NHIE Flashcard Site Conditions

An underground container for storage of household wastewater; in the form of a concrete or metal tank, or a tank lined with logs, railroad ties, or concrete blocks. Cesspool Household water that comes from sinks, bathtubs, dishwashers, and washing machines; it does not contain human waste. Greywater A measure of heat transmission through a window or door. 'U' stands for unit. The lower the U-value, the greater the insulating capability. U-Value A colorless, odorless gas present in the environment as a result of radioactive decay in certain areas of the country. Homes should be tested for radon unsafe levels. The local environmental agency should be consulted on its handling, removal and any applicable laws. Radon A naturally occurring fibrous material sometimes found in older homes. It is a health hazard when a possibility exists of exposure to inhalable fibers. Asbestos A third-party rating system for energy efficiency. The USGBC (United States Green Building Council) confers LEED designations. LEED (Leadership in Energy Efficiency and Design) A reference to the types of soil houses are built on; homes must be properly engineered for the soil type. Soil Types The process of applying a sealant to asbestos-containing material, which penetrates the material's surface, preventing the release of the dangerous fibers. Encapsulation 1) A word widely and loosely used to describe the use, in construction, of renewable materials; 2) non-toxic materials, and sometimes locally produced materials, usually with an energy-efficient component. Green Gases emitted from certain solids or liquids; organic chemicals found in many household products. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) A natural byproduct of fuel combustion; a colorless, odorless gas released as fuel sources break down to produce heat. Carbon Monoxide A pipe made from a mixture of clay that has been subjected to very high temperatures, thus "vitrifying" the pipe, which makes it a hard, inert ceramic; used in sewer pipes. The manufacturing process has been fine-tuned for centuries and was designed to be fiscally responsible, which had the added benefit of being environmentally responsible. But the primary benefit of using VCP in sanitary sewers is its long service life. VCP (Vitrified Clay Pipe) A measure of the ease with which water penetrates a material. Permeability A method used to treat/dispose of sewage in rural areas not accessible to a municipal sewer system. A Sewage is permitted to be filtered and eventually discharged into a section of the lot called a leech field. Leech Field The index used by Certified HERS Raters. In the HERS rating system, the higher the score, the less efficient the home is. For example, a 0 = a zero net energy home produces all of the energy it consumes. HERS (Home Energy Rating Systems) Usually from insects, one of the many things that can compromise the building envelope. Infestation Local or state regulations, overseeing construction, established to protect public health and safety. Building Code When asbestos, or the material containing asbestos, crumbles, pulverizes, or reduces to powder by moderate pressure. Friable A perforated, corrugated plastic pipe laid at the bottom of the foundation wall and used to drain excess water away from the foundation. It prevents ground water from seeping through the foundation wall. Sometimes called perimeter drain. Drain Tile Suitable for drinking. Potable