The main objective of the USACE Planner's Glossary is for supporting external agency communications. The Planning Community of Practice provided funding for the first edition, as it was an assignment for of the Planning Associates' program (Class of 2023).
Note: This draft list of terms consists of "hot button" US Army Corps of Engineers jargon originating from Planning Guidance and frequently relayed during project delivery team meetings with external partners. The main objective is to improve external partnerships with better communication and understanding. Having this glossary tool incorporated into the PCoP would be a great step to improving understanding with better context of planning terms.
100% Review
Noun phrase
*UPDATE THIS: A design review that covers ….
3 by 3 by 3 Exemption
Noun phrase
When at the Alternatives Milestone, the Vertical Team Alignment Memo (VTAM) covers the exemption to the 3x3x3 Rule, which goes to the DCG-CEO without need for a senior leader panel or DCG-CEO approval without need for a senior leader panel.
35% Review
Noun phrase
*UPDATE THIS: A design review that covers ….
3x3x3 Rule
65% Review
Noun phrase
UPDATE THIS! A design review that covers ...
abiotic
adjective
Non-living chemical and physical parts of the environment that impact living organisms.
Acceptability
noun
The workability and viability of the alternative plan with respect to acceptance by Federal and non-Federal entities and the public and compatibility with existing laws, regulations, and public policies.
Accredited levee system
noun phrase
An accredited levee system is a system that FEMA has determined can be shown on a DFIRM as providing a 1-percent-annual-chance or greater level of flood protection. This determination is based on the submittal of data and documentation required by 44 CFR 65.10
Action
noun
Per 50 CFR Section 402.02 of the Endangered Species Act, all activities or programs of any kind authorized, funded, or carried out, in whole or in part, by Federal agencies in the United States or upon the high seas.
Action area
Per 50 CFR Section 402.02 of the Endangered Species Act, all areas to be affected directly or indirectly by the Federal action and not merely the immediate area involved in the action.
bluebook model
noun phrase
Models developed by US Fish and Wildlife in the 1980's, sometimes used by USACE to assess habitat suitability for specific species.
The Services
Noun
Collectively, the US Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service
to the maximum extent practicable
adverbial phrase
Phrase in CEQ guidelines, expressing an agencies commitment to avoid and minimize all impacts to the human environment (see "practicable")