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 ------- |