Interference

{
  "id": "MLC-T-ENV-014678",
  "term": "Interference",
  "field": "Environment",
  "definition": "1. A discharge that, alone or in conjunction with a discharge or discharges from other sources, both (1) inhibits or disrupts the POTW, its treatment processes or operations, or its sludge processes, use, or disposal; and (2) therefore is a cause of a violation of any requirement of the POTW's NPDES permit (including an increase in the magnitude or duration of a violation) or of the prevention of sewage sludge use or disposal in compliance with ... [applicable] statutory provisions and regulations or permits issued thereunder (or more stringent state or local regulations).\n\n2. Unwanted electrical signals or noise causing degradation of reception on a communications circuit.\n\n3. Inappropriate, scientifically unjustified intervention in the conduct, management, communication, or use of science. It includes, but is not limited to censorship, suppression, or distortion of scientific or technological findings, data, information, or conclusions; inhibiting scientific independence during clearance and review; scientifically unjustified intervention in research and data collection; and/or inappropriate engagement or participation in the peer review process or on federal advisory committees. Interference in this Policy does not refer to non-scientific parts of policy decisions or changes in agency priorities.",
  "subject": "Enforcement and compliance",
  "references": [
    "paraphrased from 40 CFR 403.3(k)",
    "FCC Glossary of Frequently-Used Telecommunications Terms: Regulators Guide",
    "EPA 2025 Scientific Integrity Policy"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/environment/interference/"
}