Glossary - Southern Sonoma County Resource Conservation District, California

LAFCO. Local Agency Formation Commission.

Less than Significant Impact. An impact that would not result in a substantial and adverse change in the environment and would not require mitigation.

Liquefaction. A sudden large decrease in the shearing resistance of a cohesionless soil, caused by a collapse of the structure by shock or strain, and associated with a sudden but temporary increase of the pore fluid pressure.

Littoral Drift. The sedimentary material moved in the littoral zone under the influence of waves and current.

Major Land Resource Areas (MLRA). Consists of geographically associated land resource units (see below)

Major Land Resource Units. Geographic areas of land, usually several thousand acres in extent, that are characterized by particular patters of soil (including solpe and erosion), climate, water, resources, land use and type of farming.

Mitigation Measure. Action taken to reduce or eliminate environmental impacts. Mitigation measures are required as a component of an environmental impact report (EIR) if significant impacts are identified.

Mulch. Covering on surface of soil to protect and enhance certain charcteristics, such as water retention qualities.

Native (Grasses). Occuring naturally, not introduced from other countries.

Outfall. The point where water flows from a conduit, stream or drain.

Ozone. A compound consisting of three oxygen atoms, that is the primary constituent of smog. It is formed through chemical reactions in the atmosphere involving volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides, and sunlight. Ozone can initiate damage to the lungs as well as damage to trees, crops, and materials. There is a natural layer of ozone in the upper atmosphere, which shields the earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation.

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