Variance
A mechanism or provision that allows modification to or
waiver of requirements or standards. Virtual Elimination
A term that refers to the elimination of inputs and discharges of persistent
toxic substances with the end goal being their elimination from the Great
Lakes Ecosystem. Because it is not practical to completely
remove persistent toxic substances, especially from contaminated sediments,
the qualifier virtual is appropriate. It may not be possible to achieve total
elimination from the Great Lakes System for some persistent toxic substances produced
by natural processes and/or by the release of toxins from contaminated sediments.
Because of these impediments, virtual elimination is seen by many as a more realistic
objective than zero discharge. See also Zero
Discharge. Virtual Elimination Pilot Project
A federal project undertaken by the EPA in response to
the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, that has as
its goal the virtual elimination of persistent
bioaccumulative chemicals of concern from the Great Lakes
Basin. Related Program - Great Lakes National Program
Office Virtual Elimination Strategy
A binational
report produced by the Virtual Elimination Task Force for the International
Joint Commission that outlines a conceptual framework to achieve the virtual
elimination of persistent toxic substances from the
Great Lakes Basin. Related Program -International
Joint Commission, Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement
Virtual Elimination Task Force
A binational organization
established by the International Joint Commission to address
specific virtual elimination issues in the Great
Lakes ecosystem. Volatile Organic
Compounds VOCs
Organic chemicals that
evaporate readily into the atmosphere, providing a path for transport through
the environment. Voluntary PCB Phasedown Program
A federal program initiated by EPA Region 5 requesting
electric utilities in the Great Lakes Basin to voluntarily
remove from service all electrical equipment containing PCBs
at levels greater than 500 parts per million. | 
