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GLOSSARY

Agreed Order: A legal document issued by Ecology which formalizes an agreement between Ecology and potentially liable persons to conduct remedial actions such as a Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study.

Cleanup: Actions taken to deal with a release, or threatened release of hazardous substances that could affect public health and/or the environment. The term "cleanup" is often used broadly to describe various response actions or phases of remedial responses such as the remedial investigation/feasibility study.

Cleanup Action Plan (CAP): A document that explains which cleanup alternative(s) will be used at sites for the cleanup. The Cleanup Action Plan is based on information and technical analysis generated during the remedial investigation/feasibility study and consideration of public comments and community concerns.

Comment Period: A time period during which the public can review and comment on various documents and Ecology or EPA actions. For example, a comment period is provided to allow community members to review and comment on proposed cleanup action alternatives and proposed plans. Also, a comment period is held to allow community members to review and comment on draft feasibility studies.

Consent Decree: A formal legal document, approved and issued by a court which formalizes an agreement reached between the state and the potentially liable person(s) (PLPs) on what will take place during the Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study and/or cleanup action. A Consent Decree is similar to an Agreed Order except that a Consent Decree goes through the courts. Consent Decrees are subject to public comment. If a decree is substantially changed, an additional comment period is provided.

Feasibility Study (FS): See Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study.

Groundwater: Water found beneath the earth's surface that fills pores between materials such as sand, soil, or gravel. In some aquifers, ground water occurs in sufficient quantities that it can be used for drinking water, irrigation and other purposes.

Information Repository: A file containing current information, technical reports, and reference documents available for public review. The information repository is usually located in a public building that is convenient for local residents such as a public school, city hall, or library.

Interim action:  A cleanup action that only partially addresses the cleanup of a site. An interim action is typically either:

A remedial action that corrects a problem that may become substantially worse or cost substantially more to address if the remedial action is delayed; or

A remedial action needed to provide for completion of a site hazard assessment, remedial/investigation feasibility study or design of a cleanup action.

Model Toxics Control Act (MTCA): Legislation passed by the State of Washington in 1988. Its purpose is to identify, investigate, and clean up facilities where hazardous substances have been released. It defines the role of Ecology and encourages public involvement in the decision making process. MTCA regulations became effective March 1, 1989 and are administered by the Washington State Department of Ecology.

Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study: Two distinct but related studies. They are usually performed at the same time, and together referred to as the "RI/FS." They are intended to:

  • Gather the data necessary to determine the type and extent of contamination;
  • Establish criteria for cleaning up the site;
  • Identify and screen cleanup alternatives for remedial action; and
  • Analyze in detail the technology and costs of the alternatives.
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    Responsiveness Summary: A summary of oral and/or written public comments received by Ecology during a comment period on key documents, and Ecology's responses to those comments. The responsiveness summary is especially valuable during the Cleanup Action Plan phase at a site when it highlights community concerns.