7.3

7.3 Glossary
100-year floodplain A designation assigned by the Federal Emergency Management Agency defining
the various flooding characteristics of different lands based on a 100-year storm. The 100-year, or base,
flood is an event that is equaled or exceeded, on average, once every 100 years. The ] 00-year flood has a
one percent chance of occurring in any given year (FEMA 2001). See floodplain and floodway fi^inge.
1943 Agreement An Agreement signed on July 30, 1943 by the United States Department of the
Interior, the Tennessee Valley Authority, Swain County, North Carolina, and the state of North Carolina.
The 1943 Agreement pertained to the flooding of lands and roads within Swain County by the reservoir
formed by tbe construction of Fontana Dam. As part of the 1943 Agreement, 44,170 ac (17,875 ha) of land
were ultimately transferred to the DOI and made part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
(GSMNP). The 1943 Agreement contained a provision by which the DOI was to construct a road through
GSMNP, along the north shore of the newly formed Fontana Lake (generally located between Fontana Dam
and Bryson Ciry, North Carolina) to replace the flooded NC 288. See Memorandum ofAgreement.
A
A-Weighting The system of approximating the frequency response of the human ear by placing most
emphasis on the frequency range of 1,000 to 6,000 Hertz. The A-weighted scale closely describes the
response of the human ear to sound.
Accessibility The ability far people to reach desired destinations (such as recreational facilities, cultural
heritage centers, cemeteries, etc.).
Acid-producing (AP) rock Pyritic rock tbat, if disturbed, has the potential for creating sulfuric acid. See
Encapsulation Methods.
Active or backcountry visitor A person who seelcs solitude, risk, and challenges in more remote
settings and relies very little on modern conveniences; avoids visitor facilities and amenities in order to
achieve a sense of self-reliance and independence; remains in the backcountry for a few days to a week or
more, camping at backcountry campsites; and recreates by hiking, camping, horseback riding, fishing,
research, nature study, and/or photography.
Administrative record The compilation of notices, background reports and environmental review
documents that provide a record of the environmental review, public involvement, and decision-making
processes.
Advisory Council on Historic Preservation An independent federal agency established by the
National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (NHPA) to advise the President and Congress on historic
preservation matters. It reviews policies and programs of federal agencies to improve their consistency with
NHPA purposes, and administers and participates in the preservation review process established by Section
106 of the NHPA. Under Section 106, federal agencies must seek the Council's comments prior to carrying
out, approving financial assistance to, or issuing a permit for a project that may affect properties listed or
eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. See National Register ofHistoric Places and
Section 106 consultation.
References, Acronyms, Glossary and Key Word Index - 7-32
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

Aesthetic(s) The quality of man-made structural or architectural elements and settings or of natural
environments that creates feelings or perceptions of beauty ar abstract pleasure in human observers.
Affected environment Existing human and environmental conditions of an area that are subject to
change, both directly and indirectly, as a result of a proposed human action.
Air pollution The presence of unwanted material in the air in sufficient amount and under such
circumstances as to potentially interfere with human comfort, health, or welfare, or with full use and
enjoyment of properiy. National and state ambient air quality standards identify pollutant concentrations not
to be exceeded over a specified time. See non-attainment area.
Alignment A route of a road, railroad, highway, or other fonn of transportation.
Alkalinity The degree to which the pH of a substance is greater than 7.
Alluvial deposit Deposits of clay, gravel, sand, silt, and/or other materials carried by moving water, such
as streams, and deposited; alluvium.
Alternatives Options that a federal agency considers to meet the purpose and need of a proposed project
in an environmental analysis.
Alternative analysis A systematic evaluation of all reasonable and fareseeable courses of action.
Ambient air quality A physical and chemical measure of the concentration of various chemicals in the
outside air, usually determined over a specific period; state or quality of the air in a given location.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) A law passed in 1990 that outlaws discrimination against a
person with a disability in housing, public accommodations, employment, government services,
transportation, and telecommunications (42 United States Code 12101).
Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) The annual average daily traffic (AADT) for the segment
represented (total of all vehicles in a year divided by 365 days).
Appalachian National Scenic Trail (AT) Generally known as the Appalachian Trail, this trail is a
2,174-mi (3500-km) marked hiking trail in the eastern United States, running from Georgia to Maine.
Aquifer An underground geological formation or group of formations that contain water; often a source of
groundwater for wells and springs.
Archaeological site A location that contains physical evidence of past human activity and about which
the primary documentary and interpretive information is derived from archaeological research techniques.
Area of Potential Effect (APE) The geographic area within which a project may have a direct or
indirect effect on historic or archaeological resources, if any are present.
References, Acronyms, Glossary and Key Word Index - 7-33
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

Artifacts Products, articles, and goods that humans created and used, often serving to help interpret their
behaviors, values or beliefs.
Average Daily Traffic (ADT) The anticipated average number of vehicles per day during a specific time
frame that use or will use a completed facility (24-hour period).
Avoidance Techniques used to eliminate impacts to a resource by not taking certain actions or parts of an
action.
B
Baseline Terminology used to simplify the number of partial-build and build alternatives. The baseline
Northern Shore Corridor provides a new location roadway route from the Lake View Road tunnel to NC 28.
Options for the Northern Shore Corridor include the use of major bridges at Forney, Hazel, and Eagle Creek
embayments and the terminus crossing Fontana Dam. The baseline Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell
provides a new location roadway route (in addition to a new destination) from Lake View Road tunnel to the
vicinity of the former Bushnell co��nmunity. One option to this new location route includes the use of a
major bridge at the Forney Creek embayment.
Beneficial impact An apparent direct ar indirect advantageous effect.
Best Management Practice(s) (BMP) A practice or combination of practices determined to be the
most effective, feasible, and practicable conservation practices (including technological, institutional, or
economic considerations) used to avoid or minimize adverse impacts to natural and cultural resources. Often
refers to water quality protection practices intended to control pollution.
Best professional judgment A qualitative approach to assessment that is based on knowledge and
experience.
Blue Ridge Parkway A National Parkway and All-American Road in the United States, which runs for
469 mi (755 km) through the Blue Ridge Mountains, a major mountain chain that is part of the Appalachian
Mountains.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) An agency within the United States Department of Interior that
administers more than 261 million ac (106 million ha) of public lands, managing those lands to sustain their
health, diversity, and productiviry for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.
L
Candidate species Plant and animal taxa considered for possible addition to the list of Endangered and
Threatened Species. These are taxa for which the United States Fish and Wildlife Service has on file
sufficient information on biological vulnerabiliry and threat(s) to support issuance of a proposal to list, but
issuance of a proposed rule is currently precluded by higher prioriry listing actions (6] FR 7596-7613).
Capacity Vehicle capacity is the maximum number of vehicles that can pass a given point during a
specifed period under prevailing roadway, traffic, and control conditions. This assumes that there is no
References, Acronyms, Glossary and Key Word Index - 7-34
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

influence from downstream traffic operation, such as the backing up of traffic into the analysis point. 'Tl�e
capacity of a multilane highway is the maximum sustained hourly flow rate at which vehicles reasonably
can be expected to traverse a uniform segment under prevailing roadway and traffic conditions.
Capital cost (also capital outlay) The initial investment or cost of designing and constructing a
roadway alternative or facilities, such as a visitor center, or the purchase cost of equipment designed to have
a useful economic life of 3 years of longer (e.g., vehicles).
Casual visitor In addition to experiencing the park from their vehicles, the visitor goes on day hikes and
camps at developed campgrounds or backcountty campsites that are easily accessible (car camping).
Visitor's preferences are far socializing and maintaining a comfort and safery level that put them within easy
access of modern conveniences. Lengths of stay can be from a few hours to a few days. Recreation
activities include hiking, camping, horseback riding, fishing, research, nature study, and/or photography.
CFR, Title 23, Part 771 Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Authority
(FTA) regulations governing the preparation of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and related
documents.
CFR, Title 23, Part 777 FHWA and FTA regulations providing policy and procedures for evaluation
and mitigation for impacts to wetlands and natural resources.
Clean Air Act Amendments (CAAA) A federal law enacted in ] 990 that places federal controls on all
sources of air pollution, including mobile sources (automobiles, buses, trucks, etc.). The act includes an
implementation strategy and establishes air quality improvement requirements (Clean Air Act Amendments
of 1990).
Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) A compilation of the general and permanent rules of the
executive departments and agencies of the federal govemment as published in the Federal Register. The
code is divided into titles that represent broad subject areas.
Confluence The point at which two or more streams meet.
Coniferous Of ar relating to, ar part of trees or shrubs bearing cones and evergreen leaves.
Context Comparative measurement far evaluating impacts usually geographically ar temporally based.
Cooperating agency A federal agency other than the one preparing the NEPA document (lead agency)
that has jurisdiction over the proposal by virtue of law or special expertise and that has been deemed a
cooperating agency by the lead agency, and agreed to by that agency, such that the environmental document
meets the NEPA responsibilities of both agencies (40 CFR 1508.5 and 1502.6).
Corridor In planning, the geographic area within which a transportation system is located or planned to be
located. For the purposes of this study, the corridor is a 2,000-foot-wide (609.6-m-wide) section used to
develop a working alignment for the initial screening of alternatives. If an environmentally sensitive area is
found, the alignment can be shifted within the corridor to avoid adverse impacts to the sensitive area.
References, Acronyms, Glossary and Key Word Index - 7-35
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) A three-member council created by Title II of NEPA in
the Executive Office of the President, responsible for advisory, reporting, and policy analysis functions.
Critical habitat For federally listed species, consists of: (l) the specific areas within the geograpbical
area occupied by the species, at the time it is listed in accordance with the provisions of Section 4 of the
Endangered Species Act (ESA), as amended, on which are found those physical or biological features
(constituent elements) (a) essential to the conservation of the species and (b) which may require special
management considerations ar protection; and (2) specific areas outside the geographical area occupied by
the species at the time it is ]isted in accordance with the provisions of Section 4 of the ESA, upon a
determination by the Secretary that such areas are essential for the conservation of the species (ESA 3
(s)(a)) (so cFR 1 � �na z26�.
Cultural landscapes Landscapes that illustrate peoples' values and attitudes toward the land and reflect
patterns of settlement, use, and development over time.
Cultural resources Aspects of a cultural system that are valued by, or significantly representative of, a
culture or that contain significant information about a culture. A cultural resource may be a tangible entiry ar
a cultural practice. Tangible cultural resources are categorized as districts, sites, buildings, structures, and
objects for the NRHP, and as archeological resources, cultural landscapes, structures, museum objects, and
ethnographic resources for NPS management purposes.
Cumulative impacts/effects The impact on the environment that results from the incremental impact
of the action when added to other past, present, and reasonably fareseeable future actions regardless of what
agency (federal or non-federal) or person undertakes such other actions. Cumulative impacts can result from
individually minor but collectively significant actions taking place over a period of time (40 CFR 1508.7).
D
Day use A term used to describe recreation facilities and opportunities intended for short-term use during
a daily visit, e.g., picnicking, fishing or hiking, and excluding overnight use. Day use also refers to visitor
use that does not involve camping or other overnight use.
dBA (A-weighted decibel) A sound-pressure level that incorporates the human ear's sensitivity to
pitch.
Decibel The standard unit of ineasurement for the intensiry of sound. In general, a sound doubles in
loudness for every increase of 10 decibels.
Deciduous Vegetation that usually possesses broad leaves that are dropped in the cooler months prior to
dormancy.
Design speed A speed selected for purposes of design and correlation of the geometric features of a
highway and a measure of the quality of service offered by the highway. It is the highest continuous speed at
which individual vehicles can travel with safety upon a highway when weather conditions are favorable,
traffic density is low, and the geometric design features of the highway are the governing conditions for safe
speed.
References, Acronyms, Glossary and Key Word Index - 7-36
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

Direct (or primary) impact An impact caused by an action and that occurs at the same time and place
as the action (40 CFR l 508.8).
Duration Period of time which a resource may be impacted (short-term, long-term or permanent).
0
Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division (EFLHD) The Federal Lands Highway Program of the
Federal Highway Administration administers highway programs in cooperation with Federal land managing
agencies. The program provides transportation engineering services for planning, design, construction, and
rehabilitation of bighways and bridges on or providing access to federally owned lands. There are three
divisions of the Program; the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and surrounding region are in the
Eastern Division.
Ecosystem A geographically identifiable area that encompasses unique physical and biological
characteristics. It is the sum of the plant community, animal community, and environment in a particular
region or habitat.
Effects Far the purpose of NEPA, there are direct and indirect effects: Direct effects are caused by the
action and occur at the same time and in the same place. Indirect effects are caused by the action and are
later in time or farther removed in distance, but are reasonably foreseeable. Indirect effects may include
induced growth and other effects related to induced changes in the pattern of land use, population density or
growth rate, and related effects on air and water and other natural systems, including ecosystems. Effects
and impacts, as used in these regulations, are synonymous. Effects include ecological (such as the effects on
natural resources and on the components, structures, and functioning of affected ecosystems), aesthetic,
historic, cultural, economic, social, or health, whether direct, indirect, or cumulative. Effects may also
include those resulting from actions that may have both beneficial and detrimental effects.
Embankment The placement of earth during construction of a build alternative to support a roadway or
structure, often referred to as "fill" (cut/fill of a slope).
Eminent Domain The power of a government or municipal quasi-public body to acquire property for
public use through a court action called condemnation, in which a court decides that the proposed subsequent
use is in the public interest and also determines the compensation to be paid to the owner.
Encapsulation methods Methods that are used for handling, storing, and neutralizing excavated acid-
producing materia] (rock, as well as associated acidic soil) and that follow the Guidelines for Handling
Excavated Acid-Producing Materials (FHWA).
Endangered species A species whose prospects for survival are in immediate danger based on a loss of
habitat, over-exploitation, predation, competition, or disease.
Engineering and contingencies Cost of construction engineering for inspection, testing and general
project construction administration and supervision and contingency costs for miscellaneous items and cost
overruns that develop during the project.
References, Acronyms, Glossary and Key Word Index - 7-37
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

Enhancement Techniques that add function or value to an existing resource.
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) A document disclosing results of a comprehensive study of
potential environmental impacts related to federally assisted projects. Projects for which an EIS is required
are defined in the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended. An EIS is prepared in two steps:
a Draft EIS, which is circulated to the public, and a Final EIS, which records public comments and responses
to the public comments, and finalizes commitments (23 CFR 771.] 25).
Environmental justice (EJ) By Executive Order, all federal actions must address Environmental
Justice in minority and low-income populations. The Executive Order requires that each Federal agency
shall, to the greatest extent allowed by law, administer and implement its programs, policies, and activities
that affect human health or the environment so as to identify and avoid "disproportionately high and adverse"
effects on minarity and low-income populations (Executive Order 12898).
Environmentally Preferred Alternative Of the alternatives analyzed, the one that would best
pramote the policies in NEPA Section 101. It is presented in the NPS NEPA document (Draft and Final EIS)
for public review and comment (40 CFR l 505.2, Q6a).
Ephemeral stream A stream that flows occasionally because of surface runoff and is not influenced by
permanent groundwater.
Ethnographic landscapes Landscapes that are associated with contemporary groups and rypically are
used or valued in traditional ways.
Excavation The scientifically controlled recovery of subsurface materials and information from a cultural
site. Recovery techniques are relevant to research problems and are designed to produce maximum
lrnowledge about the site's use, its relation to other sites and the natural environment, and its significance in
the maintenance of the cultural system. In regards to geology, excavation is defined as the removal of earth
during construction of a build alternative, often referred to as "cut" (cut/fill of a slope).
Executive Order (EO) Executive orders are official documents, numbered consecutively, through which
the President of the United States manages the operations of the federal government. Several of the
Executive Orders apply specifically to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the NEPA
process as outlined in the Council on Environmental Qualiry (CEQ) guidelines.
F
Facilities Buildings and the associated supporting infrastructure such as roads, trails, and utilities.
Feasible Capable of being accomplished in a successful manner within a reasonable period of time, taking
into account econoinic, environmental, social, and technological factors.
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) The federal agency responsible for the approval of
transportation projects that affect the federal highway system. Administratively, FHWA is part of the United
States Department of Transportation (USDOT).
References, Acronyms, Glossary and Key Word Index - 7-38
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

Federal species of concern (FSC) Species under consideration for listing but for which there is
insufficient information to support listing as threatened or endangered (formerly C2 candidate species).
Federally protected species Plants and animals listed as threatened or endangered in accordance with
provisions of the ESA.
Final design Final phase of the design process during which a final plan and specification package is
prepared. This package, also known as a bid package, is used by construction contractors to price and build a
project. See functional design; preliminary design.
Final study alternative An alternative that is reviewed and its impacts analyzed in the EIS. See
preliminary study alternative.
Floodplain The lowlands adjoining the channel of a river, stream, watercourse, ocean, lake, or other body
of water, which have been or may be inundated by floodwater. The floodplain is divided into two sections,
the floodway and floodway fringe. The floodway is defined as the channel of the stream and adjacent
floodplain area that should be kept free of encroachment so that a flood event, for example, a 100-year flood,
may occur without significantly increasing the base flood elevations (Executive Order 11988, FEMA 2001).
Floodway fringe The area between the floodway boundary and the 100-year floodplain boundary
(FEMA 2001).
Functional (conceptual) design Feasibiliry phase of the design, based on uncontrolled and large-scale
mapping. Also known as conceptual design or lin�and-grade study. See preliminary design; , final design.
G
General Management Plan (GMP) The plan that provides direction for future park management
based on the laws establishing the park and the National Park Service, the purpose of tbe park, and its
significant resources. The plan serves as the foundation for park visions and management objectives and
provides the context and philosophical direction for the National Park Service.
Geographic Information System (GIS) A computer representation of data that is geographically
distributed in three dimensions. These data can be generated and displayed to show their pbysical location.
Each data set with a certain type of information constitutes a"layer" in the GIS. GIS layers can be
superimposed to show the spatial relationships of different items.
Global rank Conservation status ranking assigned to vegetation communities based on factors such as
present geographic extent, threats, number of distinct occurrences, degree of decline from historic extent, and
degree of alteration of natural processes affecting the dynamics, composition, and function. Communities
are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 indicating critical imperilment and 5 indicating little or no risk of
elimination. See rare vegetation community and secure vegetation community.
Groundwater Subsurface water that fills available openings in rock or soil materials to the extent that
they are considered saturated.
References, Acronyms, Glossary and Key Word Index - 7-39
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

Grout curtain A barrier produced by injecting grout into a vertical, usually thin, zone and in the
foundation to reduce seepage (the slow movement of water through soil). Grout is a mixture of cement, sand
and water used to fill cracks and cavities.
�
Habitat A place where a plant or animal naturally or normally lives and grows.
Hazardous material A substance or combination of substances, that, because of quantity, concentration,
or physical, chemical, or infectious characteristics, may either: (1) cause ar significantly contribute to an
increase in mortality ar an increase in serious, irreversible, ar incapacitating illness; or (2) pose a substantial
present or potential hazard to human health or environment when improperly treated, stored, transported,
disposed of, or otherwise managed.
Historic properties Buildings, structures, sites, objects, or districts, that are an important part of the
historical and cultural heritage of the United States and are eligible for listing on the National Register of
Historic Places.
Horizontal alignment Horizontal geometry; alignment of a roadway horizontally, determining degree of
curves, superelevation, and the lengths of, or, distances between these features based upon parameters such
as design speed, sight distance, and driver comfort. See vertical alignment.
Human environment Defined by the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) as the natural and
physical environment, and the relationship of people with that environment (40 CFR 1508.14). Although the
socioeconomic environment receives less emphasis than the physical or natural environment in the CEQ
regulations, NPS considers it to be an integral part of the human environment (40 CFR 1508.14).
Hydrology The science dealing with the behavior of water as it occurs in the atmosphere, on the surface of
the ground, and underground.
Impact topics Specific natural, cultural, or socioeconomic resources that would be affected by the
proposed action or alternatives (including No-Action). The magnitude, duration, and timing of the effect to
each of these resources is evaluated in the impact section of an EIS.
Impairment (as defined by NPS policy) An impact that, in the professional judgment of the
responsible NPS manager, would harm the integrity of park resources or values, including the
opportunities that otherwise would be present for the enjoyment of those resources or values.
IMPLAN economic model IMPLANOO is an acronym for (IMpact Analysis for PLANning) an
economic model that was originally developed by the United States Forest Service (USFS) to support natural
resources planning and subsequenily adopted by the NPS and others to examine the economic impacts of
alternative development proposals. IMPLAN is maintained and supported by the Minnesota IMPLAN
Group, Inc. Additional information is available at www.implan.com.
References, Acronyms, Glossary and Key Word Index - 7-40
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

Indirect (or secondary) impacts Reasonably foreseeable impacts that occur removed in time or space
from the proposed action. These are "downstream" impacts, future impacts, or the impacts of reasonably
expected connected actions (40 CFR 1508.8).
Infrastructure Basic framework or permanent installations of the higbway transportation system, water
and sewer, and other utilities.
Intensity Degree to which resources are impacted and are categorized as negligible, minor, moderate, or
maj or.
Intermittent stream A well-defined channel that contains water for only part of the year, typically
during the winter and spring with the aquatic bed is below the water table.
Invasive species A species that is non-native to the ecosystem under consideration and whose
introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health
(Executive Order 13112). Invasive species can be plants, animals, and other organisms (e.g., microbes).
J
Job-years A measure of employment impact associated with the alternatives. It accounts far prevailing
employment practices in the region and seasonal variations in employment levels. Total jobs includes, but
does not distinguish between full-time, part-time, and seasonal jobs. Thus, ] 0 people employed full-time
for 1 year, 1 person employed part-time for 10 years, and 30 seasonal employees working for 4 months in
a given year each represent l0 job-years of employment.
Jurisdictional wetland Areas regulated by the United State Army Corps of Engineers and require the
presence the following three attributes: (l) at least periodically, the land supports predominantly
hydrophytes; (2) the substrate is predominantly undrained hydric soil; ar(3) the substrate is nonsoil and is
saturated with water or covered by shallow water at some time during the growing season of each year
(Cowardin et al. 1979). See special aguatic habitats and wetlands.
L
Land development pattern The use, types, and intensiry of the built environment. Land development
patterns affect trip demand, average length and, therefore, public resources and energy consumption.
Land use planning The process of determining appropriate locations, densities and mixes of land uses
such as residential, commercial, industrial, open space/parks, and other land uses. The regulatory tool used to
enforce activities/development within a certain land use designation is zoning.
Lead agency The agency or agencies preparing or having taken primary responsibility for preparing an
environmental document (40 CFR 1508.16).
Leaf-off The condition when deciduous species have lost their leaves for a portion of the year.
Leaf-on The condition when deciduous species have their leaves for a portion of the year.
References, Acronyms, Glossary and Key Word Index - 7-41
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

Leq Equivalent sound level, or an energy average sound level, usually specified over a period of time. This
is a calculated constant sound level that, in a given period, would convey the same sound energy as the actual
time-varying sound.
Level of Service (LOS) A set of descriptive characteristics used to indicate the qualiry of transportation
service provided, including characteristics that are quantifiable (e.g., frequency, travel time, travel cost,
number of transfers, safery, amount of delay) and those that are difficult to quantify (e.g., availability,
comfort, convenience, modal image). The Highway Capaciry Manual identifies operating conditions
ranging fram A, for best operations (low volume, high speed) to F, for worst conditions.
M
Major federal action Actions that have a large federal presence and that ha�e the potential for
significant impacts to the human environment. They include adopting policy, implementing rules or
regulations; adopting plans, programs, or projects; ongoing activities; issuing permits; or financing projects
completed by another entity (40 CFR 1508. ] 8).
Master Comment Summary Database (MCSD) An Accessr"' database used to sort, filter, and
retain all public comments received. The database is intended to capture all comment summaries from
various formats, including comment sheets, court reporter transcripts, notecards, e-mails, postcards, mass
mailings, letters, and videotapes.
Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) An agreement executed between two or more entities. See 1943
Agreement.
Minimization Techniques used to reduce the impact to a resource by limiting the degree or magnitude of
the action and its implementation.
Mitigation Compensation for the loss of a resource's function and/ar value resulting from permanent
impacts.
N
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Federal statute that establishes environmental policy
for the nation. It provides a framework for federal agencies to prevent environmenta] damage and contains
procedures to ensure that federal agency decision makers take environmental factors into account.
National Historic Landmark A district, site, building, structure or object can be designated a National
Historic Landmark if it possesses exceptional value or quality in illustrating or interpreting the heritage of the
United states in history, architecture, archeology, engineering, and culture as well as a high degree of
integriry of location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, and association (36 CFR 65.4 a
[Special Criteria for National Significance]; as authorized by the Historic Sites Act of 1935 [l6 U.S.C. 461
et seq.]). A properiy designated as an NHL is listed on the NRHP upon its designation as an NHL (31 CFR
65.2b).
References, Acronyms, Glossary and Key Word Index - 7-42
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (NHPAj The federal statue that established the
National Register of Historic Places and state historic preservation programs and set forth guidelines and
regulations for environmental review of projects involving federal funding.
National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) A list of districts, sites, buildings, structures and
objects significant in American history, architecture, archeology, and culture maintained by the Secretary of
the Interior. Expanded as authorized by Section 2(b) of the Historic Sites Act of 1935 (16 U.S.C. 462) and
Section 10] (a)(1) (A) of the National Histaric Preservation Act. All properties potentially eligible for listing
in the National Register of Historic Places are required to be evaluated in the EIS process.
National Wetland Inventory (NWI) An ongoing national survey of wetlands conducted by the United
States Fish and Wildlife Service, primarily for scientific purposes. The data and maps it produces were used
to track gains and losses of wetlands for more than two decades. The wetland tracking function will be now
be done by the Natural Resources Inventory, most recently conducted in 1997.
Navigable waterways Waterways that are either subject to the ebb and flow of the tide or any
waterway which is or could be used with reasonable improvement to transport interstate or foreign
commerce.
Neotropical migratory birds Species of birds that breed in temperate regions (e.g., parts of the United
States) and winter in areas with less seasonality (e.g., Central and South America) requiring them to undergo
two large migrations per year.
NEPA process The objective analysis of a proposal to determine the degree of its environmental and
interrelated social and economic impacts on the human environment, alternatives and mitigation that reduce
that impact, and the full and candid presentation of the analysis to, and involvement of, the interested and
affected public (40 CFR 1508.21).
No-Action Alternative An altemative where no activity would occur. It is required by NEPA. Because
the No-Action Alternative would avoid any adverse environmental impacts, it provides a basis for comparing
the potential impacts and benefits of the partial-build and build alternatives (40 CFR 1502.14).
No-Build Alternative An alternative in which no construction activity would occur. Far the purposes of
this document, the Monetary Settlement is the no-build alternative.
Noise Unwanted sound. Traffic noise is usually a composite of noises from engine exhausts, drive trains,
and tir�roadway interaction, and the magnitude of noise is usually described by its sound pressure.
Noise abatement Introduction of barriers or other measures to reduce the effects of noise created by
roads and trains.
Noise Abatement Criteria (NAC) Absolute noise values which, when approached or exceeded, require
the consideration of traffic noise abatement measures.
Noise barrier Barrier or wall (noise wall) erected to block ar deflect noise.
References, Acronyms, Glossary and Key Word Index - 7-43
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

Non-attainment area A geographic area in which a criteria air pollutant level is higher than allowed by
the Federal standards. A single geographic area may have an acceptable level for one criteria air pollutant,
but have unacceptable levels of one or more other criteria air pollutants. Thus an area can have an
"attainment" designation for one criteria air pollutant and, at the same time, have a"non-attainment"
designation for another criteria air pollutant.
Non-native species Species of plants or wildlife that are not native to a particular area and often
interfere with natural biological systems.
Nonpoint pollution sourCes Pollutants that enter the environment from general non-contained
locations. Examples of nonpoint sources are roadways, parking lots, and landscaped areas. Pollutants from
these locations can include petrochemicals, heavy metals, and fertilizers.
Non-recreation visit A reportable non-recreation visit includes through traffic, e.g., commuters using a
road for travel between their place of residence and place of work and other traffic with no intended
recreational purpose; trades-people with business in the park; and government personnel, other than NPS
employees, with business in the park.
Nonvascular plants Tl�e simplest of all land-dwelling plants that lack an internal means for water
transportation. They also do not produce seeds or flowers and generally only reach a height of one to two
centimeters because they lack the woody tissue necessary for support on land.
Notice of Intent (NOI) The notice submitted to the Federal Register that an EIS will be prepared. It
describes the proposed action and alternatives, identifies a contact person in the NPS, and provides time,
place, and descriptive details of the agency's proposed scoping process (40 CFR 1508.22).
C�
Occupancy Tax A tax imposed on the gross receipts for short-term rental of rooms, lodging, or
accommodations provided to transients.
Operations and maintenance (08M) costs Recurring costs associated with the provision of
services and maintenance of facilities, roads, and other infrastructure. Such costs include, but are not limited
to personnel costs, such as wages, salaries and fringe benefits, utilities, motor vehicle fuel, materials and
supplies, equipment and replacement parts, and contracted repairs.
Organic Act, 1916 This act created the National Park Service within the Department of the Interior and
established that NPS would promote and regulate the use of Federal lands known as national parks,
monuments, and reservations, except those under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Army. The Organic
Act states that the fundamental purpose of NPS is to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects
and the wild life on these lands to provide for the enjoyment of these resources in such a way as to leave
these resources unimpaired far the enjoyment of future generations.
Outstanding Resource Waters Unique and special waters of exceptional state or national
recreational or ecological significance which require special protection.
References, Acronyms, Glossary and Key Word Index - 7-44
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

P
Participating agency An agency that participates in the formal EIS planning and review process. A
participating agency has the opportuniry to review and comment on the proposed project throughout the
planning process to ensure that timely decisions are made and the responsibilities of the agency are met.
Party-days A measure of recreation activity used by the NPS to account for varying lengths of stays and
differences in spending patterns among visitors. The conversion from visits to party-days is needed because
expenditure data are rypically collected and reported on "per day" or "per trip" basis, with lodging or other
overnight accommodations one of the key spending categories.
Passive visitor A person who stays in developed areas accessible by vehicle. Typically, the visitor only
exits the vehicle for a short period of time at an overlook or visitar center. The visitor's stay likely lasts a
few hours to a day.
Peak-hour volume The volume of traffic that uses the approach, lane, or lane group in question during
the hour of the day that observes the highest traffic volumes for that intersection.
Perennial species Vegetation that lives over from season to season.
Perennial stream A stream or part of a stream that flows continuously during the calendar year as a
result of groundwater discharge or surface runoff.
Personal Income Income earned by individuals and households, as opposed to business or corparate
income. Personal income includes compensation related to employment, such as wages; property and
investment income, such as dividends; and current transfers, such as retirement, unemployment and
Medicare.
Posted speed The maximum speed limit posted for any given section of a roadway. See design speed.
Preferred Alternative The alternative identified by the lead agency (NPS for the North Shore Road EIS�
as preferred over the other study alternatives.
Preliminary design Phase of the final design process during which a 30 percent plan package is
prepared. This package is used by FHWA to troubleshoot the overall scope of a project prior to the more
detailed final design. For the purposes of the North Shore Road Project, functional/conceptual design, not
preliminary design, was conducted. See functional design; final design.
Preliminary study alternative NEPA requires that a full range of alternatives be examined so that all
reasonable and foreseeable options for a project can be studied. A preliminary alternative is an alternative
that is developed through public and agency coordination intended to meet the purpose and need of the
project. Preliminary alternatives may be modified or combined through public input and agency
coordination. See final study alternative.
References, Acronyms, Glossary and Key Word Index - 7-45
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

Primitive Park Road The proposed roadway typical section that has a two-way, gravel surface with two
9-foot (2.7-m) travel lanes and 2-foot (0.6-m) grass shoulders. It has a maximum posted speed limit of I S
mph (24.1 kph).
Principal Park Road The proposed roadway rypical section that has a two-way, asphalt surface with two
10-foot (3-m) travel lanes and 3-foot (1-m) grass shoulders. It has a maximum posted speed limit of 30 inph
(48.3 lcph).
Pristine Unaltered, unpolluted by humans.
Proposed action In terms ofNEPA, the project, activiry, or action that a federal agency proposes to
implement or undertake and that is the subject of an environmental analysis.
Public agency Any state agency, board, or commission, county, city and county, city, regional agency,
public district, redevelopment agency, or other political subdivision.
Purpose and Need Tl�e basis for identifying the alternative that meets the underlying need and best
achieves the purposes to be attained.
R
Rare vegetation community Communities with a global rank of G1 (critically imperiled) or G2
(imperiled) or with the uncertainty that includes the potential for G1 or G2 ranking. See secure vegetation
community.
Reasonable and prudent alternatives Recommended alternative actions identified during formal
consultation that can be implemented in a manner consistent with the intended purpose of the action, that can
be implemented consistent with the scope of the federal agency's legal autharity and jurisdiction, that are
economically and technologically feasible, and that the agency believes would avoid the likelihood of
jeopardizing the continued existence of listed species or the destruction or adverse modification of
designated critical habitat. To be reasonable, an alternative must not create any truly unique problems such
as unusual factors, extraordinary magnitude of cost compared with benefits, community or environmental
disruption of extraordinary magnitude, loss of irretrievable GSMNP resources, or an accumulation of these
factars (50 CFR 402.02).
Record of Decision (ROD) The document that is prepared to substantiate a decision based on an EIS. It
includes a statement of the decision made, a detailed discussion of decision rationale, and the reasons for not
adopting all mitigation measures analyzed, if applicable (40 CFR ] 505.2).
Recreation visit The entry of a person onto lands or waters administered by the NPS for recreational
purposes, excluding government personnel, commuters, trades-people, and persons residing within park
boundaries.
Retail sales The gross retail sales of retail outlets, eating and drinking establishments, and lodging and
other accommodations. Retail sales may or may not be subject to sales or other taxes.
References, Acronyms, Glossary and Key Word Index - 7-46
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

Right-of-way (ROW) A corridor of land acquired by reservation, dedication, prescription, or
condemnation and intended to be utilized as a road, rail line, utility service, buffer, or similar use.
Riparian Relating to or living on the bank of a natural watercourse.
Riverine Areas through which rivers, streams or creeks, continuously or periodically flow.
RunofF The rainwater that directly leaves an area in surface drainage, as opposed to the amount that seeps
out as groundwater.
�
Scenic byways Under the National Scenic Byways Program, ihe United States Secretary of
Transportation recognizes certain roads as National Scenic Byways ar All-American Roads based on their
archaeological, cultural, historic, natural, recreational, and scenic qualities. A number of states have also
created scenic byway programs, other forms of scenic byways.
Scoping Internal NPS decision-making on issues, alternatives, mitigation measures, the study area
boundary, appropriate level of documentation, lead and cooperating agency roles, available references and
guidance, defining purpose and need, and so forth. External scoping is the early involvement of the interested
and affected public (40 CFR 1508.25).
Screening Criteria Environmental, social, economic, and engineering constraints used when locating
partial-build and build alternatives to avoid documented sensitive areas and to minimize potential impacts
without compromising the engineering standards or unreasonably increasing construction costs.
Section 106 consultation Requires all federal agencies to take into account the effects of their actions
on historic properties and to consult with appropriate state and tribal agencies and other interested parties,
and in some cases the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, to develop and evaluate alternatives or
modifications to the undertaking that could avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects on historic properties
(Title 16, United States Code, Section 470, 36 CFR 800).
Section 407 of the Clean Water Act The federal statute that established a certification to be issued
by the State to the effect that discharges into the State's waters are in compliance with the applicable
provisions of Sections 301, 302, 303, 306, and 307 of the Clean Water act (Title 33, United States Code,
Section 1341).
Section 404 of the Clean Water Act The federal statute that established a permit program to be
adininistered by the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) under guidelines by the USEPA to
protect the nation's waters from dredged and fill sources (Title 33, United States Code, Sections 1357 -
1376).
Section 4(� The provision of the Department of Transportation Act that restricts the use of publicly
owned land from a public park, recreation area or wildlife and waterfowl refuge, or any land from a
significant historic site. Section 4( fl does not apply to any park road or parkway under Section 204 of the act.
(49 U.S.C. 303 and 23 U.S.C. 138, 23 CFR 771.135).
References, Acronyms, Glossary and Key Word Index - 7-47
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

Section 4(� resource A public park recreation or wildlife/waterfowl refuge, or significant historic
resources, that is within the jurisdiction of the 1966 Department of Transportation Act and subsequent
refinements.
Section 7 The section of tbe Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended, outlining procedures for
interagency cooperation to conserve federally listed species and designated critical habitats (50 CFR).
Section 7 consultation The process of interagency cooperation as provided for under Section 7 of the
Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (50 CFR 402).
Section 9 The section of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended, that prohibits the taking of
endangered species of fish and wildlife. Additional prohibitions include: (] ) import or export of endangered
species ar products made from endangered species; (2) interstate ar foreign commerce in listed species or
their products; and (3) possession of unlawfully taken endangered species.
Section 9 of the Rivers and Harbor Act of 1899 Prohibits the construction of any bridge, dam,
dike, or causeway over or in navigable waterways of the United States without approval.
Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbor Act of 1899 Prohibits building any wharfs, piers, jetties, and
other structures in navigable waters without Congressional approval, and such approval has been delegated
to the United States Army Corps of Engineers.
Secure vegetation community Communities with a global rank of G3 (vulnerable), G4 (apparently
secure), or GS (secure). See rare vegetation community.
Sedimentation The accumulation of earthy matter (soil and mineral particles) washed into a river or
other water body, normally by erosion, which settles on the bottom.
Severity To determine significance, the "severity" of the impact must be examined in terms of the type,
quality and sensitivity of the resource involved; the location of the proposed project; the duration of the
effect (short- or long-term); and other consideration of context.
Signatory A individual or group entity that signs and is bound by a document.
Significant impact A qualitative term used to describe the anticipated importance of impacts to the
hu��nan environment as a result of an action.
Socioeconomics The social and economic conditions associated with communities, local institutions
and organizations, and residents of an area.
Soil associations Group of geographically associated soils that may be quite different from each other
but occur together in repeatable patterns.
Soil survey The systematic examination, description, classification, and mapping of soils in an area,
usually a county.
References, Acronyms, Glossary and Key Word Index - 7-48
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

Sole source aquifers A natural underground area in which large quantities of ground water fill the
spaces between rocks and sediment. Designated by the USEPA as the sole or principal source of drinking
water for an area. A designated sole source aquifer receives special protection.
Soundscape The total ambient acoustic environment, which is made up ofboth natural sounds and
human caused sounds.
Span Distance between the supports of a bridge, sometimes used to refer to the structural members being
supported ar the section of a bridge between supports (i.e., a multi-span bridge).
Special aquatic habitats Wetland areas having one or two of the following three attributes: (1) at least
periodically, the land supports predominantly hydrophytes; (2) the substrate is predominantly undrained
hydric soil; or (3) the substrate is nonsoil and is saturated with water or covered by shallow water at some
time during the growing season of each year (Cowardin et al. 1979). See jurisdictional wetlands and
wetlands.
Species new to science Species that have not been previously discovered or identified.
State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) A staged 3- to 5-year program of
transportation- related projects proposed for each fiscal year. The program manages transportation
programming by establishing a prioritized list of transportation projects. It includes federally funded and
regionally significant non-federally funded highway, transit, bicycle and rideshare projects.
Study area The geographic area addressed by the analysis in a plan or study.
Surface waters Rivers, streams, lakes, wetlands ar any body of water above the ground surface. Surface
waters result where the water table is higher than the ground elevation.
Superstructure General term referring to the group of major supporting elements of a bridge including
the abutments, piers, and footings.
T
Target species Species of plants or animals specifically searched for in field surveys conducted within
the study area.
Threatened and endangered (T/E) species Species of plants or animals classified as threatened or
endangered pursuant to Section 4 of the Endangered Species Act.
Topography Physical shape of the ground surface; the configuration of landsurface including its relief,
elevation, and the position of its natural and manmade features.
Traditional cultural properties (TCPs) Items that represent places that are of special importance in
the cultural practices ar beliefs of a living community that are rooted in that communiry's history and are
important in maintaining the continuing cultural identity of the community.
References, Acronyms, Glossary and Key Word Index - 7-49
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

Traffic flow Characterized by three elements: volume (vehicles per hour), speed (miles per hour), and
density (vehicles per mile).
Trophic level Classification of the biological productivity of a lake which can range from oligotrophic
(infertile) to mesotrophic (moderately infertile) to eutrophic (fertile).
Turbidity In waterbodies, the condition of having suspended particles that reduce the ability of light to
penetrate beneath the surface. Some rivers and streams are naturally mare turbid than others; soil erosion and
runoff into streams can increase turbidity.
u
United States Code (USC) The consolidation and codification of all general and permanent laws of the
United States.
USACE Nationwide Permit A United States Army Corps of Engineer general wetland fill permit
designed for projects resulting in minor disturbances to wetlands.
V
Vascular plants Plants that possess vascular tissue for transporting water, nutrients and plant
photosynthetic products; all modern species except for the mosses and their relatives.
Vertical alignment Vertical geometry; alignment of a roadway vertically, determining grades, crests,
valleys, and the lengths of or distances between ihese features based upon parameters such as design speed,
sight distance, drainage, and driver comfort. See horizontal alignment.
Visual resources The pbysical features of a landscape that can be seen (e.g., land, water, vegetation,
structures, and other features).
Visual resources management The systematic means to identify visual values, establish objectives
which provide the standards for managing those values, and evaluate the visual impacts of proposed projects
to ensure that objectives are met.
Visitor experience The perceptions, feelings, and reactions a park visitar has in relationship with the
surrounding environment.
W
Watershed The region drained by, or contributing water to, a stream, lake, or other body of water.
Waters of the United States Waterbodies including lakes, rivers and streams, and wetlands (33 CFR
328.3).
Wetland Those areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or ground water at a frequency and
duration sufficient, under normal circumstances, to support a prevalence of vegetative or aquatic life that
References, Acronyms, Glossary and Key Word Index - 7-50
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

requires saturated or seasonally saturated soil conditions for growth and reproduction. Wetlands include
marshes, bogs, sloughs, river overflows, mud flats, wet meadows, seeps, and springs (33 CFR 3283(a)(7)(b),
Executive Order 11990). Wetland refers to both jurisdictional wetlands and special aquatic habitat areas.
See jurisdictional wetlands and special aquatic habitats.
Wetland delineation The process establishes a line that separates and identifies wetland areas from non-
wetland (upland) areas and determines the size and location of wetland areas.
Wetland determination The process ar procedure by which an area is identified as a wetland or non-
wetland (upland) by examining the three major characteristics of wetlands: vegetation, soil, and hydrology.
Wild and Scenic Rivers A river receiving special protection under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (16
United States Code 1271-1278).
Wilderness An area of undeveloped federal land designated wilderness by Congress, retaining its
primeval character and influence, without permanent improvements or human habitation, protected and
managed to preserve its natural conditions and that (1) generally appears to have been affected primarily by
the forces of nature with the imprint of man's work substantially unnoticeable; (2) has outstanding
opportunities for solitude or primitive and unconfined recreation; (3) has at least 5,000 ac (2,023 ha) or is of
sufficient size to make practical its preservation and use in an unimpaired condition; and (4) also may
contain features that are of ecological, geological, scientific, educational, scenic, or historical value.
Wilderness Act of 1964 The Wilderness Act restricts development and activities to maintain certain
places where wilderness conditions predominate (16 United States Code ll31-1136).
Z
Zoning The division of land into zones or districts for the purpose of regulating land use and other aspects
of land develop��nent. The state grants authority to cities and counties to regulate land use through zoning
ordinances.
References, Acronyms, Glossary and Key Word Index - 7-51
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement