ENVIRONMENTAL

ENGINEERING
FOR CIVIL ENGINEERS
CE354
Engr. Miguel G. Cabanit
ENVIRONMENT
• It is the natural world and everything
that surrounds us, including the air we
breathe, the water we drink, the land
we live on, and all living organisms in
it.

• It encompasses both the physical and

biological aspects of our planet.

• The environment is incredibly diverse

and interconnected, with various
ecosystems and habitats that support
a wide range of life forms.
 ENVIRONMENTAL
ENGINEERING
It is a field that combines engineering principles
with environmental science to address
environmental challenges and promote
sustainable solutions.

Environmental engineers work to protect and

improve the quality of the environment by
designing and implementing systems and
processes that minimize pollution, conserve
resources, and promote environmental
sustainability.
ENVIRONMENTAL
ENGINEERING
It is a field of broad scope that
draws on such disciplines as:
⚬ chemistry
⚬ ecology
⚬ geology
⚬ hydraulics
⚬ hydrology
⚬ microbiology
⚬ economics
⚬ mathematics
 ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING is a crucial discipline
that focuses on finding ways to balance human needs
with the protection and preservation of the
environment.
KEY ASPECTS
WATER MANAGEMENT
Environmental engineers design and
implement systems to treat and purify water
for human consumption, as well as develop
strategies to mitigate water pollution and
protect aquatic ecosystems.
KEY ASPECTS
AIR QUALITY CONTROL
Environmental engineers work to improve air
quality by developing technologies and
systems to reduce emissions from industrial
processes, transportation, and other sources.
They also assess the impact of air pollution
on human health and the environment.
KEY ASPECTS
WASTE MANAGEMENT
Environmental engineers develop innovative
techniques for proper waste disposal and
recycling. They design landfill sites, waste
treatment plants, and waste-to-energy
facilities to minimize the environmental
impact of waste disposal.
KEY ASPECTS
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY
Environmental engineers contribute to the
development of renewable energy sources
such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power.
Environmental engineers design and
optimize energy systems to reduce reliance
on fossil fuels and mitigate climate change.
KEY ASPECTS
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
ASSESSMENT
Environmental engineers conduct assessments
to evaluate the potential environmental
impacts of projects like infrastructure
development, industrial facilities, and mining
operations. This helps ensure that projects are
carried out in an environmentally responsible
manner.
KEY ASPECTS
CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION
AND ADAPTATION
Environmental engineers work towards
reducing greenhouse gas emissions and
developing strategies to adapt to the impacts
of climate change. They design sustainable
infrastructure and develop innovative
technologies to mitigate and adapt to changing
climatic conditions.
KEY ASPECTS
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY
AND REGULATION
Environmental engineers provide technical
expertise and support in the development of
environmental policies and regulations. They
work closely with government agencies and
organizations to ensure compliance with
environmental standards and regulations.
ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
WORK FIELDS
CONSULTATIO
N
• Consulting engineers are professionals experienced in applying
their knowledge and experience to the benefit of those who
have retained their services. The services to be provided by an
environmental engineering consultant may range from studies
to preliminary design, final design, construction, and
operation and management services.
• Additional major areas of service include site evaluations,
environmental impact studies and assessments, assistance in
obtaining permits, and expert witness services.
ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
WORK FIELDS
INDUSTRY
• The industrial sector of the economy has a substantial
demand for environmental engineering professionals due
to the requirement to comply with statutes and regulations
of federal, regional, and state pollution control agencies.

• Industry may employ environmental engineers at their

headquarter, division, and plant levels, as well as in liaison
roles directly with legislative and executive agencies.
ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
WORK FIELDS
INDUSTRY
• Typical responsibility of environmental engineers at all
levels are assistance in planning and development.

• Other typical environmental engineering activities are

preparation and negotiation of permits from regulatory
agencies, responsibility for operation of and reporting
associated with existing pollution control systems, and
development of modifications to existing pollution control
systems consistent with production changes
ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
WORK FIELDS
GOVERNMEN
T Local Government. Their role include such tasks as:
• assistance in the development of local ordinances;
• administration of a pretreatment program, including
inspection and compliance monitoring;
• responsibility for the municipal or local wastewater
treatment plant operation;
• responsibility for the operation and administration of the
solid waste collection and disposal operations;
• administration of the local air pollution ordinances; and
• interfacing with state and federal officials as required on
environmental matters.
ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
WORK FIELDS
GOVERNMEN
T State Government. Considering the current trend in
government, it is reasonable to expect that the environmental
engineering staff at the state level will increase, in some cases
dramatically. This is due primarily to the federal government’s
stated intent to have the states perform the primary role in
executing the environ mental laws of the nation.

This will increase the employment of environmental engineers

in a variety of roles, including field inspectors,
regional/divisional engineers, and administrative staff.
ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
WORK FIELDS
GOVERNMEN
T Regional Government.

The role of the environmental engineer in regional agencies is

similar to that of the state’s role except that there may also be
significant interactions with other states.
ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
WORK FIELDS
GOVERNMEN
T Federal Government. The environmental engineer in the
federal government is involved primarily with research and
development, development of regulations, and enforcement of
regulations.

The most widely known agency that affects environmental

engineers is the Department of Environment and Natural
Resources (DENR).
ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
WORK FIELDS
GOVERNMEN
T International Agencies. There are many international
agencies, organizations, and institutions that provide project
assistance to foreign companies and governments.

Although the degree of interest in environmental protection

varies considerably from country to country, there are usually
significant efforts in environmental planning; environmental
impact analysis; and the water, air, and waste management
development phases of projects that require significant
environmental impact analysis.
ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
WORK FIELDS
ACADEMIA
The environmental engineer’s role in the academic community
is generally in teaching and/or research. The role played by
these individuals is instruction in both basic and advanced
environmental engineering courses at the undergraduate and
graduate levels.

Many colleges and universities that offer an environmental

engineering course also perform basic and applied research on
a contract or grant basis for both the private and governmental
sectors.
ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
WORK FIELDS
PROFESSIONAL
SOCIETIES
There are many professional societies that have as a major
emphasis of their program a section or division that focuses on
environmental engineering. Principal societies in the United
States include the American Society of Civil Engineers,
Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers, Philippine Institute of
Chemical Engineers, Philippine Institute of Environmental
Planners, etc.

These and other societies provide an indispensable service

through the transfer of information which provide a forum to
discuss experiences and opportunity to exchange information
ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
WORK FIELDS
PROFESSIONAL
SOCIETIES
There are many professional societies that have as a major
emphasis of their program a section or division that focuses on
environmental engineering. Principal societies in the United
States include the American Society of Civil Engineers,
Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers, Philippine Institute of
Chemical Engineers, Philippine Institute of Environmental
Planners, etc.

These and other societies provide an indispensable service

through the transfer of information which provide a forum to
discuss experiences and opportunity to exchange information
COMMON TERMINOLOGIES
GENERAL TERMS
• Environmentalism. A social, political, and ethical
movement concerned with protecting the environment
and using its resources wisely.
• Ecology. The study of the relationship of organisms with
their environment.
• Ecosystem. The various species of populations of the
community interacting with each other and with the
physical environment and exchanging matter and
energy.
Levels of Organization
in the Environment
COMMON TERMINOLOGIES
AIR QUALITY INDEX
A numerical scale that communicates how polluted the air
currently is and what associated health effects might be
of concern.
COMMON TERMINOLOGIES
WATER QUALITY PARAMETERS
• pH: A measure of the acidity or alkalinity of water.
• Dissolved Oxygen (DO): The amount of oxygen dissolved
in water, essential for aquatic life.
• Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD): The amount of
dissolved oxygen consumed by microorganisms while
decomposing organic matter in water.
• Total Suspended Solids (TSS): The measure of particles
suspended in water.
COMMON TERMINOLOGIES
WASTEWATER TREATMENT
• Primary Treatment: Physical separation of large solids from
wastewater.
• Secondary Treatment: Biological processes that remove
dissolved and suspended organic matter.
• Tertiary Treatment: Additional treatment to further improve
water quality, often including nutrient removal.
COMMON TERMINOLOGIES
SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT
• Landfill: A designated area for the disposal of solid waste.
• Recycling: The process of converting waste materials into
reusable materials.
• Composting: The decomposition of organic waste to
produce compost.
COMMON TERMINOLOGIES
RENEWABLE ENERGY
• Solar Power: Energy from the sun harnessed using
photovoltaic cells.
• Wind Power: Energy generated from the movement of
the wind.
• Hydropower: Energy generated from the movement of
water.
COMMON TERMINOLOGIES
CLIMATE CHANGE AND GLOBAL WARMING
• Greenhouse Gases (GHGs): Gases that trap heat in the
Earth's atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect.
• Carbon Footprint: The total amount of greenhouse gases
emitted, directly or indirectly, by an individual,
organization, event, or product.
THANK YOU
 READ THE
PHILIPPINE CLEAN
AIR ACT OF 1996