Environmental Planning Glossary

The variety of life at all levels of biological organization, including genetic diversity, species diversity, and ecosystem diversity within a given area.

A previously developed property that may be contaminated by hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants and is available for redevelopment.

An area of land separating two distinct land uses or protecting a sensitive resource, such as a vegetated strip along a stream to filter runoff.

The total amount of greenhouse gases produced directly and indirectly by human activities, usually expressed in equivalent tons of carbon dioxide.

The maximum population or activity level an environment can sustain without long-term degradation of its resource base.

Adjustments in ecological, social, or economic systems in response to actual or expected climate change and its effects.

A long-range planning document adopted by a municipality that guides future development, land use, transportation, housing, and public services.

The combined, incremental environmental effect of multiple past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions.

The benefits people obtain from ecosystems, including provisioning, regulating, supporting, and cultural services.

A document required by NEPA that analyzes the environmental effects of a proposed major federal action and evaluates alternatives.

The equitable distribution of environmental benefits and burdens across all communities regardless of race, income, or origin.

A flat area of land adjacent to a river or stream that is subject to periodic flooding and often regulated to limit development.

A computer system for capturing, storing, analyzing, and displaying geographically referenced spatial data.

Natural and engineered ecological systems that provide ecosystem services such as stormwater management and urban cooling.

Previously undeveloped land, often agricultural or natural, that is being considered for development.

The breaking of large, continuous habitats into smaller, isolated patches, reducing biodiversity and ecological connectivity.

A hard surface such as pavement, rooftops, or concrete that prevents water infiltration, increasing stormwater runoff.

The process of allocating land among competing uses to balance development, conservation, and community needs.

Actions taken to avoid, minimize, or compensate for adverse environmental impacts of a proposed action.

The National Environmental Policy Act (1970), the foundational U.S. law requiring environmental review of major federal actions.

The approach of taking protective action when there is scientific uncertainty about potential environmental harm.

The process of cleaning up contaminated soil, groundwater, or other environmental media to remove or contain pollutants.

The capacity of a community or ecosystem to absorb disturbance, adapt to change, and continue to function.

Meeting current human needs while preserving the environment and natural resources for future generations.

A regulatory tool that divides land into districts and specifies permitted uses, building density, and development standards.