General Glossary

A soil, ground water, surface
water and/or air investigation to
determine the extent of
contamination present at a site.

A naturally occurring raw material
or from of energy derived from an
endless or cyclical source, such
as the sun, wind, falling water,
biofuels and trees. With proper
management and wise use, the
consumption of these resources can
be approximately equal to
replacement by natural or human-
assisted systems.

Something that remains, or is left
over. Residues of toxic materials
left in empty containers can pose
a threat to the environment

Businesses, local governments and
individuals responsible, as
defined by Superfund law, for
contamination at a site because of
past or current activities. Also
call PRPs for potentially
responsible parties.

Oxygen consumption.

A formal MPCA Citizens Board
request to responsible parties at
Superfund sites asking them to
take specific actions at the site
leading to cleanup.

The use of a product more than
once in its same form for the same
or different purpose.

The depth of soil penetrated by
plant roots.

That portion of precipitation or
irrigation water that flows off a
field or paved area and enters
surface water.

A device measuring the depth of
light penetration in water.