Environmental Engineering is the branch of

engineering concerned with the application of scientific

and engineering principles for protection of human
populations from the effects of adverse environmental
factors; protection of environments, both local and
global, from the potentially deleterious effects of natural
and human activities; and improvement of
environmental quality.[1]
Environmental engineering can also be described as a
branch of applied science and technology that addresses
the issues of energy preservation, production asset and
control of waste from human and animal activities.
Furthermore, it is concerned with finding plausible
solutions in the field of public health, such as waterborne
diseases, implementing laws which promote adequate
sanitation in urban, rural and recreational areas. It
involves waste water management, air pollutioncontrol,
recycling, waste disposal, radiation protection, industrial
hygiene, environmental sustainability, public
health andenvironmental engineering law. It also
includes studies on the environmental impact of
proposed construction projects.
Environmental engineers study the effect of
technological advances on the environment. To do so,
they conduct studies on hazardous-waste management to
evaluate the significance of such hazards, advise on
treatment and containment, and develop regulations to
prevent mishaps. Environmental engineers
design municipal water supply and industrial wastewater
treatment systems.[2][3] They address local and worldwide
environmental issues such as the effects of acid
rain, global warming, ozone depletion, water pollution
and air pollution from automobile
exhausts and industrial sources.[4][5][6][7]
At many universities environmental engineering
programs are offered at either the department of civil
engineering or the department of chemical
engineering at engineering faculties. Environmental
"civil" engineers focus on hydrology, water resources
management, bioremediation, and water treatment plant
design. Environmental "chemical" engineers, on the
other hand, focus on environmental chemistry, advanced
air and water treatment technologies and separation
processes.[citation needed]

Additionally, engineers are more frequently obtaining

specialized training in law (J.D.) and are utilizing their
technical expertise in the practices of environmental
engineering law.

Environmental engineering is the branch of

engineering that is concerned with protecting people
from the effects of adverse environmental effects,
such as pollution, as well as improving
environmental quality. Environmental engineers
work to improve recycling, waste disposal, public
health, and water and air pollution control,
according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The practice of environmental engineering dates
back to the dawn of civilization. Ever since groups
of people began living in semi-permanent
settlements, they have had to deal with the
challenges of providing clean water and disposing
of solid waste and sewage. With the growth of cities
and the advent of large-scale farming and
manufacturing, people have also had to worry about
air quality and soil contamination.
The first environmental engineer is said to have
been Joseph Bazalgette. According to an article in
the Postgraduate Medical Journal, Bazalgette
oversaw the construction of the first large-scale
municipal sanitary sewer system in London in the
mid-19th century. This was prompted by a series of
cholera epidemics, as well as a persistent
unbearable stench, that were attributed to the
discharge of raw sewage into the Thames River,
which was also the main source of drinking water
for the city. This "great stink," which was so
noxious that it caused Parliament to evacuate
Westminster, gave then-Prime Minister Benjamin
Disraeli grounds to ask for 3.5 million pounds to
improve the city's sewage disposal system.
Management of environmental resources to protect
human health and the systems that support life is
one of the biggest challenges facing modern
society. In recognition of the interdisciplinary nature
of these challenges, Berkeley's Environmental
Engineering Program provides you with the
education needed to address current and future
environmental issues.