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SEP, 2012

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Environmental Engineering Applications (Post-Graduate) (Co-op)

College: CONS Program: 8870C Campus: CA Academic Year: 2012 / 2013

About the Program

Increased concern regarding the protection and management of the environment has resulted in the environmental field becoming one of the leading growth industries in Canada and abroad. This program meets the demand for trained technologists and environmental scientists in the areas of brownfield redevelopment, environmental monitoring, regulatory compliance and enforcement. It was developed in consultation with representatives from the environmental industry. The program is reviewed and updated by a Program Advisory Committee comprised of practitioners from the consulting, manufacturing, and public sectors.

For qualified college or university graduates, you will find that this program enhances your existing skills and competencies. Your training will prepare you to act as a key player in responding to today's environmental challenges. Your studies will focus on the application of current engineering and scientific principles to protect and manage the environment in the following areas:

Environmental Monitoring and Investigations
Environmental Auditing and Assessment
Management and Cleanup of Contaminated Sites
Environmental Enforcement and Regulations
Solid and Hazardous Waste Management
40 Hour HAZWOPER Training
Water Quality
Air Quality Monitoring and Permitting

Graduates will be prepared to write Ministry of Environment Operator in Training (OIT) and Water Quality Analyst (WQA) licensing exams.

Classroom instruction will be complemented by environmental monitoring training in the field, visits to solid waste and industrial facilities, health and safety training and visits to sites undergoing environmental investigations or clean-up. The 40-hour HAZWOPER training course is offered as part of the program curriculum. During the completion of a term project, students are provided with mentoring advice from practicing environmental engineers, technologists, and scientists.

Program Facts

Length: One-year Ontario College Graduate Certificate program
Location: Cambridge
Start: September
First-Year Capacity: 30
Tuition: Please refer to Fees Chart for more detail
*Fees are higher for international students on a Student Visa.
*Recreation/Athletics, Graduation/Alumni, Insurance, as well as program-related costs such as books and supplies are additional.

Co-op Information

To ensure successful completion of the program, it may be necessary to relocate or commute during co-op work terms
To be eligible to participate in any co-op work term, students must maintain the required academic standards for their program (see Co-op program page on college website for details)
The college cannot guarantee co-op employment. All co-op students are required to conduct an independent co-op job search in addition to the supports and services provided by the Co-op Office
Co-op & Career Services maintains comprehensive Co-op Policies & Procedures to which all co-op students must adhere (see Co-op program page on college website for details)

Admission Requirements

Diploma from a related three-year Engineering Technology program from an Ontario College of Applied Arts and Technology (CAAT), or equivalent, OR University Degree in Environmental Studies, Engineering, Planning, General Science, Environmental Science, Earth Sciences, Chemistry, Microbiology or Biology. Applicants will be ranked based on an assessment of length of degree/diploma, level of degree, degree/diploma discipline, and academic performance.

Note:

Applicants possessing degrees/diplomas from institutions where the language of instruction was not English will be required to provide test scores as evidence of their English language proficiency. Test scores, if required, would be a minimum of TOEFL 580 or 237 computer-based or 92 internet-based with TWE 4.5, IELTS 6.5 with no bands less than 6.0, CAEL 70 with no sub-test band scores less than 60, or equivalent scores in other recognized standard tests of English.
We offer a language program for students whose English language skills are below the standard required for admission but all other admission criteria have been met. You will be eligible for admission to the post-graduate program after completion of level 4 of the General Arts and Science - English Language Studies (ELS) program with an overall grade average of 80% and no grade less than 75%. Your placement in the ELS program is determined by scores on an in-house English language test or TOEFL or IELTS.

Admission Procedures

Qualified applicants may be required to meet with program personnel to assess program suitability and aptitude.

Note:

A general chemistry course at the post-secondary level is strongly recommended.
Computer literacy and a working knowledge of MS Windows, word processing, and spreadsheets are expected.

For program information call the Information Centre for details at 519-748-5220 ext. 3656.

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)

Adults with significant life and work experience may receive credits toward a college certificate or diploma program through a prior learning assessment process (PLAR). Prior learning must be measurable at the college level and meet Conestoga standards of achievement for current courses . PLAR process is not used for admission process. Obtaining credits for courses linked to a specific program does not guarantee entrance into the program. To require guidance on the PLAR process contact the PLAR office at 519-748-5220, ext 2260 or visit: www.conestogac.on.ca/caa/testing/plar.jsp

Course Information

Course #	Courses
Level One
DRWG1880	Introduction to AutoCAD with Environmental Engineering Applications Description: This course will introduce the basic AutoCAD skills required to create and edit drawings that typically accompany environmental reports. The student will create a site plan including environmental monitoring locations, identifying zones of soil contamination and groundwater plumes, and illustrating laboratory analytical data. The student will create geologic cross-sections to scale using AutoCAD. Drawings will be plotted at appropriate scales on varying paper sizes. Hours: 45 Credits: 3 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
ENVR2020	Site Remediation and Development Description: This course studies the process required for the remediation and redevelopment of brownfield sites in the province of Ontario. The course provides and overview of the regulatory requirements associated with the Brownfield redevelopment process. The Phase I/II site assessment activities covered in detail in the Environmental Auditing and Site Assessment course is briefly reviewed and placed in context of the overall process. This course emphasizes Brownfield Site remediation activities that occur after site assessment and characterization is complete. The requirements of the most recent amended version of O. Reg. 511/09 (Record of Site Condition Regulation) in relation to site remediation activities will be discussed and applied in the course. The students will complete a Remedial Action Plan (RAP) for a case study site. The RAP will include identification of potential remedial technologies, evaluation of the technical, economic, social, regulatory, and implementability aspects of each technology, and the selection of a preferred technology to cleanup contaminated soils and groundwater at the study site. The students will prepare tender specifications and drawings for the remediation of the study site. An evaluation of actual bids for a brownfield site remediation will be completed. The students will identify site management activities that are conducted during the construction phase of brownfield site remediation. Mock scenarios will be used to demonstrate situations and issues that can arise during the construction phase. The students will identify and distinguish between the roles and responsibilities of the owner, contractor, regulator, and consultants during site remediation activities. This course studies the processes and activities that occur at both rehabilitated Brownfield Sites and Greenfield Sites. Particular emphasis is placed on environmental issues such as storm water management and the impacts of development on groundwater resources. Hours: 45 Credits: 3 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites: CIVL2040, ENVR8080
ENVR3030	Field Methods in Environmental Engineering I Description: This is a course dealing with the various field methods and equipment used in environmental engineering. The student will use accepted equipment and protocols to sample various media including soil, groundwater, surface water, sewer discharges, surface water, and sediment. The students will supervise the installation of a groundwater monitoring well, collect soil samples, prepare borehole logs, collect groundwater samples, and perform hydraulic testing,. Survey methods used in environmental work will be reviewed and practiced. QA/QC procedures are studied. The importance of record keeping, data logging, and data management to the legal aspects of environmental projects is emphasized. Hours: 45 Credits: 3 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
ENVR3040	Hydrogeology I Description: This course provides the student with a basic understanding of physical hydrogeology. The course covers basic physical hydrogeological concepts and definitions as they apply to environmental engineering applications. Concepts and definitions studied include hydraulic conductivity and fluid potential, Darcy's Law, groundwater flow equations, water table, capillary fringe, aquifers and aquitards, piezometer testing, and pump testing. Precautions to be taken during the installation of groundwater monitoring and water supply wells are discussed. Major topics in this course include aquifer properties, groundwater flow, and groundwater resource evaluation. Hours: 45 Credits: 3 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites: CIVL3070, ENVR8080
ENVR3080	Environmental Auditing and Site Assessment Description: The various types of environmental audits and site assessments are studied. The student is instructed in the tasks and activities associated with compliance audits, risk audits, environmental management system audits, Phase I and Phase II environmental site assessments. These activities include archival searches, site inspections, review of owner and regulatory files, and sample collection. The legislation relative to environmental audits and site assessments is reviewed. The legal aspects of buying and selling contaminated property in Ontario is discussed. The student will be required to complete an environmental compliance audit of the College as a major project. Hours: 45 Credits: 3 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites: ENVR3040
ENVR8020	Environmental Legislation with Applications Description: This provides a working knowledge of relevant environmental legislation at the federal, provincial, and municipal levels. Emphasis will be placed on the application of environmental laws and regulations to actual situations encountered by consultants, planners, municipalities, conservation authorities, industry and contractors. The course studies the relevance of environmental legislation to environmental issues including air and water quality, solid and hazardous waste management, site assessment and cleanup, emergency planning, spills and noise. The course will provide an understanding of the environmental approval processes and requirements, compliance assessment, cleanup criteria, site decommissioning, monitoring requirements, enforcement, penalties, liabilities, and reporting requirements. Case studies will be used extensively to demonstrate the application of environmental legislation. Hours: 45 Credits: 3 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
ENVR8050	Environmental Project I Description: The student will be required to complete an environmental project selected by the instructor. Environmental engineering concepts acquired through course work, work experience, and independent research will be used to address the technical, regulatory, social, and economic aspects of the project. The student will be provided with background data and information simulating a scenario typically encountered by consultants, planners, municipalities, and regulatory bodies in the environmental industry. The project will be a Phase II Environmental Site Assessment of a property undergoing a zoning change from industrial to residential. A detailed proposal identifying the scope of work, technical approach, project team, schedule, and budget is a course requirement. The project findings will be presented in oral and written form. Hours: 30 Credits: 2 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
ENVR8080	Water Quality Description: Water chemistry principles are presented in a manner that relates to environmental applications. The course builds upon the student’s existing knowledge of basic chemical principles (e.g. bonding, nomenclature, reactions). This course includes aspects of the physical and chemical properties of water, water quality indicator parameters, concentration units, chemical equilibrium, chemical partitioning, oxidation-reduction reactions, acid/base reactions, and organic chemistry. These concepts will be applied to solving environmental engineering problems such as contaminant fate, chemical feed rates in water and waste-water treatment, treatment tank sizing, and mass balance calculations related to natural attenuation. An understanding of water and waste-water treatment processes will be developed in the classroom and by visiting local treatment plants (time permitting). Laboratory and field measurements of key water quality parameters will be conducted. The course will discuss governmental regulations pertaining to water analysis and treatment and will assist students in preparing to write the Provincial Water Quality Analyst and Operator In-Training exams. Hours: 45 Credits: 3 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
Level Two
CDEV1020	Co-op and Career Preparation Description: This mandatory course prepares students for job searching for their co-op work terms and for post-graduate careers. Students will learn to critically evaluate their skills, attitudes, and expectations and evaluate and interpret available opportunities in the workplace. Self-marketing techniques using resumes, cover letters, cold-calls, and interviewing will be learned and students will learn the expectations, rules, and regulations that apply in the workplace with regards to social, organizational, ethical, and safety issues. Hours: 16 Credits: 1 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
ENVR2010	Solid Waste Engineering & Management Description: This course focuses on the application of technology for managing solid and hazardous waste. The student will be required to apply engineering technology to solve solid waste management issues encountered by industry, consultants, and municipalities. The classifications, characteristics and generation rates of solid waste are reviewed. Solid waste collection issues including collection techniques, routing, and transfer station siting are studied. The importance of recycling, reuse, reduction, and waste diversion techniques/initiatives in the management of solid wastes will be emphasized. Various disposal alternatives including energy from waste, composting and landfilling are investigated. Students will identify waste streams and waste reduction strategies used at selected industrial facilities. The course covers the design of engineering controls for modern landfills in accordance with O.Reg. 232/98. The students will prepare a preliminary design of a modern landfill including liner, cap, leachate collection system, landfill gas control and utilization system, stormwater management system, and final grading plan. The generation, control, and potential utilization of landfill gas at landfill sites will be studied. Landfill operation issues, siting, monitoring requirements and final land use issues are studied. The course includes field trips to complement classroom instruction. A field trip will be taken to an active landfill site where landfilling techniques, cover methods, leachate and gas control, waste diversion techniques, and household hazardous waste management techniques can be viewed. A field trip will be taken to a closed landfill site to demonstrate the operation of a landfill gas control system and to study the problems associated with a closed landfill. Field trips may also be taken to a used oil recycler and to select industrial facilities. Hours: 60 Credits: 4 Pre-Requisites: ENVR2020 CoRequisites:
ENVR3060	Field Methods in Environmental Engineering II Description: This is a practical hands-on course that provides instruction on the latest field methods used in environmental engineering. The student will use accepted protocols and equipment to sample asbestos and mould. Global Positioning System equipment will be used to identify sampling locations. The student will be able to accurately identify and classify geologic media in the field according to ASTM standards. The course studies the use of geophysics as a screening tool in environmental assessments. The students will install and sample stream bed piezometers, surface water, sediment, and measure flow rate in a local stream. The students will conduct landfill gas probe monitoring at a local landfill. The students will participate in a mock asbestos removal demonstration. Students will receive training in the field methods employed during environmental cleanups including jar headspace analysis, waste management regulation slump testing and confirmatory sampling requirements. The course emphasizes the application of the concepts learned through the use of labs, field exercises, field demonstrations, and field trips. A field trip will be taken to a local environmental analysis laboratory. Hours: 45 Credits: 3 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
ENVR3070	Hazardous Waste Site Worker Training Description: Most environmental consulting firms and environmental contractors require field personnel to receive health and safety training. This course provides comprehensive health and safety training for work on hazardous waste sites. The training will be provided by a qualified instructor and will meet OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120 40 hours training requirements. The course will identify the nature of various hazards on these sites including chemical exposure, fire and explosion, oxygen deficiency, biological, physical and electrical hazards, heat stress, exposure and noise. The student will be instructed in site control, safe work practices, decontamination procedures, site emergencies and response procedures. Training will be provided in the use of field monitoring equipment and personal protective equipment. Hours: 40 Credits: 3 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
ENVR8010	Hydrogeology II Description: This course studies the behaviour, movement, and control of contaminants in groundwater. Common causes of groundwater contamination are discussed. Basic physical and chemical hydrogeological principles are used to predict contaminant behaviour and movement in groundwater. An introduction to the behaviour and movement of non-aqueous phase liquids (NAPLs) is presented. Using commercially available software, the student is required to solve groundwater flow and contaminant transport problems. Hours: 45 Credits: 3 Pre-Requisites: ENVR3040 CoRequisites:
ENVR8070	Environmental Project II Description: The course requires the completion of an environmental project selected by the student and approved by the instructor. Environmental engineering concepts acquired through course work, work experience, and independent research will be used to address the technical, regulatory, social, and economic issues associated with the project. Project topics will be developed in consultation with professionals from the environmental industry. For each project topic, a professional from industry will act as a mentor throughout the duration of the course. The mentor will provide their project team with advice and technical expertise and will meet with the project team approximately 1 hour/week. Typical projects could include the development of a waste diversion/minimization program, remedial action plan, Phase I/II ESA, waste audit, ISO 14000 gap analysis, engineered landfill design, design/optimization of a waste collection system, environmental compliance assessment, engineered wetland design, or stream rehabilitation assessment/plan. A detailed proposal identifying the scope of work, technical approach, project team, schedule, and budget is a course requirement. Project management skills will be used to track and monitor project cost and schedule. The project findings will be presented in oral and written form. Hours: 45 Credits: 3 Pre-Requisites: ENVR8050 CoRequisites:
ENVR8090	Risk Assessment Description: This course provides the students with a basic understanding of risk assessments pertaining to the redevelopment of Brownfield Sites. The students will identify the components, data requirements, and methodology for performing human health and ecological risk assessments. The students will perform basic risk calculations as required under Ontario Regulation 153/04 (O.Reg.1534/04). Hours: 30 Credits: 2 Pre-Requisites: ENVR2020, ENVR3080 CoRequisites:
ENVR8100	Air Quality Description: The origin, fate, measurement and control of various types of air pollutants are studied in this course. The course reviews the fundamental gas laws and units used to measure air pollution. The origin of various types of air pollutants is outlined. Air pollution problems on the macro scale (acid rain, ozone depletion, greenhouse effect) and the meso-scale (local industrial pollution) are introduced. The methods and protocols used in the measurement of air quality and sampling of emission sources are presented. Meteorological conditions affecting air quality are discussed. Factors affecting and the methods used to model the dispersion of air pollutants are studied. The student will be instructed in the use of regulatory dispersion modelling programs to predict pollutant concentrations at downwind receptor points. Regulatory aspects of air quality issues are covered including approvals, compliance, testing, and enforcement. Various air pollution control technologies are studied including absorption, adsorption, incineration, cyclones, filters, electrostatic precipitation, and biofiltration. Aspects of indoor air quality and noise will also be introduced. Hours: 60 Credits: 4 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
Level Three
COOP1110	Co-op Work Term I (Environmental) Description: This course will provide students with college-approved work experience with an employer in the environmental industry. This course will increase the student's understanding of employer expectations with regards to attitudinal, practical, and academic skills. These skill areas will be improved during the work term while the student responsibly performs the duties as defined in the job description, in accordance with course and program outcomes. Student development will be evaluated during and at the conclusion of the work experience. Hours: 420 Credits: 14 Pre-Requisites: CDEV1020 CoRequisites:

Graduate Opportunities

This program enhances the skills and competencies already possessed by engineering technologists, environmental scientists, engineers and specialists, and prepares them to work with engineering and environmental consultants, planning consultants, manufacturing firms, municipalities, environmental contractors and suppliers, conservation authorities, regulatory bodies and other agencies.

Graduates may become involved in such activities as environmental sampling and monitoring, environmental auditing and assessment, field supervision of cleanups, enforcement of environmental regulations and waste management.

88% of 2009-2010 graduates found employment within 6 months of graduation.

Degree Completion Opportunities

Conestoga College is dedicated to creating exciting and flexible degree completion opportunities for its current, former and prospective students. Learn how a Conestoga education can respond to the community's demand for a skilled workforce and help you to reach your goal of a challenging and rewarding career.

Visit our Degree Completion Opportunities website.

Financial Assistance

The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) is a needs based program designed to help Ontario students cover the cost of post-secondary education. Funded by the federal and provincial governments, OSAP is intended to promote equality of opportunity for post-secondary studies through direct financial assistance for educational costs and living expenses. These interest-free loans are intended to supplement your financial resources and those of your family. The majority of students apply for loan assistance via the OSAP website: http://osap.gov.on.ca. Students can also print the application booklet through the OSAP website.

For more information, please visit Financial Aid/Awards.

Program Advisory Committees

The College appoints Program Advisory Committee members for diploma, degree, certificate and apprenticeship programs. Committees are composed of employers, practitioners and recent program graduates. College representatives (students, faculty, and administrators) are resource persons. Each committee advises the Board on the development of new programs, the monitoring of existing programs and community acceptance of programs.

For a list of the current members, please visit our Program Advisory Committees.

How to Apply

Students should apply online at www.ontariocolleges.ca or by phone at 1-888-892-2228.

ONTARIOCOLLEGES.CA
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario
Canada N1G 5J3

Robin Carmichael
rcarmichael@conestogac.on.ca
519-748-5220 ext 2310

Disclaimer The College reserves the right to alter information including requirements and fees and to cancel at any time a program, course, or program major or option; to change the location and/or term in which a program or course is offered; to change the program curriculum as necessary to meet current competencies in the job market or for budgetary reasons; or to withdraw an offer of admission both prior to and after its acceptance by an applicant or student because of insufficient applications or registrations, over-acceptance of offers of admission, budgetary constraints, or for other such reasons. In the event the College exercises such a right, the College’s sole liability will be the return of monies paid by the applicant or student to the College.