Appendix A: Glossary

airshed: Geographical areas in which air quality is a function of the same sources, weather and topography.

ambient air or water quality: The overall or general condition of air or water in a region outside the zone of influence of discharges — in contrast to local condition, which may be related to a specific source of contamination.

aquifer: An underground zone or stratum of permeable rock or loose material where water accumulates, and which can produce useful quantities of water when tapped by a well. It can be contaminated by improper disposal of waste.

contaminated site: As defined in the Environmental Management Act, means an area of the land in which the soil or any groundwater lying beneath it, or the water or the underlying sediment, contains a hazardous waste, or another prescribed substance in quantities or concentrations exceeding prescribed risk-based or numerical criteria or standards or conditions.

ecosystem: Organisms of a natural community, together with their physical, chemical and biological environment.

greenhouse gases: The gases that play a part in the greenhouse effect: carbon dioxide (CO₂, the most significant greenhouse gas), methane, nitrous oxide, ozone, water vapour, CFCs and other trace gases.

management direction statements: Statements that describe significant protected area values and management issues, and recommend priority objectives, strategies and actions to respond to these issues. They provide direction where a more extensive protected area management plan is not required or feasible.

management plans: Plans that provide more comprehensive statements of objectives and strategies than management direction statements for the conservation, development, management and interpretation of a protected area, and normally include substantive public involvement in their preparation.

nitrate: An essential plant nutrient found in fertilizers and which may be produced during the breakdown of organic wastes. Excessive fertilizer application, improper agricultural waste management or underground septic tanks may increase nitrate levels in groundwater. Nitrates reduce the ability of blood to carry oxygen. Infants under six months are particularly at risk from drinking well-water containing excessive nitrates.

particulate matter (PM): Fine liquid or solid particles (such as dust, smoke, mist fumes or smog) found in the air or emissions. Also known as particulates.

PM_2.5: Measure of particulate matter under 2.5 microns. Recent studies have shown that particles of 2.5 microns or less (PM_2.5) pose the greatest health risk. A particle of 2.5 microns is about 1/20th the width of a human hair.

Protected Areas: Refers to parks, recreation areas, ecological reserves and designations under the Environment and Land Use Act managed by the Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection. They include:

• Class A parks established under the Park Act or by the Protected Areas of British Columbia Act
• Class B and C parks and recreation areas established under the Park Act
• Ecological reserves established under the Ecological Reserve Act or by the Protected Areas of British Columbia Act
• "protected areas" and other conservation-oriented designations established under the Environment and Land Use Act that are managed by the Environmental Stewardship Division, Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection

species at risk: Under the Wildlife Act, species at risk are endangered, extirpated and threatened species.

stewardship: Stewardship, as in "environmental stewardship," refers to the concept of responsibly managing natural resources for the benefit of present and future generations and encouraging the active participation of persons or groups, including citizens, communities, First Nations, government and industry.

sustainable development: Economic and social development within the limits required to sustain long-term environmental well-being. Such development ensures that our use of the environment and natural resources today does not harm the prospects for their use in the future.

watershed: An entire area that is drained by a waterway or that drains into a lake or reservoir. Also referred to as a water basin.

Wildlife Habitat Areas (WHAs): Mapped areas of Crown land containing critical habitat, such as breeding, feeding and denning habitat, crucial to identified wildlife. WHAs help protect species and plant communities at risk by specifying mandatory practices called general wildlife measures.