Library

Indian River Lagoon Library

Indian River Lagoon Project virtual library includes the encyclopedia, dictionary, document archive, audio-visual media, educational links, and a directory of educational reference materials.

Encyclopedia - Educational and informative reference articles about the Indian River Lagoon National Estuary and it's watershed, ecosystem, and restoration.

Dictionary - A whole new language develops when 100's of organizations get involved. The IRL Dictionary contains terms, definitions, and abbreviations commonly used in Indian River Lagoon terminology.

Digital Media Center - Web Site links to rich media archives, image galleries, interactive tools, maps, news feeds, podcasts and videos used in the Indian River Lagoon Project.

Reference Link Directory - A directory of source materials cited in the IRL Encyclopedia, including databases, documents, images, maps, videos and website links from the many organizations that study the Indian River Lagoon.

Repository - IRL Repository collects and archives Indian River Lagoon documents for safekeeping and easy retrieval.

Web Link Directory - The IRL Web Link Directory is the community's connection to Indian River Lagoon activities, locations, volunteer opportunities and social media groups.

List of Abbreviations

View the full list and add new abbreviations on the Abbreviations List page.

National Environmental Policy Act(NEPA)

The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321-4347) helps federal agencies make decisions based on an understanding of environmental consequences and take actions that protect, restore, and enhance the environment.

reasonable assurance plan(RAP)

Reasonable Assurance Plans (RAP) provide an implementation schedule and resource commitments that there are, or will be, pollutant loading reductions that will result in the waterbody achieving water quality targets to attain and maintain the designated use.

onsite sewage treatment and disposal system(OSTDS)

Onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems (OSTDS), commonly referred to as septic systems, can contain any one or more of the following components: septic tank; subsurface drainfield; aerobic treatment unit; graywater tank; laundry wastewater tank; grease interceptor; pump tank; waterless, incinerating or organic waste-composing toilet; and sanitary pit privy. An OSTDS must provide for subsurface effluent disposal and must not have any open tanks or open treatment units.

Glossary of Terms

View the entire glossary list and submit new terms on the Glossary of Terms page.

barrier island

A long, narrow, sandy island that is above high tide and parallel to the shore that commonly has dunes, vegetated zones, and swampy terrains extending lagoonward from the beach.

salt marsh

Salt marshes are coastal wetlands that are flooded and drained by salt water brought in by the tides.

Environmental Protection Agency

An agency of the United States federal government whose mission is to protect human and environmental health. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the EPA is responsible for creating standards and laws promoting the health of individuals and the environment.