Clear cutting involves felling all the timber within a designated area, in contrast to selectively cutting larger trees or specific species. This practice is often employed to prepare land for redevelopment or reforestation.
A contaminant is a substance, element, or compound that can cause harm to humans or other forms of life if released into the environment. Contaminants are commonly found in concentrations above acceptable levels or in places where they should not be. This term is particularly relevant in real estate during the due diligence process when evaluating property for purchase or financing.
A floodplain is a level land area subject to periodic flooding from a contiguous body of water. Floodplains often play a crucial role in environmental balance and can influence real estate development and insurance costs.
Fracking, also known as hydraulic fracturing, is an oil and gas well drilling technique used to enhance the flow of natural resources. While it significantly boosts well production, it has sparked debates due to its environmental implications.
The Heat Island Effect is the phenomenon where urban areas experience higher ambient temperatures compared to their rural surroundings, primarily due to human activities and alterations to land surfaces.
Solid waste refers to any garbage, refuse, sludge, and other discarded materials resulting from industrial, commercial, mining, agricultural, and community activities. These wastes can be in a solid, liquid, or contained gaseous form, and include nonhazardous and hazardous waste materials.
