Environmental Engineering - scope, careers, colleges, skills, jobs, salary

Definition

“I don’t want to protect the environment. I want to create a world where the environment doesn’t need protecting” ~Anonymous

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

It involves waste water management, air pollution control, recycling, waste disposal, radiation protection, industrial hygiene, animal agriculture, environmental sustainability, public health and environmental engineering law. It also includes studies on the environmental impact of proposed construction projects.

Environmental engineers spend time working in laboratories, in the field, at locations such as construction sites, mines, waste treatment facilities and in polluted environments. To minimize their risk of exposure to harmful chemicals and other pollutants, environmental engineers must wear protective clothing, which may include overalls, masks, gloves and safety glasses.

Duties of Environmental Engineers

Environmental engineers typically do the following:

• Prepare, review, and update environmental investigation reports.
• Design projects that lead to environmental protection, such as water reclamation facilities, air pollution control systems, and operations that convert waste to energy.
• Obtain, update, and maintain plans, permits, and standard operating procedures.
• Provide technical support for environmental remediation projects and for legal actions.
• Analyze scientific data and do quality-control checks.
• Monitor the progress of environmental improvement programs.
• Inspect industrial and municipal facilities and programs in order to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
• Advise corporations and government agencies about procedures for cleaning up contaminated sites.