Glossary

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BACKFILL:

The word is used in two contexts; to refill an excavated area with uncontaminated soils; and the material used to refill an excavated area.

BACKGROUND CONCENTRATION:

Represents the average amount of toxic chemicals in the air, water or soil to which people are routinely exposed.

BACKHOES:

A power driven excavating vehicle with a hinged bucket at the end of a long jointed arm, it digs by drawing the bucket toward the power unit.

BAILERS:

A tube, often constructed of plastic or metal, used for removing water from wells, and for collecting samples of well water.

BASE:

A substance that has a pH of more than 7, which is neutral. A base has less free hydrogen ions (H+) than hydroxyl ions (OH-).

BASELINE RISK ASSESSMENT:

A baseline risk assessment is an assessment conducted before cleanup activities begin at a site to identify and evaluate the threat to human health and the environment.  After remediation has been completed, the information obtained during a baseline risk assessment can be used to determine whether the cleanup levels were reached.

BEDROCK:

the solid rock beneath the soil and superficial rock. A general term for solid rock that lies beneath soil, loose sediments, or other unconsolidated material.

BENEFICIAL USE OF WATER:

Water used for the following purposes: domestic (homes, human consumption, etc.), irrigation (crops, lawns), power (hydroelectric), municipal (water supply of a city or town), mining (hydraulicing, drilling), industrial (commerce, trade, industry), fish and wildlife preservation, aquaculture (raising fish etc. for commercial purposes), recreational (boating, swimming), stockwatering (for commercial livestock), water quality, frost protection (misting or spraying crops to prevent frost damage), heat control (water crops to prevent heat damage), ground water recharge, agriculture, etc.

BENTONITE:

A clay with expansive properties used to provide a tight seal around well casings.  

BENZENE:

A petroleum derivative widely used in the chemical industry. A few uses are: synthesis of rubber, nylon, polystyrene, and pesticides; and production of gasoline. Well casings to prevent contaminants from using the well as a pathway for migration.

BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES:

Structural, nonstructural, and managerial techniques recognized to be the most effective and practical means to reduce surface water and groundwater contamination while still allowing the productive use of resources. 

BIOASSAY:

a method used to determine toxicity of specific chemical contaminants. A number of individuals of a sensitive species are placed in water containing specific concentrations of the contaminant for a specified period of time.

BIODEGREDATION:

A process by which microbial organisms transform or alter (through enzymatic or metabolic action) the structure of the chemical contaminant.

BIOREMEDIATION:

The process in which microorganisms (bacteria) breakdown petroleum products in the soil. Enhanced bioremediation refers to the addition of microorganisms or chemicals to speed up the natural rate of breakdown of petroleum products in the soil.

BIOVENTING:

Combines soil vapor extraction with bioremediation. Uses vapor extraction wells to induce airflow in the subsurface increasing the amount of oxygen available for microbial degradation. Nutrient solutions might also be injected.

BLANK SCHEDULE:

Pipe, usually PVC, used in construction of wells that does not have any slots or holes along its length. A number after the name designates specific construction details (e.g., schedule 40).

BLOWERS:

Mechanical device used for a wide variety of applications in soil and groundwater remediation. Blowers can provide positive airflow as well as a vacuum force.

BORING (SOIL):

A hole in the ground created by a drilling device. Usually as part of assessing the lateral and vertical extent of contamination.

BROWNFIELDS:

Brownfield sites are abandoned, idled, or underused industrial and commercial facilities where expansion or redevelopment is complicated by real or perceived environmental contamination.

BTEX:

Abbreviation for Benzene, Toluene, Ethyl benzene, and Xylene, which are all chemical compounds in gasoline. Site investigations often measure the amount of these compounds in soil and groundwater as such, they are often called indicator chemicals.