Unit-Specific Regulations - Key Terms

Air stripping is the process of moving air through contaminated groundwater to remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Biodegradation is the process by which bacteria, fungi, or other microorganisms break down and disintegrate materials. Biodegradation is used to treat some hazardous wastes.

Corrective action management unit, or CAMU, refers to a physical area designated as a temporary place to locate hazardous waste during RCRA Corrective Action Program cleanup.

Dioxins and dioxin-like compounds (DLCs) are acutely toxic to human health and the environment. DLCs include chemical compounds such as polychlorinated and polybrominated biphenyls (PCBs and PBBs).

Drip pads are a type of containment system used in wood preserving facilities. Typically, they consist of a sloped concrete pad that drains excess chemical preservative into a tank.

Dry waste is waste that does not contain free liquids.

Incinerators are devices that use controlled flames (or infrared heat or plasma arc) within a chamber. Hazardous waste incinerators are used specifically for the purpose of disposing of hazardous waste.

Land treatment refers to a method of hazardous waste management in which waste is treated either by being placed on or mixed into the soil. These units are also known as "land farms."

Post-closure refers to the period of time following closure of a hazardous waste facility. During this time, owners and operators must continue to comply with RCRA regulations for their regulated units and TSDFs.

Secondary containment system refers to barriers and the container (the first layer of containment) that holds the waste itself.

Steam stripping refers to the process of using steam distillation to remove or separate volatile organic compounds from waste.

Volatile organic compounds, referred to as VOCs, are a group of carbon-based chemicals that easily become vapors or gases. In addition to carbon, they may contain hazardous chemicals such as fluorine and chlorine. Examples of VOCs are gasoline, benzene, formaldehyde, perchloroethylene, and toluene.

To learn more about RCRA safety standards visit our RCRA Refresher Online Training web page.