Operable Unit

{
  "id": "MLC-T-ENV-019659",
  "term": "Operable Unit",
  "field": "Environment",
  "definition": "1. Term for each of a number of separate activities undertaken as part of a Superfund site cleanup. A typical operable unit would be removal of drums and tanks from the surface of a site.\n\n2. Term for each of a number of separate activities undertaken as part of a Superfund site cleanup.\n\n3. A discrete action that comprises an incremental step toward comprehensively addressing site problems. This discrete portion of a remedial response manages migration, or eliminates or mitigates a release, threat of a release, or pathway of exposure. The cleanup of a site can be divided into a number of operable units, depending on the complexity of the problems associated with the site. Operable units may address geographical portions of a site, specific site problems, or initial phases of an action, or may consist of any set of actions performed over time or any actions that are concurrent but located in different parts of a site.\n\n4. A discrete action that comprises an incremental step toward comprehensively addressing site problems. This discrete portion of a remedial response manages migration, or eliminates or mitigates a release, threat of release, or pathway of exposure. The cleanup of a site can be divided into a number of operable units, depending on the complexity of the problems associated with the site. Operable units may address geographical portions of a site, specific site problems, or initial phases of an action, or may consist of any set of actions performed over time or any actions that are concurrent but located in different parts of a site. Operable units will not impede implementation of subsequent actions, including final action at the site.\n\n5. Discrete action, as described in the Cooperative Agreement or Superfund State Contract, that comprises an incremental step toward comprehensively addressing site problems. The cleanup of a site can be divided into a number of operable units, depending on the complexity of the problems associated with the site. Operable units may address geographical portions of a site, specific site problems, or initial phases of an action, or may consist of any set of actions performed over time or any actions that are concurrent but located in different parts of a site.\n\n6. Discrete action defined by EPA that comprises an incremental step toward completing site cleanup.\n\n7. During cleanup, a site can be divided into a number of distinct areas depending on the complexity of the problems associated with the site. These areas called operable units may address geographic areas of a site, specific site problems, or areas where a specific action is required. An example of a typical operable unit could include removal of drums and tanks from the surface of a site.",
  "abbreviation": "OU",
  "subject": "Land, waste and cleanup",
  "references": [
    "Superfund Reforms Glossary; Terms of Environment",
    "Region 5 Cleanup Site: Environmental Glossary",
    "40 CFR 300.5 (CFR 2013)",
    "40 CFR 307.14 (CFR 2013)",
    "40 CFR 35.6015 (CFR 2018)",
    "40 CFR 35.4270 (CFR 2018)",
    "Superfund Glossary"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/environment/operable-unit/"
}