Biological Pollutants – Invasive, non-native species (e.g., “Invasive Species”) http://www.coris.noaa.gov/activities/actionstrategy/action_reef_final.pdf 

Biological pollution - "Nonindigenous invasive species can be thought of as biological pollutants. Pathways of introduction can be intentional and unintentional. Generally, intentional introductions of nuisance species are meant to be beneficial. However, either the possible deleterious effects of introducing the species are not fully considered, or the species escapes from a controlled use into the wild. Unintentional introductions generally come from the unknowing transport of nuisance species. The unintentional introduction of the zebra mussel through ballast water in transoceanic shipping is a prime example. While the ecological effects of invasive species are identifiable, it is difficult to account for the economic costs..." (page 17) "...Mr. Westbrooks posed the question of how EPA fits into the control of biological pollutants, such as nonindigenous invasive species. He suggested that involved agencies may be able to draw upon EPA’s experience overseeing chemical pollutants like pesticides and its experience in creating and implementing environmental policy. In the case of pesticide safety, the burden of proof is on the industry. Perhaps a similar approach could be used for the intentional introduction of nonindigenous invasive species. The problem with nuisance species is that they have been put outside of their natural habitats, where they were managed by natural predators. Unlike chemical pollutants that breakdown over time, biological pollutants multiply. In new habitats and those lacking natural predators, invasive species pose a serious threat to biodiversity. Prevention and outreach are crucial tools. Based on his own work with APHIS (The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service) and FICMNEW (The Federal Interagency Committee on the Management of Noxious and Exotic Weeds), Mr. Westbrooks noted that detection techniques are currently not advanced enough to be an effective first line of defense. Work needs to be done to strengthen this element of prevention. He did point out, however, several cases in which agencies had been tipped off to the presence of an invasive species by a citizen, who had seen it on the Internet and recognized it in his or her neighborhood. In terms of changing the institutional environment, a lead agency needs to be charged with the prevention and control of the introduction of nuisance species. Work needs to move across agencies, so that money and expertise can be pooled and efforts are not duplicated. Finally, a need exists for a mobilized constituency to press for resources and partnering among all levels of government and private groups. Mr. Westbrooks cited the Federal Interagency Weed Committee’s National Weed Strategy as an example of a partnering and outreach tool currently available. Likewise, the ANS (Aquatic Nuisance Species) panel was set up to foster cooperation, develop a strategic plan, and provide oversight to federal agencies. A national strategic plan could be used as a model for regional and state plans." (page 30) "Invasive species are a form of biological pollution that threatens our economy and natural system. Invasive species are like chemicals that grow, spread and mutate." (page 51) http://www.epa.gov/owow/invasive_species/workshop/nisvol1.pdf "Nonindigenous Species - An Emerging Issue for the EPA: Volume 1: Region/ORD [Office of Research and Development] Nonindigenous Species Workshop Reports and Volume 2: A Landscape in Transition: Effect of Invasive Species on Ecosystems, Human Health and EPA Goals" (127 pages) http://ceres.ca.gov/snep/pubs/web/pdf/VII_C11.pdf (pages 105-106, which is pages 330-331, Volume II, Chapter 11)

Invasive species – Invasive species means an alien species whose introduction does or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health. Invasive species are one of the largest threats to our terrestrial, coastal and freshwater ecosystems, as well as being a major global concern. Invasive species can affect aquatic ecosystems directly or by affecting the land in ways that harm aquatic ecosystems. Invasive species represent the second leading cause of species extinction and loss of biodiversity in aquatic environments worldwide. They also result in considerable economic effects through direct economic losses and management/control costs, while dramatically altering ecosystems supporting commercial and recreational activities. Effects on aquatic ecosystems result in decreased native populations, modified water tables, changes in run-off dynamics and fire frequency, among other alterations. These ecological changes in turn impact many recreational and commercial activities dependent on aquatic ecosystems. Common sources of aquatic invasive species introduction include ballast water, aquaculture escapes, and accidental and/or intentional introductions, among others. http://www.epa.gov/owow/invasive_species/ 2. Certain species can thrive in areas outside the habitat where they have evolved and naturally live. Such nonindigenous or invasive species are being disseminated throughout the world, both intentionally and inadvertently by human activities. Introductions of nonindigenous species can be very disruptive to the ecosystems that they invade. Invasion of nonindigenous species is a leading cause of species extinctions and loss of biodiversity in coastal ecosystems. Such introductions can (1) threaten the abundance of native species, with which they compete or on which they feed as predators, parasites, or pathogens; (2) change the productivity and other functions of receiving ecosystems; and (3) cause significant damage to valued natural resources. - EPA/NOAA/USDA/USGS Clean Water Action Plan: Coastal Research and Monitoring Strategy Workgroup, September 2000. http://www.epa.gov/owow/oceans/nccr/H2Ofin.pdf See also Aquatic invasive species. 3. An alien species whose introduction does or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm, or harm to human health. An alien species includes, with respect to a particular ecosystem and species, its seeds, eggs, spores, or other biological material capable of propagating that species that is not native to that ecosystem (Executive Order #13112). – USDA Forest Service Strategic Plan (2000 Revision) Section 4, Appendix A: Glossary, USDA Forest Service Southern Research Station (SRS) http://www2.srs.fs.fed.us/strategicplan/view_and_submit_comment.asp?ID=52 4. Invasive species is defined as a species that is nonnative (or alien) to the ecosystem under consideration and whose introduction causes, or is likely to cause, economic or environmental harm or harm to human health (Executive Order 13112). http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/kai/projects/nox_weeds/text-docs/app-a.rtf 

Native Species – Species of the plant and animal kingdom [that are] indigenous to the plan area or assessment area (Proposed Planning Rule, Section 219.36, August 2000). – USDA Forest Service Strategic Plan (2000 Revision) Section 4, Appendix A: Glossary, USDA Forest Service Southern Research Station (SRS) http://www2.srs.fs.fed.us/strategicplan/view_and_submit_comment.asp?ID=52