Written by Michael Forlini

Edited by Silvia Milanova

Acid Rain

Acid Rain is a broad term that refers to a mixture of wet and dry deposition (deposited material) from the atmosphere containing higher than normal amounts of nitric and sulfuric acids.

Asbestos

Asbestos is defined as a group of impure magnesium silicate minerals which occur in fibrous form. Asbestos is a mineral fiber that has been used commonly in a variety of building construction materials for insulation and as a fire-retardant. EPA and CPSC have banned several asbestos products.

Asian Longhorned Beetle

The Asian Longhorned Beetle is a dark beetle with light colored spots and long antennas. These beetles were introduced into the United States from wood pallets and other wood packing material accompanying cargo shipments from Asia.

Beach Pollution

Americans take almost two billion trips to the beach and spend billions of dollars in beach communities every year. Sometimes people who swim at the beach get sick because the water is polluted. 

Benzene

Benzene is a clear, colorless aromatic liquid that is highly flammable. The greatest use of benzene is in plastics, rubber, resins and synthetic fabrics like nylon and polyester. Other uses include the extraction of oils from seeds and nuts; in photogravure printing; and in the manufacture of detergents, explosives, pharmaceuticals and dyestuffs. Benzene is released to air primarily from fumes connected with certain chemical industries and exhaust from its use in gasoline.

Bioremediation

Bioremediation allows a natural process to clean up harmful chemicals in the environment. This process employs microscopic “bugs” or microbes that live in soil and groundwater to digest and break down certain harmful chemicals, such as those found in gasoline and oil spills. When microbes completely digest these chemicals, they break them down into water and harmless gases such as carbon dioxide.

Biosolids

Biosolids are the nutrient-rich organic materials resulting from the treatment of sewage sludge. Biosolids get their name from the solid, semisolid or liquid untreated residue generated during the treatment of domestic sewage in a treatment facility. Biosolids can safely be recycled once the residuals from the wastewater treatment plant are treated to acceptable standards.

BRAC

Base realignment and closure (BRAC) legislation was designed to eliminate unneeded military infrastructure more efficiently and expeditiously. The first round of BRAC was easier as compared to current planned reductions, given that there was Cold War excess infrastructure from which to choose from. 

Brownfield Site

According to EPA’s web site: With certain legal exclusions and additions, the term `brownfield site' means real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant. 

Cap and Trade

Cap and Trade is a market-based policy tool designed to protect human health and the environment. This tool was designed to minimize pollution (such as air emissions) from sources.