OAR 340-040-0105: Method and Criteria for Establishment of Maximum Measurable Levels of Contaminants in Groundwater: Definitions

Unless otherwise defined in OAR 340-041-0006 or 340-040-0010, the following terms used in this division shall mean: (1) “Carcinogen”: A compound which the United States Environmental Protection Agency has classified as Group A or Group B under the carcinogenic classification procedures described in 51 Fed. Reg. 33992. (2) “Confirmed or Confirmation”: A second laboratory quantitatively detects the presence of the contaminant or substance of concern in groundwater by an established sampling, preservation, and analytical technique in a laboratory using established quality assurance and quality control procedures, such as indicated in 40 CFR 136 or the Standard Methods for Examination of Water and Waste Water (Latest Edition). (3) “Contaminant”: Any chemical, ion, radionuclide, synthetic organic compound, microorganism, waste or other substance that does not occur naturally in groundwater or that occurs naturally but at a lower concentration. ORS 468.691. (4) “Detect, Detectable, Detection or Detected”: To measure a contaminant by an established sampling, preservation, and analytical technique in a laboratory using established quality assurance and quality control procedures, such as indicated in 40 CFR 136 or the Standard Methods for Examination of Water and Waste Water (Latest Edition). (5) “Environment”: The aggregate of things or conditions affecting the existence, reproduction, growth and development of living organisms, plus the living organisms themselves. The concept shall be interpreted broadly to mean “all aspects of an ecosystem, other than humans.” (6) “Federal Standard”: A maximum contaminant level, a national primary drinking water regulation or an interim drinking water regulation adopted by the Administrator of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) pursuant to the federal Safe Drinking Water Act. ORS 536.137. (7) “Maximum Measurable Level”: The maximum allowable concentration of a contaminant or substance of concern that is established by the Commission in accord with these rules, to be used by the Department to initiate the process of designating “Groundwater Management Areas” within the state of Oregon where necessary to preserve groundwater quality. ORS 468.691. (8) “Protect Public Health and the Environment”: To keep humans and the environment from unreasonable present or future exposure to adverse risk, effect or harm, excluding economic concerns. (9) “Substance of Concern”: A contaminant confirmed in groundwater in Oregon as a result of actual or suspected nonpoint source activities. [Publications: Publications referenced are available from the agency.]