Definitions
Class B Waters – Of the second highest quality, these waters are considered acceptable for fishing, swimming, and other recreational purposes, and, after adequate treatment, for use as water supplies. NHDES has numeric and narrative criteria for these uses. Antidegradation provisions also apply (See NH RSA 485-A:8).
conservation easement –A legal agreement between a landowner and a conservation organization or agency in the form of a deed that permanently protects the land from development.
density bonus – An increase in the amount of development (number of units) allowed by a town on a parcel of land in exchange for a developer’s modifying the development plans to include public benefits.
gray water – Wastewater other than sewage; usually from laundry and washing dishes.
habitat fragmentation – The division of habitat into smaller and less productive pieces, usually by the construction of roads or other barriers to certain wildlife.
impervious surface – Surfaces on the land, such as pavement or roofs, which prevent the natural infiltration into the soil of precipitation, thus increasing runoff.
invasive species – Non-native plants or animals that are particularly aggressive in out-competing native species, thereby degrading habitat for resident species.
pervious surface –Land surfaces that allow precipitation to infiltrate into the soil, e.g., forests, fields, lawns, unpaved driveways, etc.
riparian – Relating to or located on or near the banks of a natural watercourse.
runoff –That portion of precipitation that does not infiltrate the soil but runs directly off the land into surface waters.
tertiary treatment – Advanced wastewater treatment usually aimed at nutrient removal.
vernal pool –Seasonal pool of water critical to the survival of certain species.
watershed – The geographic area that drains into a river directly or via tributaries.
Programs & Abbreviations
GIS – Geographic Information System, a computer-support system for mapping and mapping-related data.
LRAC – Lamprey River Advisory Committee
LRWA – Lamprey River Watershed Association
NERR – National Estuarine Research Reserve
NHDES – New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services
NHEP – New Hampshire Estuaries Project
NPS – National Park Service
NRCS – Natural Resource Conservation Service
RMPP – NH Rivers Management and Protection Program
UNH – University of New Hampshire
USGS – U.S. Geologic Survey
VRAP – NH State Volunteer River Assessment Program
Wild and Scenic River – National system of outstanding rivers into which individual rivers are designated by US Congressional action.
401 Water Quality Permit – Permit allowing the discharge of water into a waterbody, under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act.
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