CEORNT120

2
Branch of civil engineering that is concerned with protecting people from
adverse environmental effects such as pollution, as well as improving
environmental quality

Application of science and engineering principles to improve the environment

(air, water, and/or land resources), to provide healthful water, air, and land for
human habitation and for other organisms, and to remediate polluted sites.

Involves sustainable design for the control and protection of the environment
and its resources.

3
The practice of environmental engineering dates back to the dawn of civilization. Ever
since groups of people began living in semi-permanent settlements, they have had to deal
with the challenges of providing clean water and disposing of solid waste and sewage.

With the growth of cities and the advent of large-scale farming and manufacturing,
people have also had to worry about air quality and soil contamination.

Environmental engineering was traditionally a specialized field within civil engineering

and was called sanitary engineering until the mid-1960s.

4
Joseph Bazalgette, considered as first environmental engineer, oversaw the construction
of the first large-scale municipal sanitary sewer system in London in the mid-19th century.
This was prompted by a series of cholera epidemics, as well as persistent unbearable
stench, that were attributed to the discharge of raw sewage into the Thames River, which
was also the main source of drinking water for the city.

This “great stink”, which was so noxious that it caused Parliament to evacuate
Westminster, gave then-prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli grounds to ask for 3.5 million
pounds to improve the city’s sewage disposal system.

5
Ellen Henrietta Swallow Richards- a pioneer 19th century industrial and environmental
chemist. She was the first woman admitted to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology
(MIT) and later, an instructor in sanitary chemistry there. She worked with many local and
national groups dealing with water supplies and public health problems.

G.D. Agwaral- a respected environmental engineer in India. He has worked to clean up the
Ganges River and fasted to protest the damming of the Bhagirathi River

6
Marc Edwards- a professor of civil and environmental engineering at Virginia Polytechnic
Institute and State University. He is pioneer in detecting and reducing lead in drinking
water.

Joseph Lstiburek- a leading authority on building science and indoor air quality.

George F. Pinder- a professor of civil and environmental engineering, mathematics, and

statistics at the University of Vermont. He is known for his expert testimony in the legal
cases regarding environmental contamination at Love Canal, New York, and Woburn,
Massachusetts.

7
Environmental Engineers use the principles of engineering, soil
science, biology and chemistry to develop solutions to
environmental problems.

Environmental engineering functions include applied research and

teaching; project planning and management; the design,
construction, and operation of facilities; sale and marketing of
environmental-control equipment; and the enforcement of
environmental standards and regulations.
Responsibilities of Environmental Engineers:

Study water, soil and air pollution problems, and develop technical solutions
to solve, attenuate or control these problems in a manner that is compatible
with legislative, economic, social and political concerns.

Civil engineers are particularly involved in such activities as water supply

and sewerage, management of surface water and groundwater quality,
remediation of contaminated sites and solid waste management.

Involved in planning, design, construction and operation of water and

wastewater treatment facilities in municipalities and industries.
Responsibilities of Environmental Engineers:

Modelling and analysis of surface water and groundwater quality

Design of soil and remediation systems

Planning for the disposal and reuse of wastewaters

Collection, transport, processing, recovery and disposal of solid wastes

Obtain, update and maintain plans, permits, and standard operating

procedures
Responsibilities of Environmental Engineers:

Analyze scientific data and do quality-control checks

Monitor the progress of environmental improvement programs

Inspect industrial and municipal facilities and programs to ensure

compliance with environmental regulations

Advise corporations and government agencies about procedures for cleaning

up contaminated sites.

Conduct hazardous-waste management studies in which they evaluate the

significance of a hazard and advise on treating and containing it.
Work Environment of Environmental Engineers:

When they are working with other engineers and with urban and regional
planners, environmental engineers are likely to be in offices

When they are working with business people and lawyers, environmental
engineers are likely to be at seminars, presenting information and
answering questions.

When they are working with hazardous materials removal workers and
environmental scientists, environmental engineers work at specific site
outdoors.
Imagination- able to foresee how proposed designs will interact with the other
components of larger system

Interpersonal Skills- able to work with others toward a common goal

Problem Solving Skills- able to identify and anticipate problems in order to prevent
losses for their employers, safeguard workers’ health and mitigate environmental
damage

Reading Skills – able to read and understand documents with topics outside their
scope of training

Writing Skills – able to write clearly so that others without their specific training can
understand their plans, proposals, specifications, and findings
 References:

❑ www.truity.com
❑ www.Britannica.com
❑ Ce.gatech.edu
❑ Civil.cea.howard.edu
❑ Environmentalscience.org
❑ www.sciencedaily.com

14