ENVL 517                  Environmental Law                  Fall 2002

2002-2004 Catalog Description:

Introduction to legal aspects of environmental regulations.  Historical perspectives and current regulation for air, land and water quality.  Application of “cradle to grave” tracking. Three credits.

Textbooks:

Sullivan, Thomas F.P., Editor (1997). Environmental Law Handbook - 15th Edition, Government Institutes, Inc.,Rockville, MD. ISBN: 0-86587-650-9 (Required)

Schupp, Jonathan F. (1999).  Environmental Guide to the Internet . Government Institutes, Inc.,Rockville, MD., ISBN: 0-86587-449-2-6 (Reference)

Plater, Zygmunt, Abrams, Robert H.; and Goldfarb, William (1992). Environmental Law and Policy: Nature, Law, and Society, West Publishing Co., St. Paul, Minn., ISBN:0-314-00341-X (Reference)

Goals:

The goal of this course is to provide students with an understanding of environmental laws and their application to air, land, and water quality problems.

Objectives:

1.     To provide the student with a comprehensive overview of the environmental law system.

2.     To acquaint the student with major Federal environmental legislation affecting the practice of environmental engineering .

3.     To provide the student with the tools necessary to find and understand environmental laws and regulations .

4.     To familiarize the student with real world practice applications of environmental laws and regulations .

5.     To enhance understanding of the environmental law system through a study of relevant cases and projects .

Prerequisites by Topics:

Topics Covered:

1.     Legal and Legislative System.........................................................................................4 classes

2.     Environmental Law Fundamentals.............................................................................4 classes

3.     National Environmental Policy Act.............................................................................5 classes

4.     Clean Water Act................................................................................................................4 classes

5.     Resource Conservation and Recovery Act................................................................4 classes

6.     “Superfund”.......................................................................................................................5 classes

7.     Toxic Substances Control Act......................................................................................4 classes

8.     Pesticides.............................................................................................................................3 classes

9.     Safe Drinking Water Act................................................................................................4 classes

10.   Pollution Prevention Act.................................................................................................3 classes

11.   Tests (two tests, final examination)..............................................................................4 classes

Computer Usage:

Students are required to use the internet extensively literature searches.

Laboratory Experience:

None

Relationship to Environmental Engineering Program:

This course is required for students in the Environmental Engineering program. It provides students with an overview environmental laws and regulations.

Outcome Criteria Addressed:

12.   An understanding of professional and ethical responsibility (ABET Criterion 3f)

13.   The broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global and societal context (ABET Criterion 3h)

14.   A recognition of the need for , and an ability to engage in life-long learning (ABET Criterion 3i)

15.   A knowledge of contemporary issues (ABET Criterion 3 j)

Assessment Tools:

       Exams, Term Paper, Assignments, Class Participation

Professional Component Contribution:

Engineering Science 3 Credits (100%)

Prepared by the Course Coordinator: