Term
| In Oklahoma, what does the DEQ do? |
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Definition
| In Oklahoma, that agency is the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). DEQ does water and air sampling and testing, tests solid waste and hazardous materials, and handles other environmental issues as they arise. |
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Term
| Residential hazards include, but are not limited to: |
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Definition
Indoor air quality
Lead-based paint
Mold
Asbestos
Proximity to industrial and commercial activities which produce pollutants |
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Term
| If the property is undeveloped, potential commercial environmental hazards are: |
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Definition
Wetlands
Endangered species
Toxic waste sites
Water supply sources
Storage tanks, both above and underground |
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Term
| A hazardous substance is a threat to human health only if people are exposed to it. However, this exposure only happens if the following three conditions apply: |
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Definition
The substance is released from its container;
The substance is transported by some means, such as air, water, or the food chain, from its original source to human beings; and
The substance is taken into the human body by breathing, eating, drinking, or contact with the skin. |
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Term
| Waste is hazardous if it is: |
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Definition
Toxic: Can cause death or violent illness or cancer.
Corrosive: Can cause burning of the skin.
Reactive: Can cause explosions and toxic fumes when mixed with water.
Ignitable: Danger from heat, smoke, or friction. |
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Term
| describe various air pathways for hazardous substances |
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Definition
| Air pathways: Within this category, there are more narrow classifications. In the soil-air pathway, exposure can begin with a release of a volatile chemical, or by wind-blown, contaminated dust. In the air-food pathway, contaminants may reach human beings either directly or through animals. Another air pathway is the air-surface-water pathway, in which air contaminants are deposited into surface water, such as ponds or lakes. |
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Term
| describe soil pathways for hazardous substances |
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Definition
| Soil pathways: Exposure begins with either a release from buried contaminants or as a spill on the ground. Direct exposure may come from eating or touching contaminated soil. A narrower classification in this category is the soil-food pathway, which is applicable if contaminated soil supports edible plants. Contaminated dust may establish a soil-air pathway. |
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Term
| describe drinking water pathways for hazardous substances |
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Definition
| Drinking water pathways: Those in which liquid contaminants or contaminants washed from the soil by rainwater migrate through the soil to ground water. There, they have the potential to establish what is known as a soil-ground water-drinking water-pathway. |
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Term
| describe food pathways for hazardous substances - |
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Definition
| Exist if the contaminant runs off into a lake or stream which is used for irrigation, the watering of animals, or fishing. In this case, a soil-water-food pathway results. |
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Term
| Residential Lead-based Hazard Reduction Act of 1992 means (among many other stipulations) |
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Definition
the seller may NOT accept an offer from the buyer to purchase if the disclosure and pamphlet have not been given prior to the buyer being obligated under contract.
A purchase contract is NOT binding if the disclosure has not been given to the purchaser.
The broker should retain the signed form in the file with other important disclosures. Federal law says three years while Oklahoma law says five years |
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Term
| describe the OSHA construction standard for asbestos |
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Definition
| The OSHA Construction Standard for Asbestos (29 CFR 1926.1101) details training requirements, medical monitoring, respiratory protection, prohibited activities, and work practices for dealing with asbestos-containing materials. It also requires building owners to notify employees and contractors of the presence of asbestos in their building. |
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Term
| what are electromagnetic fields or EMF's? |
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Definition
are invisible lines of force that surround any electrical device.
They can be caused by power lines, electrical wiring, and appliances, which produce electric and magnetic fields. Electric and magnetic fields have different properties and possibly different ways of causing biological effects. Even though electric fields are shielded or weakened by conducting objects, particularly those that are grounded, such as trees and buildings, magnetic fields are not. While electric fields over 20 kV/m will cause a tingling sensation, magnetic fields are not felt. |
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Term
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Definition
| Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) are mixtures of synthetic organic chemicals with the same basic chemical structure and similar physical properties ranging from oily liquids to waxy solids. In 1976, PCBs led Congress to enact a section of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) in which prohibitions on the manufacture, processing, and distribution in commerce of PCBs were mandated. Thus, TSCA legislated true "cradle to grave" (from manufacture to disposal) management of PCBs in the United States. |
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Term
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Definition
| Subsidence is the collapse of the ground into underground cavities. It can happen if there is an underground storage tank that collapses or if an underground tank was removed but the hole was not filled properly. It happens commonly in areas that have been mined. If an area is noted for acres of abandoned mines, it would be wise for developers or builders to get maps from government agencies to show where old mines are located before they attempt any new construction projects. |
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Term
| what is a sinkhole and how does it differ from subsidence? |
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Definition
Sinkholes are depressions or holes in the ground that form when the limestone below the surface dissolves. The lack of limestone causes the land above to collapse. Compared to earthquakes, sinkholes are a much more prolific hazard to Oklahoma homeowners. Many sinkholes are large enough to engulf an entire home.
If a sinkhole opens up on a person's property, they should report this to their property insurance company. Repair of the sinkhole depends on the size and depth of the hole. |
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Term
| what does the oklahoma water resources board do? |
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Definition
| n Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Water Resources Board has rules that outline the requirements to obtain authority to use fresh groundwater, and details procedures for determining the maximum annual yield of basins and sub basins and for issuing final orders recognizing prior rights to use groundwater. |
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Term
| what is the endangered children's program? |
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Definition
| Oklahoma City officials have created an "endangered children's" program that gives medical care and other help to kids who are found living in homes that have been turned into meth labs by their addicted parents. |
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Term
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Definition
| An underground storage tank system (UST) is a tank (and any underground piping connected to the tank) that has at least 10 percent of its combined volume underground. |
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Term
| You discover there is asbestos in your home. What should you do? |
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Definition
Do keep activities to a minimum in any areas having damaged material that may contain asbestos.
Do take every precaution to avoid damaging asbestos material.
Do have removal and major repair done by people trained and qualified in handling asbestos. It is highly recommended that sampling and minor repair also be done by asbestos professionals. |
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Term
| Why is radon difficult to discover? |
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Definition
| Radon is odorless, colorless, tasteless, so it's impossible to sense the presence of radon without testing it. |
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Term
| name the four exposure pathways |
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Definition
| Air, soil, drinking water, and food |
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Term
| How can a real estate professional help their clients deal with environmental issues? |
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Definition
| Be knowledgeable, ask the right questions, call the experts, and disclose early and often. |
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Term
| How many phases are in an environmental audit? |
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Definition
There are four total phases
Phase I is the basic inspection to determine if a problem exists. This is the one requirement necessary in order to qualify for the "innocent landowner defense."
Phase II is the next phase and this phase evaluates problems found in phase I.
Phase III is the actual cleanup.
Phase IV deals with "Land Disposal Restriction" (LDR) that prohibits the disposal of hazardous waste without meeting certain standards. |
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