Glossary
Best Available Technology (BAT)
A stricter standard for pollution control technology required by the Clean Water Act, specifically for cleaning up toxic pollutants from point sources.
Example:
An industrial facility dealing with heavy metals in its discharge would be required to implement Best Available Technology to ensure these highly toxic substances are effectively removed.
Best Practicable Technology (BPT)
A standard for pollution control technology required by the Clean Water Act for general cleanup of point sources, representing what is economically achievable.
Example:
A municipal sewage treatment plant might use Best Practicable Technology to remove common pollutants like suspended solids and organic matter from wastewater.
Biological Hazards
Environmental hazards resulting from ecological interactions where hosts become sick after invasion by viruses, bacteria, or other pathogens.
Example:
A widespread outbreak of influenza is an example of a biological hazard that can quickly impact public health.
Chemical Hazards
Environmental hazards caused by synthetic chemicals manufactured by society, which can be toxic or harmful.
Example:
Exposure to lead paint in older homes represents a chemical hazard that can lead to developmental problems in children.
Clean Water Act
A foundational U.S. environmental law aimed at regulating discharges of pollutants into the nation's waters and setting water quality standards.
Example:
Thanks to the Clean Water Act, industries must obtain permits before releasing treated wastewater into rivers, helping to protect aquatic ecosystems.
Cultural Hazards
Environmental hazards that stem from our place of residence, socioeconomic status, and behavioral choices.
Example:
Choosing to smoke cigarettes is a cultural hazard that significantly increases the risk of lung disease and other health issues.
Nonpoint Source Pollution
Pollutants that come from many diffuse sources, making them difficult to pinpoint and regulate.
Example:
Fertilizer and pesticide runoff from many different agricultural fields after a rainstorm, collecting in a nearby lake, is a classic case of nonpoint source pollution.
Physical Hazards
Environmental hazards that arise from natural processes and pose risks to human health and safety.
Example:
Living in an area prone to earthquakes means facing physical hazards that can cause structural damage and injuries.
Point Source Pollution
Pollutants that originate from a single, identifiable location, making them easier to monitor and regulate.
Example:
A factory discharging wastewater directly into a river through a specific pipe is an example of point source pollution.
Pollution
Any substance or energy introduced into the environment that has harmful effects.
Example:
The release of excess carbon dioxide from burning fossil fuels is a form of air pollution that contributes to climate change.