Environmental Dictionary O-P - Environmental Links - 1/1/2015 - Health Asbestos Asbestosis Mesothelioma Lung Cancer

Environmental Dictionary O-P

O&M

Operation and Maintenance.

observers

refers to a part of an audience who are spectators only.

occlusion

an absorption process by which one solid material adheres strongly to another, sometimes occurring by coprecipitation.

occupational exposure

see Action Level.

Occupational Safety and Health Act

see OSH Act.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

see OSHA.

OCD

Offshore and Coastal Dispersion Model.

OCO

Organizational Conflicts of Interest.

OCPSF

organic chemicals, plastics and synthetic fibers.

OCR

Optical Character Reader.

OCS

Outer Continental Shelf.

OCSLA

Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act.

OD

Organizational Development.

OD

Outside Diameter.

odor threshold

the lowest concentration of a material's vapor (or a gas) in air that is detectable by odor.

OEB-2

Demulsifier oil/water (ETUS).

OEL

Occupational Exposure Limit. See Exposure Limits.

OEM

Original Equipment Manufacturer.

OERR

Office of Emergency and Remedial Response.

OF

Optional Form.

off-road vehicles

forms of motorized transportation that do not require prepared surfaces -- they can be used to reach remote areas.

offshore facility

as defined by section 101(17) of CERCLA and section 311(a)(11) of the CWA, means any facility of any kind located in, on, or under any of the navigable waters of the United States and any facility of any kind which is subject to the jurisdiction of the United States and is located in, on, or under any other waters, other than a vessel or a public vessel.

off-site facility

a hazardous waste treatment, storage or disposal area that is located at a place away from the generating site.

O&G

Oil and Gas.

OHM

a unit of resistance to the passage of electric current.

oil

as defined by section 311(a)(1) of the CWA, means oil of any kind or in any form, including, but not limited to, petroleum, fuel oil, sludge, oil refuse, and oil mixed with wastes other than dredged spoil.

oil fingerprinting

a method that identifies sources of oil and allows spills to be traced back to their source.

oil spill

accidental discharge into bodies of water, can be controlled by chemical dispersion, combustion, mechanical containment, and absorption.

oil "fingerprinting"

a method that identifies oil spills so they can be traced back to their sources.

oil pollution fund

means the fund established by section 311(k) of the CWA.

oligotrophic lakes

deep clear lakes with low nutrient supplies. They contain little organic matter and have a high dissolved oxygen level.

oliguria

scanty or low volume of urine.

O&M

Operation and Maintenance.

OMB

Office of Management and Budget; advisory body to the Executive Office of the President on budgetary administration.

oncogenic

a substance that causes tumors, whether benign or malignant.

on-scene coordinator (OSC)

the predesignated EPA, Coast Guard, or Department of Defense official who coordinates and directs Superfund removal actions of the Clean Water Act and oil-or hazardous-spill corrective actions.

onshore facility

as defined by section 101(18) of CERCLA, means any facility (including, but not limited to, motor vehicles and rolling stock) of any kind located in, on, or under any land or non-navigable waters within the United States; and, as defined by section 311(a)(10) of the CWA, means any facility (including, but not limited to, motor vehicles and rolling stock) of any kind located in, on, or under any land within the United States other than submerged land.

on-site

means on the same or geographically contiguous property which may be divided by public or private right(s)-of-ways, provided by the entrance and exit between the properties is at a cross-roads, intersection, and access is by crossing as opposed to going along the right(s)-of-way. Non-contiguous properties owned by the same person but connected by a right-of-way which the person controls and to which the public does not have access, is also considered on-site property.

on-site facility

a hazardous water treatment, storage or disposal area that is located on the generating site.

on-the-premises-where-stored

with respect to heating oil means UST systems located on the same property where the stored heating oil is used.

oncogenic

a substance that causes tumors, whether benign or malignant.

O/O

Owner/Operator.

opacity

the amount of light obscured by particulate pollution in the air; clear window glass has zero opacity a brick wall 100% opacity. Opacity is used as an indicator of changes in performance of particulate matter pollution control systems.

opaque

impervious to light rays.

open burning

uncontrolled fires in an open dump.

open dump

specifically, any facility or site where solid waste is disposed of which is not a sanitary landfill which meets the Criteria listed in 40 CFR Part 257 ("Subtitle D Criteria and which is not a facility for the disposal of hazardous waste. an uncovered site used for disposal of waste without environmental controls. (See: dump).

open space

a relatively undeveloped green or wooded area provided usually within an urban development to minimize feelings of congested living.

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.

operational life

refers to the period beginning when installation of the tank system has commenced until the time the tank system is properly closed under Subpart G.

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 a optimum manner.

operation and maintenance costs

cost of running the wastewater treatment equipment. This includes labor costs, material and supply, energy and power costs.

operator

the person responsible for the overall operation of a facility, or having responsibility for, the daily operation of the UST system.

oral

Used in or taken Into the body through the mouth.

ore

a mineral containing useful substances which can be extracted.

organic

referring to or derived from living organisms.In chemistry, any compound containing carbon.

organic chemicals/compounds

animal or plant-produced substances containing mainly carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.

organic compound

any substance that contains the element carbon, with the exception of carbon dioxide and various carbonates.

organic materials

compounds composed of carbon, hydrogen, and other elements with chain or ring structures.

organic matter

carbonaceous waste contained in plant or animal matter and originated from domestic or industrial sources.

organic peroxide

a compound containing the bivalent - O-O - structure and which is a structural derivative of hydrogen peroxide (HàOà) where one or both hydrogen atoms has been replaced by an organic radical.

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 anti-foulant paints to protect the hulls of boats and ships, buoys, and dock pilings from marine organisms such as barnacles.

orifice

an opening through which a fluid can pass; a restriction placed in a pipe to provide a means of measuring flow.

ORM

other regulated material. DOT hazard classification of a particular hazardous material to label it in transport. ORM-A: materials with an anesthetic, irritating, noxious, toxic, or other property whose leakage can cause extreme discomfort to transportation personnel. ORM-B: materials (including solids wet with water) that can cause damage to a vehicle if they leak. ORM-E: materials that are not in any other hazard classification but are subject to DOT regulations.

ORM-A (DOT)

An ORM-A material is a material which has an anesthetic, irritating, noxious, toxic, or other similar property and which can cause extreme annoyance or discomfort to passenger and crew in the even of leakage during transportation.

ORM-8 (DOT)

An ORM-B material is a material (including a solid when wet with water) capable of causing significant damage to a transport vehicle from leakage during transportation. Materials meeting one or both of the following criteria are ORM-B materials: 1. A liquid substance that has a corrosion rate exceeding 0.250 inch per year (IPY) on aluminum (nonclad 7075-T6) at a test temperature of 130 ¿F. An acceptable test is described in NACE Standard TM-01-69.2. Specifically designated by name in the Hazardous Materials Table; (49 CFR 172.101).

ORM-C (DOT)

An ORM-C material is a material which has other inherent characteristics not described as an ORM-A or ORM-B but which make it unsuitable for shipment, unless properly identified and prepared for transportation. Each ORM-C material is specifically named in the Hazardous Materials Table (49 CFR 172.101)

ORM-D (DOT)

An ORM-D material is a material such as a consumer commodity which though otherwise subject to the DOT regulations, presents a limited hazard during transportation due to its form, quantity and packaging.

ORM-E (DOT)

An ORM-E is a material that is not included in any other hazard class, but is subject to transportation regulations.Materials in this class include: 1. Hazardous waste.2. Hazardous substances.

ORNL

Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

ORP

Oxidation Reduction Potential. See "Redox potential."

OSC

On-Scene Coordinator

OSDH

Oklahoma State Department of Health.

OSHA

Occupational Safety and Health Administration; oversees and regulates workplace health and safety; and

OSHA

Occupational Safety and Health Act (1970); law calling for establishment of the administrative OSHA body.

OSH Act

the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. Effective April 28, 1971. Public Law 91-596. Found at 29 CFR 1910, 1915, 1918, 1926. OSHA jurisdiction. The regulatory vehicle to ensure the safety and health of workers in firms larger than 10 employees. Its goal is to set standards of safety that prevent injury and illness among the workers. Regulating employee exposure and informing employees of the dangers of materials are key factors. This act established the Hazard Communication Rule (29 CFR 1910, 1200). See Hazard Communication Rule for details.

OSHA flammable/combustible liquid classification

(29 CFR 191.106).Flammable/combustible liquid is a standard classification used to identify the risks of fire or explosion associated with a liquid. Class I Flammable A Liquids (with a flash point below 100 degrees F (38 degrees C) are divided into the following: class IA-flash point below 73 degrees F (22.8 degrees C), boiling point below 100 degrees F (38 degrees C); class IB-flash point below 73 degrees F (22.8 degrees C), boiling point at or above 100 degrees F (38 degrees C); and class IC-flash point at or above 73 degrees F (22.8 degrees C), boiling point below 100 degrees F (38 degrees C). Combustible liquids (with a flash point at or above 100 degrees F) are divided into two classes; class II, with flash point at or above 100 degrees F (38 degrees C) and below 140 degrees F (60 degrees C), except any mixture having components with flash points of 200 degrees F (93.3 degrees C) or higher, the volume of which makes up 99% or more of the total volume of the mixture; and class III, with flash point at or above 140 degrees F (60 degrees C). Class III liquids are divided into two subclasses; class IIIA, with flash point at or above 140 degrees F (60 degrees C) and below 200 degrees F (93.3 degrees C) except any mixture having components with flash points of 200 degrees F (93.3 degrees C) or higher, the volume of which makes up 99% or more of the total volume of the mixture; and class IIIB, with flash point at or above 200 degrees F (93.3 degrees C).

OSM

Office of Surface Mining.

osmosis

the tendency of a fluid to pass through a permeable membrane, as the wall of a living cell, into a less concentrated solution, so as to equalize concentrations on both sides of the membrane.

OSTP

Office of Science and Technology Policy.

OS/VS

Operating System/Virtual Storage.

OSW

Office of Solid Waste.

OSWER

Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response.

OTA

Office of Technology Assessment.

OUST

Office of Underground Storage Tanks.

outfall

the place where an effluent is discharged into receiving waters.

OVA

Organic Vapor Analyzer.

overburden

the rock and soil cleared away before mining.

overfill release

is a release that occurs when a tank is filled beyond its capacity, resulting in a discharge of the regulated substance to the environment.

overfire air

air forced into the top of an incinerator to fan the flame.

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 (turnovers), by top to bottom circulation, of previously stratified water masses. This phenomenon may occur in spring and/or fall; the result is a uniformity of physical and chemical properties of the water at all depths.

owner

the person who owns a facility or part of a facility.

owner-UST

means: (a) in the case of an UST system in use on November 8, 1984, or brought into use after that date, any person who owns an UST system used for storage, use, or dispensing of regulated substances; and (b) in the case of any UST system in use before November 8, 1984, but no longer in use on that date, any person who owned such UST immediately before the discontinuation of its use.

OWPE

Office of Waste Programs Enforcement.

oxidant

a substance containing oxygen that reacts chemically in air to produce a new substance; primary source 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.

oxide pox

dermatitis caused by contact with oxides under poor personal hygienic conditions.

oxidizer

the DOT defines an oxidizer or oxidizing material as a substance that yields oxygen readily to stimulate the combustion (oxidation) of organic matter. Chlorate (ClO), permanganate (MnO), and nitrate (NO) compounds are examples of oxidizers.Note that they all contain oxygen (O).

oxidizing agent

a chemical or substance that brings about an oxidation reaction. The agent may (1) provide the oxygen to the substance being oxidized (in which case the agent has to be oxygen or contain oxygen), or (2) receive electrons being transferred from the substance undergoing oxidation. (Chlorine is a good oxidizing agent for electron-transfer purposes, even though it contains no oxygen).See Reducing Agent.

OXYGEN

Boiler Feedwater Treatment - Deoxidizer (ETUS).

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 (O3)

Found in two layers of the atmosphere, the stratosphere and the troposphere. In the stratosphere (the atmospheric layer beginning 7 to 10 miles above the earth's surface) ozone is a form 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.

PA

Policy Analyst.

PA

Preliminary Assessment.

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.

packing

the fill in a confined space in a stripping vessel, ranging from simply shaped units such as rocks or slats to complex shapes that provide large surface area per unit volume.

PAHs

polyaromatic hydrocarbons.

PAI

Performance Audit Inspection.

PAIR

Preliminary Assessment Information Rule.

PAL

Point, Area and Line Source Air Quality Model.

PALDS

PAL Model with Deposition and Settling of Pollutants.

palpitation

irregular, rapid heartbeat.

PAN

(Peroxyacetyl nitrate) a pollutant created by the action of sunlight on hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides in the air. An ingredient of smog.

pandemic

widespread throughout an area, nation or the world.

PAPR

Powered Air-Purifying Respirator.

PAR

Protective Action Recommendation

PARS

Precision and Accuracy Reporting System.

parameter

a characteristic element or constant factor.

paraquat

a standard herbicide used to kill various types of crops, including marijuana.

parathesia

a sensation of prickling, tingling, or creeping on the skin that has no objective cause.

Part A

the first part of the two part application that must be submitted by a TSD facility to receive a permit. It contains general facility information. There is a standard form for the Part A.

Part B

the second part of the permit application that includes detailed and highly technical information concerning the TSD in question. There is no standard form for the Part B, instead the facility must submit information based on the regulatory requirements.

partial closure

the closure of a discrete part of a facility in accordance with the applicable closure requirements of 40 CFR Parts 264 or 265. For example, partial closure may include the closure of a trench, a unit operation, a land-fill cell, or a pit, while other parts of the same facility continue in operation or will be placed in operation in the future. A proposed redefinition was published in the March 19, 1985, Federal Register (50 CFR 11068).

particulate

small, separate pieces of an airborne material.Dusts, fumes, smokes, mists, and fogs are examples. Generally, anything that is not a fiber and has an aspect ratio of 3 to 1.

particulate loading

the mass of particulates per unit volume of air or water.

particulates

fine liquid or solid particles such as dust, smoke, mist, fumes, or smog, found in the air or emissions.

particulate loading

the introduction of particulates into ambient air.

partition coefficient

see Coefficient of Water/Oil Distribution.

parts per million

this is a weight per volume measurement used in water and wastewater analysis. It is interchangeable with "milligrams per liter". Chemical dosages are often referred to as parts per million, i.e. 100 ppm of polymer.100 ppm = 0.1%.

PA/SI

Preliminary Assessment/Site Inspection.

PASS

Procurement Automated Source System.

pasteurization

a process for killing pathogenic organisms by heat applied for a critical period of time.

PAT

Permit Assistance Team.

pathogenic

capable of causing disease.

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.

PBB

Polybromated Biphenyl.

PCB

polychlorinated biphenyl; a pathogenic and teratogenic industrial compound used as a heat-transfer agent; PCBs may accumulate in human or animal tissue.

PC&B

Personnel Compensation and Benefits.

PCDD

Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxin.

PCDF

Polychlorinated Dibenzofuran.

PCM

Phase-Contrast Microscopy.

PCP

Pentachlorophenol.

PCS

Permit Compliance System.

PCV

Positive Crankcase Ventilation.

PDFID

Preconstruction Direct Flame Ionization Detection.

PDMS

Pesticide Document Management System.

PDQ

Pretty Damn Quick.

PDR

Particulate Data Reduction.

PDS

Personnel Decontamination Station.

PE

Performance Evaluation.

PEA

Preliminary Endangerment Assessment.

PEL

permissible exposure limits; specific exposure limits established by OSHA for 600 industrial chemicals. This may be expressed as a time-weighted average (TWA) limit or as a ceiling exposure limit that legally must never be exceeded instantaneously even if the TWA exposure limit is not violated. OSHA PELs have the force of law. Note that ACGIH TLVs and NIOSH RELs are recommended exposure limits that may or may not be enacted into law by OSHA.

PEL

Personal Exposure Limit.

PEM

Partial Equilibrium Multimarket Model.

PEM

Personal Exposure Model.

PEMA

Professional Environmental Marketing Association.

Pensky-Martens Closed Cup or Closed Tester

see PMCC.

PEPE

Prolonged Elevated Pollution Episode.

percent volatile

percent volatile by volume. The percentage of a liquid or solid (by volume) that evaporates at an ambient temperature of 70 degrees F (20 degrees C) unless some other temperature is stated. E.g., gasoline and paint thinner (mineral spirits) are 100% volatile; their individual evaporation rates vary, but over a period of time each evaporates completely. This physical characteristics reflects the potential for releasing harmful vapor into the air.

percolation

downward flow or filtering of water through pores or spaces in rock or soil.

periodic chart

an arrangement of the elements in order of increasing atomic number that illustrates the repetition (or periodicity) of key characteristics.

peripheral neuropathy

Functional disturbances and/or pathological changes in the nervesin the extremities (hands, feet, arms and legs).

permeability

the ability of a body to pass a fluid under pressure.

permeate

describes water that has passed through a reverse osmosis membrane.

permit

an authorization, license, or equivalent control document issued by EPA or an authorized State to implement the regulatory requirements of Subtitle C Parts 264 and 265 for TSDs.

permit-by-rule

a provision of Subtitle C whereby a facility is deemed to have a RCRA permit if it is permitted under the Safe Drinking Water Act, the Clean Water Act, or the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act and also meets a few additional Subtitle C requirements as specified at 40 CFR Section 270.60.

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 and remain in the environment after a growing season.

person

an individual, trust, firm, joint stock company, corporation (including a government corporation), partnership, association, State, municipality, commission, political subdivision of a State, or any interstate body. Person also includes a consortium, a joint venture, a commercial entity, and the United States Government.

personal hygiene

precautionary measures taken to maintain good health when exposed to potentially harmful materials. This includes keeping hands, other parts of the body, work clothing, and equipment free of a material's residue, as well as not eating, drinking, applying makeup, or using toilet facilities where it is in use.

personal protection

The act of protecting the body against contact with known or anticipated chemical hazards. Equipment for this purpose includes respirators, gloves, safety glasses, chemical resistant clothing, etc. [14]

personal protective equipment

see PPE.

pest

an insect, rodent, nematode, fungus, weed or other form of terrestrial or aquatic plant or animal life or virus, bacterial or microorganism that is injurious to health or the environment.

PESTAN

Pesticides Analytical Transport Solution.

pesticide

any substance used to control pests ranging from rats, weeds, and insects to algae and fungi. Pesticides can accumulate in the food chain and can contaminate the 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.

petroleum UST system

means an underground storage tank system that contains petroleum or a mixture of petroleum with de minimis quantities of other regulated substances. Such systems include those containing motor fuels, jet fuels, distillate fuel oils, residual fuel oils, lubricants, petroleum solvents, and used oils.

PF

Potency Factor.

PF

Protection Factor.

PFCs

Perfluorocarbons (zero ozone depletion potential).

pH

a unit for measuring hydrogen ion concentrations. A pH of 7 indicates a "neutral" water or solution. At pH lower than 7, a solution is acidic. At pH higher than 7, a solution is alkaline.

PHC

Principal Hazardous Constituent.

PHE

Public Health Evaluation.

phenols

organic compounds that are byproducts of petroleum refining, tanning, textile, dye, and resin manufacture. Low concentrations can cause taste and odor problems in water, higher concentrations can kill aquatic life.

pheromone

hormonal chemical produced by female of a species to attract a mate.

phlegm

thick mucous from the respiratory passage.

phosphate

salts or esters of phosphoric acid.

phosphorus

an essential food element that can contribute to the eutrophication of water bodies.

photochemical oxidants

air pollutants formed by the action of sunlight on oxides of nitrogen and hydrocarbons.

photochemical smog

air pollution caused by not one pollutant but by chemical reactions of various pollutants emitted from different sources.

photophobia

intolerance to light.

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.

phyotoxic

something that harms plants.

PHSA

Public Health Service Act.

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 surface waters and ground waters, oil spills, and some methods of dealing with hazardous materials on or in the ground.

physical hazard

a substance for which there is valid evidence that it is a combustible liquid, compressed gas, explosive, flammable, an organic peroxide, an oxidizer, pyrophoric, unstable (reactive), or water reactive.

physical state

the condition of a material; i.e., solid, liquid, or gas, at room temperature.

phytoplankton

that portion of the plankton community comprised of tiny plants, e.g., algae, diatoms.

phytotoxic

something that harms plants.

PIAT

Public Information Assist Team.

pickle liquor

acid used in treating steel for removal of oxide scale.

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 (pCi/L)

a unit of measure used for expressing levels of radon gas. (See: picocurie).

PID

Photoionization Detector.

pig

a container, usually lead, used to ship or store radioactive materials.

PIGS

Pesticides in Groundwater Strategy.

pile

(1) the fuel element in a nuclear reactor. (2) a heap of waste.

PIN

Product Identification Number.A four-digit number, prefaced by UN or NA, used in Canada under the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulation for use by emergency personnel to identify a material in the event of an accident.

PIN

Procurement Information Notice.

PIO

Public Information Officer

PIP

Public Involvement Program.

or "Piping

means a hollow cylinder or tubular conduit that is constructed of non-earthen materials.

pipeline facilities (including gathering lines)

are new and existing pipe rights-of-way and any associated equipment, facilities, or buildings.

PIRG

Public Interest Research Group.

PIRT

Pretreatment Implementation Review Task Force.

PL

Public Law.

plankton

small organisms with limited powers of locomotion, carried by water currents from place to place.

plasmid

a circular piece of DNA that exists apart from the chromosome and replicates independently of it. Bacterial plasmids carry information that renders the bacterial resistant to antibiotics. Plasmids are often used in genetic engineering to carry desired genes into organisms.

plastics

non-metallic compounds that result from a chemical reaction, and are molded or formed into rigid or pliable structural material.

Players

refers to exercise participants who have assignments as members of an emergency response organization or team that will be committed to execute or support specific Federal, State or local efforts. These assignments can include saving lives, protecting property and public health, obtaining and managing resources, and maintaining public safety upon the occurrence of an oil or hazardous material spill or release. Players will make decisions and respond to scenario events in as realistic a manner as possible. All players should be familiar with the emergency response structure, functions, and procedures that they will be expected to perform.

PLIRRA

Pollution Liability Insurance and Risk Retention Act.

PLM

Polarized Light Microscopy.

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.

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.

PM

particulate matter; air emissions regulated under Titles 1 and III of the CAA Amendments.

PMCC

Pensky-Martens closed cup. One of several types of apparatus for determining flash points. The Pensky-Martens closed tester (ASTM D93-79) is used for liquids that have a viscosity of 45 SUS (Saybolt universal seconds) or more at 100 degrees F (38 degrees C), a flash point of 200 degrees F (93.6 degrees C) or higher, contain suspended solids, or form surface films.

PMN

Premanufacture Notification.

PMNF

Premanufacture Notification Form.

PMR

Pollutant Mass Rate.

PNA

Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons.

pneum(o)

Word element pertaining to lung, air or gas.

pneumoconiosis

a respiratory tract and lung condition caused by inhalation and retention of irritant mineral or metallic particles.An X ray can detect changes, which include fibrosis, emphysema.

pneumonia

inflammatory lung disease caused by microorganisms, virus, and chemical or physical irritants.

PNS

peripheral nervous system effects.

POC

Point of Compliance.

POC

Program Office Contracts.

POHCs

Principal Organic Hazardous Constituents.

point of disinfectant application

is the point where the disinfectant is applied and water downstream of that point is not subject to recontamination by surface water runoff.

point source

any discernible, confined, and discrete conveyance, including, but not limited to any pipe, ditch, channel, tunnel, conduit, well, discrete fissure, container, rolling stock, concentrated animal feeding operation, or vessel or other floating craft, from which pollutants are or may be discharged. This term does not include return flows from irrigated agriculture.

Poison, Class A

a DOT term for an extremely dangerous poison such as a poisonous gas or liquid of such a nature that a very small amount of the gas or vapor of the liquid mixed with air is dangerous to life. E.g., phosgene, cyanogen, hydrocyanic acid, and nitrogen peroxide.

Poison B-DOT

Class B poisons are those substances, liquid or solid (including pastes and semisolids), other than Class A poisons or Irritating materials, which are known to be so toxic to man as to afford a hazard to health during transportation; or which, in the absence of adequate data on human toxicity, are presumed to be toxic to man because they fall within any one of the following categories when tested on laboratory animals:(1) Oral toxicity. Those which produce death within 48 hours in half or mare than half of a group of 10 or mare white laboratory rats weighing 200 to 300 grams at a single dose of 50 milligrams or less per kilogram of body weight, when administered orally.(2) Toxicity on inhalation. Those which produce death within 48 hours in half or more than half of a group of 10 or more white laboratory rats weighing 200 to 300 grams, when inhaled continuously for a period of one hour or less at a concentration of 2 milligrams or less per liter of vapor, mist, or dust, provided such concentration is likely to be encountered by man when the chemical product is used in any reasonable foreseeable manner.(3) Toxicity by skin absorption. Those which produce death within 48 hours in half or more than half of a group of 10 or more rabbits tested at a dosage of 200 milligrams or less per kilogram body weight, when administered by continuous contact with the bare skin for 24 hours or less.The foregoing categories shall not apply if the physical characteristics or the probable hazards in humans as shown by experience indicate that the substances will not cause serious sickness or death.

Poison Control Center

provides medical information on a 24-hour basis for accidents involving ingestion of potentially poisonous materials. Call your area's largest hospital to find the one nearest to you.

poison inhalation-DOT

A liquid having a saturated vapor concentration at 20 ¿C (68 ¿F) equal to or greater than ten times its LC5O (vapor) value if the LC5O value is 100 parts per million (ppm) or less. LC5O for this definition is the concentration of vapor that, when administered by continuous inhalation of both male and female young albino rats for one hour, is most likely to cause death within 14 days to one half of the animals tested.The result is expressed in milliliters per cubic meter of air (ppm).If LC50 data are available based on other than a one hour exposure, a factor may be used to determine an acceptable one hour value for the purposes of this section. If the only value available is for a 4 hours exposure, that value is multiplied by 2. This method of estimating a LC5O value may not be used when a material causes death by direct pulmonary effect, i.e., by destruction of lung tissue as opposed to systemic poisoning. For these corrosive poisons, the exposure period must be one hour.

POL

Petroleum, Oils, and Lubricants.

polarize

in corrosion, to develop a barrier on the anodic or cathodic surface, disrupting the corrosion process.

policy

a document that specifies operating policies that must be followed. They are used by program offices to outline the manner in which pieces of the RCRA program are to be carried out.

pollen

a fine dust produced by plants; the fertilizing element of flowering plants; a natural or background air pollutant.

pollutant

a contaminant at a concentration high enough to endanger the aquatic environment or the public health.Pollutant or contaminant as defined by section 101(33) of CERCLA, shall include, but not be limited to, any element, substance, compound, or mixture, including disease-causing agents, which after release into the environment and upon exposure, ingestion, inhalation, or assimilation into any organism, either directly from the environment or indirectly by ingestion through food chains, will or may reasonably be anticipated to cause death, disease, behavioral abnormalities, cancer, genetic mutation, physiological malfunctions (including malfunctions in reproduction) or physical deformations, in such organisms or their offspring. The term does not include petroleum, including crude oil or any fraction thereof which is not otherwise specifically listed or designated as a hazardous substance under section 101(14) (A) through (F) of CERCLA, nor does it include natural gas, liquefied natural gas, or synthetic gas of pipeline quality (or mixtures of natural gas and such synthetic gas). For purposes of the NCP, the term pollutant or contaminant means any pollutant or contaminant that may present an imminent and substantial danger to public health or welfare.

pollutant parameters

those constituents of wastewater determined to be detrimental and, therefore, requiring control.

Pollutant Standard Index (PSI)

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.

polyelectrolyte

a polymetric material having ion exchange sites on its skeleton.

polymer

see Monomer. A chain or organic molecules produced by the joining of primary units called monomers.

polymerization

a chemical reaction in which one or more small molecules combine to form larger molecules. A hazardous polymerization is such a reaction that takes place at a rate that releases large amounts of energy that can cause fires or explosions or burst containers. Materials that can polymerize usually contain inhibitors that can delay the reactions.

polyphosphate

molecularly dehydrated orthophosphate.

polythiocarbonate

a general term for Thio-Red, a patented precipitating reagent. An organic sulfur polymer with the general formula: CS3.

polyvinyl chloride

a plastic that releases hydrochloric acid when burned.

POM

Particulate Organic Matter.

POM

Polycyclic Organic Matter.

population

a group of interbreeding organisms of the same kind occupying a particular space. Genetically, the number of humans or other living creatures in a designated area.

porosity

the degree of openness of a spongelike quality in a resin structure.

positive data

analytical results for which measurable concentration (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 30 years.

Post-emergency Phase

refers to the phase of response actions, during which actions are taken after the release or the potential for a release has ceased.

post-removal site control

means those activities that are necessary to sustain the integrity of a Fund-financed removal action following its conclusion. Post-removal site control may be a removal or remedial action under CERCLA. The term includes, without being limited to, activities such as relighting gas flares, replacing filters, and collecting leachate.

POTABLE

Potable Water Treatment (ETUS).

potable water

appetizing water that is safe for drinking and use in cooking. Water which is suitable for human consumption.

Potential Emergency Condition

refers to "an incident or threat of a release which can be controlled by the first response agencies and does not require evacuation of other than the involved structure or immediate outdoor area. The incident is confined to a small area and does not pose an immediate threat to life or property."

Potentially Responsible Party (PRP)

any individual or company -- including owners, operators, transporters or generators -- potentially responsible for, or contributing to, the contamination problems at a Superfund site. Whenever possible, EPA requires PRP's, through administrative and legal actions, to clean up hazardous waste sites they have contaminated.

POTW

publicly owned treatment works; state or local government owned waste treatment facilities.

pour point

the temperature at which a liquid either congeals or flows.

pozzolan

a volcanic ash, first found at Pozzuoli, Italy, and used as an ingredient in some cements and mortars.

PPA

Pesticide Producers Association.

PPA

Pollution Prevention Act (1990); federal law establishing a national policy of pollution prevention and waste reduction.

ppb

parts per billion.

PPC

Personal Protective Clothing.

PPC

Catalyzed Zinc/Lead Precipitant - Chelator Breaker - Heavy Metal (ETUS).

PPE

personal protective equipment; safety gear, including chemical protective clothing and breathing apparatus.

PPIS

Pesticide Product Information System.

ppm

parts per million; a way of expressing tiny concentrations.In air ppm is usually a volume/volume ratio; in water, a weight/volume ratio.

PPPA

Poison Prevention Packaging Act.

ppq

Parts per Quadrillion.

ppt

parts per trillion.

ppth

Parts per Thousand.

PQL

Practical Quantitation Limit.

PR

Preliminary Review.

PRA

Paperwork Reduction Act.

PRA

Planned Regulatory Action.

precipitate

discrete particles of material rejected from a liquid solution.

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 by mechanical or electrical means.

precordial

in front of the heart, stomach.

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 photo- chemical oxidants.

preliminary assessment

(PA) means review of existing information and an off-site reconnaissance, if appropriate, to determine if a release may require additional investigation or action. A PA may include an on-site reconnaissance, if appropriate.

pressure drop

a loss in pressure due to flow restrictions or friction.

pressure filtration

process of solid/liquid phase separation effected by passing the more permeable liquid phase through a mesh which is impenetrable to the solid phase.

pressure-generating Chemical

A chemical that falls within any of the following categories:(1) A chemical that generates pressure by spontaneous polymerization unless protected by the addition of an inhibitor, by refrigeration, or by other thermal control.(2) A chemical that may decompose to release gas in its container.(3) A chemical that pressurizes the contents of a self-pressurized container.

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 the amount of pollution in water before it enters the sewers or the treatment plant.

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 is already 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 settling

first treatment for the removal of settleable solids from wastewater which is passed through a treatment works.

primary treatment

the first stage of waste water treatment; removal of floating debris and solids by screening and sedimentation.

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.

PRM

Prevention Reference Manuals.

process wastewater

any water which, during manufacturing or processing, comes into direct contact with or results from the production or use of any raw material, intermediate product, finished product, by-product or waste product.

process water

water prior to its direct contact use in a process or operation. This water may be any combination of raw water, service water, or either process wastewater or treatment facility effluent to be recycled or reused.

process weight

the total weight of all materials, including fuel, used in a manufacturing process. It is used to calculate the allowable rate of emission of pollutant matter from the process.

product identification number

see PIN.

product name

The trade name of the manufacturer; some commodity chemicals are sold by their common name.

prostration

physical exhaustion, incapacitation.

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.

proteinuria

presence of protein in the urine.

protoplast

a membrane bound cell from which the outer cell has been partially or completely removed. The term often is applied to plant cells.

protozoa

large microscopic single-cell organisms higher on the food chain than bacteria which consume bacteria.

PRP

Potentially responsible party; individual or organization legally liable under CERCLA for cleanup of NPL sites.

PSA

Pipeline Safety Act.

PSA

Preliminary Site Assessment.

PSAM

Point Source Ambient Monitoring.

PSD

Prevention of Significant Deterioration.

PSES

Pretreatment Standards for Existing Sources.

PSI

Pollutant Standards Index.

psi

Pounds per Square Inch.

psi

Pressure per Square Inch.

psia

pounds per square inch absolute.

psig

Pressure per Square Inch Gauge.

PSNS

Pretreatment Standards for New Sources.

Psychotropic

PSY. acting on the mind.

PTFE

Polyetrafluoroethylene.

PTPLU

Point Source Gaussian Diffusion Model.

Public Information Officer

refers to a designated point of contact responsible for interface with the media or other appropriate agencies requiring information concerning the incident/accident.

public vessel

as defined by section 311(a)(4) of the CWA, means a vessel owned or bareboat-chartered and operated by the United States, or by a state or political subdivision thereof, or by a foreign nation, except when such vessel is engaged in commerce.

public water system

a system that has 15 or more service connections or that regularly serves at least 25 people a day for at least 60 days each year. Public water systems are divided into two categories: community water systems and noncommunity water systems.

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 known as POTW's.

PUL

pulmonary systems effects. Effects on respiration and respiratory pathology.

pulmonary edema

fluid in the lungs.

pulp

fibrous matter.

pulverization

the crushing or grinding of materials into small pieces.

pumping station

a machine installed on sewers to pull the sewage uphill. In most sewer systems waste water flows by gravity to the treatment plant.

purge

to clean, clear, or empty of material.

putrescible

a substance that can rot quickly enough to cause odors and attract flies.

PV

Project Verification.

PVA

Polyvinyl Alcohol.

PWS

Public Water Supply.

PWS

Public Water System.

PWSA

Ports and Waterways Safety Act.

PWSS

Public Water Supply System.

pyrolysis

Transformation of a compound into one or more other substances by heat alone, i.e., without oxidation. Though the term implies decomposition into smaller fragments, pyrolytic change may also involve isomerization and formation of higher molecular weight compounds.

pyrophoric

describes materials that ignite spontaneously in air below 130 degrees F (54 degrees C). Occasionally friction ignites them.

Envirohome Home Inspection: Enviromental Home Inspections

--   Specializes in the identification of environmental hazards in the home.

Compliance Environmental Resources, Inc.

--   Temporary, temp-to-perm, and permanent placements and staffing solutions in the environmental field.

The Heartland Institute

--   The Heartland Institute's national monthly outreach publication for free-market environmentalism,...

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--   The Heartland Institute's national monthly outreach publication for free-market environmentalism,...

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--   US firm describes the process of environmental site assessments (ESAs) of real property and case...

Western Environmental Liner - Tank Liner - Plastic Linings

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Weekly Environmental Federal Register Summaries - WES

--   Weekly, categorized listing of environmentally related notices in the Federal Register that are national...

The Daily Item

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The Havelock News

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