ABSTRACT
In environmental regulatory programs in general, and the hazardous waste program in particular, certain words and phrases have been given special meaning and significance. Often, the regulatory definition of these terms differs significantly from their common usage. Acronyms such as RQ, TSD, and RCRA are used extensively in regulatory language as a form of shorthand. Hazardous waste management, like other specialized areas of endeavor, has acquired its own language or jargon. The newcomer to this field quickly perceives that the use of acronyms, regulatory terms, and extensive cross-referencing makes reading EPA regulations analogous to translating a foreign language.
