Chapter 1 - Environmental Engineering

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview of environmental engineering, which draws knowledge, skill, and professionalism for the greater good. Water supply and wastewater drainage were designed by civil engineers to control environmental pollution and protect public health. As cities grew, the demand for water increased dramatically and the first system for urban drainage in America was constructed in Boston. The most economical means of waste disposal was to pump these out at regular intervals and cart the waste to a disposal site outside the town. Wastewater treatment consisted of screening for the removal of the large floatables to protect sewage pumps. Screens had to be cleaned manually, and the wastes were buried or incinerated. Today, the concerns of public health encompass not only water but all aspects of civilized life, including food, air, toxic materials, noise, and other environmental insults. Some ecosystems are fragile, easily damaged, and slow to recover, whereas, some are resistant to change and are able to withstand even serious perturbations, and others are resilient and able to recover from perturbation if given the chance. The growing national environmental ethic, coupled with a general lack of scientific understanding, is at the root of public response to reports of “ecodisasters” like major oil spills or releases of toxic or radioactive materials. Designing a water treatment facility to provide clean drinking water to a community can serve society and become a personally satisfying undertaking to the environmental engineer. Environmental engineering has a proud history and a bright future.