General Glossary

Borings into the earth that bring
up samples of soil or rock from
various levels to study for
composition or contamination.

A generic health-based criteria
for soil and health risk limits
that are based on a standard
exposure scenario for contaminated
sites.

Trash and garbage without enough
liquid to flow freely.

The design, manufacture and use of
products which reduces their
amount and toxicity. Source
reduction measures include:
reusing items, minimizing the
amount of products used, extending
the useful life of a product, and
reducing the amount of excessive
product packaging.

After ice melts in spring, warming
surface water sinks to mix with
deeper water. At this time of the
year, all water is the same
temperature.

A nonmoving source of pollution.

Sulfur dioxide is a heavy, pungent, colorless gas formed
primarily by the combustion of coal, oil, and diesel fuels.
Elevated levels can impair breathing, lead to other respiratory
symptoms, and at very high levels aggravate heart disease.
People with asthma are most at risk. Sulfur dioxide also
contributes to acid rain, which can damage plants, lakes and
buildings.

Federal and state laws designed to
clean up sites where past,
improper disposal of hazardous
substances caused soil and ground
water contamination.

The federal law passed in 1986
which amended CERCLA and provided
additional money and further
direction for the federal
Superfund program.

Aboveground water, such as
streams, rivers and lakes.