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.

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.

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.

Volatilization

Evaporation.

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.

Virtual Elimination Task Force

A binational organization established by the International Joint Commission to address specific virtual elimination issues in the Great Lakes ecosystem.