Bacteria

Single celled organisms having no cellular nucleus. Pathogenic bacteria are capable of causing disease. Coliform bacteria are prolific in the intestines of warm blooded animals and are used as an indicator of fecal waste pollution.

Benthic

Bottom terrain (generally submerged under water) of a surface water body, from shoreline to greatest depths.

Best Management Practices (BMPs)

Methods, measures or practices to prevent or reduce surface runoff and/or water pollution, including but not limited to, structural non-structural controls, operation and maintenance procedures, other requirements and scheduling and distribution of activities.

BMP

Best management practice

BOD

Biological oxygen demand

Buffer

An area maintained in permanent vegetation and managed to reduce the impacts of adjacent land use.