College Diploma - Environmental Engineering Technology (Co-op)

The Environmental Industry is one of the fastest growing sectors of the economy. The industry needs a supply of skilled technical people to meet the challenges of the 21st century by reducing environmental pollution and maintaining the well-being of ecosystems. Students of the Environmental Engineering Technology Program will receive multidisciplinary training in chemical, biological, and soil science and apply these skills through engineering principles for the protection and improvement of public health and the environment, including air, water, land resources, and sustainable development.

Environmental Engineering Technology graduates have advanced skills in the use of environmental sampling, monitoring and testing equipment; data analysis; and information technology tools. They have the ability to manage environmental projects from planning through to implementation and the maintenance phase. They have applied knowledge of health, safety and environmental requirements and can contribute to risk assessment and environmental systems management.

They are involved in water treatment, water and air pollution control, recycling, waste disposal, and public health issues. Environmental Engineering Technologists are concerned with land protection and reclamation, industrial and hazardous waste containment and treatment, and municipal solid waste management, including the recycling of materials and energy recovery. They conduct hazardous-waste management studies, and help develop regulations for environmental protection. They conduct research on the environmental impact of proposed infrastructure and resource development projects, analyze scientific data, and perform quality-control checks. Many Environmental Engineering Technologists work as consultants, helping their clients to comply with regulations and to clean up hazardous sites.

As an Environmental Engineering Technologist, the graduate will have the knowledge and skill that will allow them to:

• Perform and interpret environmental procedures for air and water pollution control, and hazardous waste management. • Apply basic principles of science and engineering to environmental processes. • Select, evaluate, operate, calibrate, test, troubleshoot and maintain instrumentation common to the discipline. • Plan, design and implement environmental impact, assessment and remediation programs. • Demonstrate the methods of recognition, evaluation and control of hazards to people, facilities, equipment and the environment. • Collect representative environmental samples, perform routine and specialized tests and interpret results, using current and relevant tools. • Carry out work responsibilities adhering to the standards of professional conduct and principles of professional ethics. • Contribute to the development, implementation and maintenance of environmental management systems. • Apply the knowledge, techniques, skills, and modern tools of the discipline to broadly-defined environmental engineering technology activities. • Establish and maintain a safe work environment by following and enforcing environmental and safety standards and adhering to established legislation, practices, and procedures.