Environmental Technology

This course is an interdisciplinary science course that provides an overview of environmental processes, human impact on the global environment, and solutions to environmental problems. There will be a strong emphasis on environmentally sustainable environmental policies, and renewable versus nonrenewable energy and mineral resources. There are three hours of lecture and one two-hour laboratory per week.

The physical and chemical nature of soil, water, and air in a variety of geologic settings is the background for applying practical methods of site characterization. Topics include pollution sources and the fate of pollutants in the environment. Emphasis is placed on technologies for sampling environmental media, handling hazardous materials, pollution prevention and cleanup, and occupational health safety. Concepts are explored from the perspective of the environmental manager. Field methods and the use of Global Positioning System (GPS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), as tools used by environmental scientists, will be integrated into the course. There are three hours of lecture and one two-hour laboratory per week.

Water quality standards are largely set by two major federal environmental statutes: the Safe Drinking Water Act, which specifies standards for drinking water, and the Clean Water Act, which regulates the discharge of pollutants. This course describes the guidelines established by federal, state and local regulations and their effect on plant operations. Instrumentation used to sample and measure water quality, and make repairs to valves, pumps, and other equipment are discussed.

The ENV Internship will provide students with a supervised, on-the-job, work experience related to environmental science technology. Students are required to work a minimum of forty hours at a sponsor site and meet with the instructor for approximately four class hours during the semester. A GPA of 2.5 will be required for students seeking to participate in the internship course.

This course examines recognized environmental conditions and good commercial and customary practice in the United States of America. Conducting an environmental site assessment of a parcel of commercial real estate with respect to the range of contaminants within the scope of Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) (42 U.S.C. 9601) and petroleum products will be addressed. The course will also provide students with a background on the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the actions required under NEPA. Students will examine, analyze, and debate Environmental Assessments (EA) and Environmental Impact Statements (EIS).

HAZWOPER (Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response) is at the intersection of three Federal regulatory agencies (EPA, OSHA, DOT) and includes several career fields (science, technology, engineering, medicine, toxicology, law, psychology, organizational management, loss prevention, QA/QC, construction, waste management, etc.). The purpose of this course is to ensure awareness and promote safety among employees who may be exposed to chemical hazards in the work-site. This course meets the mandated OSHA requirements for the classroom training portion of personnel engaged in hazardous waste operations as outlined in 29 CFR 1910.120. This certification is a job requirement for many entry-level positions in the area of environmental consulting.

This course will provide students with several entry-level certifications required by OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration) for workers in many environmental-related industries. The certificate training programs are nationally sanctioned by the Community College Consortium for Health & Safety Training. Certificates will be issued effective the final day of classes and typically require an annual refresher.

This course provides the student with an opportunity to discuss in depth a local environmental issue that is indicative of our region. The students will work together to analyze the environmental issue from all aspects. All public documents related to the issue will be reviewed and students will participate in any public hearing or forum related to the issue.