Fundamentals of Water Pollution Prevention and Control

Catalog description

This course is designed to provide the student an overall understanding of the science, law, regulations, and technologies associated with the management and prevention of water pollution. This course is intended to acquaint students with water use, water pollutants, pollution prevention, water/wastewater treatment, wastewater discharge regulations and water reuse. It prepares students to understand and deal with water-related issues they may experience in the workplace. It includes real world examples of current water/wastewater issues and a field trip to a wastewater treatment plant. It is a blend of scientific, engineering, managerial, legal/regulatory and social topics, to prepare students for responsible careers in environmental protection. The legal framework for water pollution control in the United States is addressed via a review of the structure and requirements of the Clean Water Act (CWA). This is followed by an examination of regulatory requirements, including ambient water quality criteria, effluent limits, technology requirements, and permitting. The course also focuses on water pollution prevention and control technologies, including physical/chemical and biological treatment technologies. Student presentations will address specific technologies or policies for water quality protection. Student teams will prepare and present wastewater treatment permit applications for hypothetical new facilities.