)—
A stable, low boiling colorless liquid, toxic by inhalation. TCE is used as a solvent, metal
degreasing agent, and in other industrial applications.
Trickling Filter—
A coarse, biological treatment system in which wastewater is trickled over a bed of stones or
other material covered with bacterial growth.
181
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
Trihalomethane (THM)—
One of a family of organic compounds, named as derivatives of methane. THM's are generally
the by-product from chlorination of drinking water that contains organic material.
Troposphere—
The lower atmosphere, the portion of the atmosphere between seven and ten miles from the
Earth's surface where clouds are formed.
Trust Fund (CERCLA)—
A fund set up under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability
Act (CERCLA) to help pay for cleanup of hazardous waste sites and for legal action to force
those responsible for the sites to clean them up.
Tundra—
A type of ecosystem dominated by lichens, mosses, grasses, and woody plants. Tundra is found
at high latitudes (arctic tundra) and high altitudes (alpine tundra). Arctic tundra is underlain
by permafrost and is usually very wet. (See: wetlands.)
Turbidimeter—
A device that measures the amount of suspended solids in a liquid.
Turbidity—
1. Haziness in air caused by the presence of particles and pollutants.
2. A similar cloudy condition in water due to suspended silt or organic matter.
Ubiquitous Background Levels—
Concentrations of chemicals that are present in the environment due to anthropogenic sources
(e.g., industry, automobiles).
Ultra Clean Coal (UCC)—
Coal that has been washed, ground into fine particles, then chemically treated to remove sulfur,
ash, silicone, and other substances; usually briquetted and coated with a sealant made from coal.
Ultraviolet Rays—
Radiation from the sun that can be useful or potentially harmful. UV rays from one part of the
spectrum enhance plant life and are useful in some medical and dental procedures; UV rays
from other parts of the spectrum to which humans are exposed (e.g., while getting a sun tan)
can cause skin cancer or other tissue damage. The ozone layer in the atmosphere provides a
protective shield that limits the amount of ultraviolet rays that reach the Earth's surface.
182
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
Underground Storage Tank—
A tank located all or partially under ground that is designed to hold gasoline or other petroleum
products or chemical solutions.
Underground Sources of Drinking Water—
As defined in the UIC program, this term refers to aquifers that are currently being used as a
source of drinking water, and those that are capable of supplying a public water system. They
have a total dissolved solids content of 10,000 milligrams per liter or less, and are not "exempted
aquifers." (See: exempted aquifer.)
Unsaturated Zone—
The area above the water table where the soil pores are not fully saturated, although some water
may be present.
Uranium—
A radioactive heavy metal element used in nuclear reactors and the production of nuclear
weapons. Term refers usually to U 238, the most abundant radium isotope, although a small
percentage of naturally occurring uranium is U 235.
Urban Runoff—
Stormwater from city streets and adjacent domestic or commercial properties that may carry
pollutants of various kinds into the sewer systems and/or receiving waters.
Vaccine—
Dead or partial or modified antigen used to induce immunity to certain infectious diseases.
Vapc
The gaseous phase of substances that are liquid or solid at atmospheric temperature and
pressure, e.g., steam.
Vapor Capture System—
Any combination of hoods and ventilation system that captures or contains organic vapors in
order that they may be directed to an abatement or recovery device.
Vapor Dispersion—
The movement of vapor clouds in air due to wind, gravity spreading, and mixing.
Vapor Plumes—
Flue gases that are visible because they contain water droplets.
183
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
Vaporiza tion—
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—
1. An organism, often an insect or rodent, that carries disease.
2. An object that is used to transport genes into a host cell (vectors can be plasmids, viruses, or
other bacteria). A gene is placed in the vector, the vector then "infects" the bacterium.
Ventilatio nJSu ctio n—
The act of admitting fresh air into a space in order to replace stale or contaminated air; achieved
by blowing air into the space. Similarly, suction represents the admission of fresh air into an
interior space by lowering the pressure outside of the space, thereby drawing the contaminated
air outward.
Vinyl Chloride—
A chemical compound, used in producing some plastics, that is believed to be carcinogenic.
Virus—
The smallest form of microorganisms capable of causing disease.
Volatile—
Description of any substance that evaporates readily.
Volatile Organic Compound (VOC)—
Arty organic compound which participates in atmospheric photochemical reactions except for
those designated by the EPA Administrator as having negligible photochemical reactivity.
Volatile Synthetic Organic Chemicals—
Chemicals that tend to volatilize or evaporate from water.
Vulnerability Analysis—
Assessment of elements in the community that are susceptible to damage should a release of
hazardous materials occur.
184
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
Vulnerable Zone—
An area over which the airborne concentration of a chemical involved in an accidental release
could reach the level of concern.
Waste—
1. Unwanted materials left over from a manufacturing process.
2. Refuse from places of human or animal habitation.
Waste Load Allocation—
The maximum load of pollutants each discharger of waste is allowed to release into a particular
waterway. Discharge limits are usually required for each specific water quality criterion being,
or expected to be, violated.
Waste Treatment Plant—
A facility containing a series of tanks, screens, filters and other processes by which pollutants
are removed from water.
Waste Treatment Stream—
The continuous movement of waste from generator to treater and disposer.
Wastewater—
The spent or used water from individual homes, a community, a farm, or an industry that
contains dissolved or suspended matter.
Wastewater Operations and Maintenance—
Actions taken after construction to assure that facilities constructed to treat wastewater will be
properly operated, maintained, and managed to achieve efficiency levels and prescribed
effluent levels in an optimum manner.
Water Pollution—
The presence in water of enough harmful or objectionable material to damage the water's
quality.
Water Quality Criteria—
Specific levels of water quality which, if reached, are expected to render a body of water suitable
for its designated use. The criteria are based on specific levels of pollutants that would make the
water harmful if used for drinking, swimming, farming, fish production, or industrial pro-
cesses.
185
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
Water Quality Standards—
State-adopted and EPA-approved ambient standards for water bodies. The standards cover the
use of the water body and the water quality criteria which must be met to protect the designated
use or uses.
Water Solubility—
The maximum concentration of a chemical compound which can result when it is dissolved in
water. If a substance is water soluble it can very readily disperse through the environment.
Water Supplier—
A person who owns or operates a public water system.
Water Supply System—
The collection, treatment, storage, and distribution of potable water from source to consumer.
Water Table—
The level of ground water.
Watershed—
The land area that drains into a stream,
Weight of evidence—
An EPA classification system for characterizing the extent to which the available data indicate
that an agent is a human carcinogen.
Well—
A bored, drilled, or driven shaft, or a dug hole, whose depth is greater than the largest surface
dimension and whose purpose is to reach underground water supplies or oil, or to store or bury
fluids below ground.
Well Injection—
The subsurface emplacement of fluids in a well.
Well Plug—
A watertight and gaslight seal installed in a bore hole or well to prevent movement of fluids.
Wetlands—
An area that is regularly saturated by surface or ground water and subsequently is character-
186
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL GLOSSARY
ized by a prevalence of vegetation that is adapted for life in saturated soil conditions. Examples
include: swamps, bogs, fens, marshes, and estuaries.
Wildlife Refuge—
An area designated for the protection of wild animals, within which hunting and fishing are
either prohibited or strictly controlled.
Wood'Burning Stove Pollution—
Air pollution caused by emissions of particulate matter, carbon monoxide, total suspended
particulates, and polycyclic organic matter from wood-burning stoves.
Working Level (WL>—
A unit of measure for documenting exposure to radon decay products. One working level is
equal to approximately 200 picocuries per liter.
Working Level Month (WLM)—
A unit of measure used to determine cumulative exposure to radon.
Xenobiotic—
Term for nonnaturally occurring man-made substances found in the environment (i.e., syn-
thetic material solvents, plastics.).
Zooplankton—
Tiny aquatic animals eaten by fish.
187
------- |