| Basic RMS - Basic Risk Management Scenario consists of a set of technically feasible risk reduction measures that could be implemented at the sources, the pathways or the receptors, or a combination of measures along this sequence. The risk reduction results for each basic scenario need to be estimated, and compared with the risk reduction objectives and targets to be achieved. In this way the system response to risk reduction measures becomes clear, and a discussion with stakeholders on acceptable risk management scenarios can be started. | |
| Batch degradation test - the degradation of pollutants by the microorganisms present in the aquifer and in the groundwater can be studied in microcosm tests. These consist of glass jars in which a certain amount of aquifer, groundwater and the contaminant is brought. The evolution of the concentration of the pollutant and its degradation products can then be followed in function of time. | |
| BC - Boundary conditions - set of criteria that determine objectives and definitions of management scenarios. The boundary conditions are related to the legislative framework (at EU and member state, or even local level), sustainability, social and economical factors. | |
| Bioavailability - The degree to which toxic substances or other pollutants present in the environment are available to potentially biodegradative microorganisms. Some pollutants might be "bound up" or unavailable because they are attached to clay particles or are buried by sediment. The amount of oxygen, pH, temperature, and other conditions in the water can affect availability. | |
| Brownfield - Abandoned, idled, or underused industrial or commercial facilities where expansion or redevelopment is complicated by real or perceived environmental contamination. | |
| CB - Cost Benefit analysis - an evaluation procedure to find a balance between positive criteria(benefits) and negative criteria relevant for a megasite of concern. | |
| CE -Cost Efficiency - The comparison between the costs of a risk managemnt scenario versus the objectives (i.e. the degree of risk reduction) achieved. | |
| CHARON - aquatic chemistry model | |
| Cluster - is a geographical subdivision of the risk management zone (RMZ) with source-pathway-receptor sequences that can be grouped together to one unit for which jointly: 1) risks can be quantified and, 2) risk management scenarios can be developed. Risk clusters form the units on which the megasite risk management plan will be based. Cluster s a manageable unit that addresses risks at the megasite scale and is the block on which the risk-based approach for the megasite is to be built. | |
| Clustering - an iterative process of defining risk clusters that depends on the information available at different stages of the risk management process. The formation of preliminary risk clusters done by technical experts requires an analysis of the single elements of the source-pathway-receptor sequences, and the use of GIS to create outputs in form of maps. | |
| CM - Conceptual model - is the simplified, schematic representation of the megasite, which includes sources, pathways and receptors, as well as the main process characteristics of the system. It therefore represents a working model under continuous development in the subsequent steps of the IMS. | |
| DELWAQ - generic water quality model | |
| Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (DGGE) - Molecular technique to study the structure of the microbial community and its dynamics. Double stranded DNA with the same length but a different basepair sequence is loaded on a denaturing gel. After separation of the strands, a band pattern is obtained in which in theory each band corresponds to one type of bacterium. Genes used in this technique are the 16S rRNA gene (a gene that is present in all bacteria and that enables to distinguish one bacterial species from another) and catabolic genes. | |
| Deterministic model - A mathematical model which contains no random (stochastic) components; consequently, each component and input is determined exactly | |
| DMS - Database Management System - An integrated set of computer programs that provide the capabilities needed to establish, modify, make available, and maintain the integrity of a database. | |
| DNA - Deoxyribonucleic acid - Element that contains all the genetic information for the building and working of a bacterial cell. | |
| Electron acceptor - any molecule (mostly inorganic, ionic species such as nitrate, sulfate, iron(III)) that is used by microorganisms to "accept" access electrons from the oxidation of an electron donor (often an organic molecule). In this process, energy is derived by the microorganism. | |
| ENA - Enhanced Natural Attenuation - Speeding-up natural physical-chemical and biological processes of groundwater self-purification taking place in the subsoil environment (aquifers and aquitards) by means of: increasing sorption capacity (immobilisation, (bio)precipitation), providing with electron acceptors/donors, nutrients (biodegradation), and/or micro-organisms (bioaugumentation). | |
| EU-GWD - European Groundwater Directive | |
| EU-WFD - European Water Framework Directive | |
| Fate & transport modelling - a representation of the sources, pathways and receptors related to the groundwater system at a megasite, and prediction of the concentrations, mass fluxes and consequences of prevailing contaminants at specified locations over time. Such a model allows for appropriate description of groundwater flow and transport of contaminants in groundwater. For megasites a stepwise approach of modelling is recommended, from a comparatively simple model to more complex models requiring more efforts and data. The model simulations may be carried out in various contexts and with different objectives, in particular: (to quantitatively summarize the state of knowledge about the megasite groundwater system including fate and transport of contaminants, (ii) to assess existing risks and to predict its future development, (iii) to predict the effects of different mitigative scenarios. | |
| Final RMS - Final Risk Management Scenario the scenario of risk management to be applied for the specific megasite that is selected from the Preferred RMS. It reflects the stakeholders’ ambition of objectives to be achieved. It can be selected depending on the locally-accepted decision procedures, and the level (cluster or megasite) at which the stakeholders are willing to make a decision. The Megasite Expert Team (MET) may formulate first a number of Preferred Megasite RMS out of the variety of the cluster-based RMS, and the Group of the Stakeholders (GOS) selects one to be applied. Or, the MET together with the GOS make the selection of one Preferred RMS per cluster and by combining these scenarios the Final RMS for a megasite is developed. | |
| GIS - Geographical Information System - special-purpose digital databases, in which a common spatial coordinate system is the primary means of reference. GIS contains subsystems for: (i) data input, storage, retrieval, and representation; (ii) data management, transformation, and analysis; and (iii) data reporting and product generation. GIS may supports also a decision making process, thus is not just a software or hardware product. Other terms for GIS and special-purpose GIS include: Land-Base Information System, Land Record System, Land Information System, Land Management System, Multipurpose Cadastre, and AM/FM (automated mapping and facilities management) system. | |
| GOS- Group of Stakeholders - Parties that have direct or indirect interest related to the megasite, who can influence or be affected by the outcome of the megasite management and would likely to become involved in the further decision making process upon remediation and redevelopment of the area. | |
| Greenfield - Sites in both rural and urban areas, which have not experienced previous development. It also includes forestry and agricultural land and buildings, as well as previously developed sites which have now blended into the natural landscape over time | |
| HOC - Hydrophobic organic hydrocarbons | |
| IMS - Integrated Management Strategy - Integrated Management Strategy is an intelligent guideline especially prepared for the megasite management purposes. It provides all required information, procedures and tools to guide the megasite manager through the whole megasite management process from the initial screening to the final definition of the remediation scenarios and long term site management plan. It helps to distinguish the areas of the megasite with the highest risk and set up priorities for the level of risk reduction, degree of decontamination and consequentially related investments on the basis of risk assessment for the area. This often allows to minimize the costs of the project and maximize effectiveness by relocating investments into the most endangered areas of the site. The Strategy provides as well a decision making tool for the most effective treatment technology to be applied at the site. | |