The Environmental Industry is one of the fastest growing sectors of the economy. The industry needs a supply of skilled technical people to meet the challenges of the 21st century by reducing environmental pollution and maintaining the well-being of ecosystems. Students of the Environmental Engineering Technology program will receive multidisciplinary training in chemical, biological, and soil science and apply these skills using engineering principles for the protection and improvement of public health and the environment, including air, water, land resources, and sustainable development.
Environmental Engineering Technology graduates have advanced skills in the use of environmental sampling, monitoring & testing, data analysis, and information technology tools. They have the ability to manage environmental projects from planning through to implementation and the maintenance phase. They have applied knowledge of health, safety and environmental requirements and can contribute to risk assessment and environmental systems management.
Environmental Engineering Technologists are involved in water treatment, water and air pollution control, recycling, waste disposal, and public health issues. They are concerned with land protection and reclamation, industrial & hazardous waste containment and treatment, and municipal solid waste management, including the recycling of materials and energy recovery. They conduct hazardous-waste management studies, and help develop regulations for environmental protection. They conduct research on the environmental impact of proposed infrastructure and resource development projects, analyze scientific data, and perform quality-control checks. Many Environmental Engineering Technologists work as consultants, helping their clients to comply with regulations and to clean up hazardous sites.
The college offers a two year Co-operative education diploma program in Environmental Engineering Technology. The co-operative education component affords graduates the opportunity to combine practical work experience with academic learning.
It is anticipated that this program will be accredited with the Canadian Technology Accreditation Board (CTAB) of the Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists (CCTT). The academic credentials of graduates of accredited technology programs are recognized internationally by the signatories of the Sydney Accord.
Upon completion of this program graduates may choose to further their education by completing a bachelor degree in technology or engineering at one of several institutions that have articulation agreements with College of the North Atlantic. Graduates completing this program are automatically eligible for membership in the Association of Engineering Technicians and Technologists of Newfoundland and Labrador and Labrador (AETTNL), as well as any similar association in Canada.
ACCREDITATION
College of the North Atlantic will seek accreditation for this program from The Canadian Technology Accreditation Board (CTAB) of the Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists (CCTT).
OBJECTIVES
As an Environmental Engineering Technologist, the graduate will have the knowledge and skill that will allow him/her to:
- Perform and interpret environmental procedures for air and water pollution control, and hazardous waste management.
- Apply basic principles of science and engineering to environmental processes.
- Select, evaluate, operate, calibrate, test, troubleshoot and maintain instrumentation common to the discipline.
- Plan, design and implement environmental impact, assessment and remediation programs.
- Demonstrate the methods of recognition, evaluation and control of hazards to people, facilities, equipment and the environment.
- Collect representative environmental samples, perform routine and specialized tests and interpret results, using current and relevant tools.
- Carry out work responsibilities adhering to the standards of professional conduct and principles of professional ethics.
- Contribute to the development, implementation and maintenance of environmental management systems.
- Apply the knowledge, techniques, skills, and modern tools of the discipline to broadly-defined environmental engineering technology activities.
- Establish and maintain a safe work environment by following and enforcing environmental and safety standards and adhering to established legislation, practices, and procedures.
CURRICULUM
General education consisting of Project Management Skills (theoretical and applied), Communication Skills (oral and written), Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology, Soils, Environmental Law, Environmental Sustainability and Occupational Health and Safety.
Specific education in various aspects (theory and principles) of the Environmental Engineering discipline including Environmental Sampling, Industrial Hygiene, Air and Water Pollution Control, Environmental Engineering, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Environmental Processes and Auditing, and Environmental Impact, Assessment and Remediation.
Practical education in various aspects of Environmental Engineering applications including Health Safety and Environmental (HSE) Audits, Environmental Sampling, Environmental Analysis and Environmental Assessment procedures.
Work exposure consisting of field experience, gained from a compensated work terms, in the field of HSE and Environmental Engineering.
Graduates are able to enter the work force as highly skilled employees with the capability to manage environmental and municipal infrastructure projects and to analyze and remediate urban environments.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Graduates are prepared to take a proactive approach to all aspect of Environmental Engineering Technology and Occupational Health and Safety management. They may find employment in a wide range of environmental careers, such as:
Environmental Consultants, Watershed Specialists, Environmental Engineering Technologists, Environmental Protection Officers, Groundwater Specialists, Industrial and Municipal Water/Wastewater Plant Operators, Landfill Site Technologist, Water Quality Specialists, Environmental Basement Supervisor, Environmental Auditor, Industrial Hygienist, HSE advisor, Safety Coordinators, and Occupational Health and Safety Officers. Potential employment opportunities include health care, construction, waste management, oil and gas, pulp and paper, mining, manufacturing, government, and engineering consulting firms.
PROGRAM TRANSFERABILITY
Graduates of the Environmental Engineering Technology (Co-op) program who wish to pursue additional post-secondary studies can apply for entry with advanced standing at a number of Canadian Universities that the College has established credit transfer agreements with. Please refer to the Department of Advanced Education and Skills transfer guide, or contact your intended university or college.
Transfer Agreements:
- Athabasca University - Athabasca, AB
- Cape Breton University - Sydney, NS
- Lakehead University - Thunder Bay, ON
- University of New Brunswick - Fredericton, NB
- Royal Roads University - Victoria, BC
CERTIFICATIONS
In addition to the formal semester courses listed in the program of studies, students in the Environmental Engineering Technology (Co-op) program are required to obtain the following certificates of completion prior to the work term in Semester 6:
- Standard First Aid/Heart Start
- Workplace Hazardous Materials and Information Systems (WHMIS)
- Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG)
- Powerline Hazards Awareness
- OHS/Back Injury Prevention
- Pleasure Craft Operator
*Students should be aware that additional fees may apply to external certifications.
Students will also be required to complete a number of non-credit co-op education seminars throughout the first year of the program to prepare for their co-op work placement.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
Eligibility for admission to the Environmental Engineering Technology (Co-op) program requires the applicant to meet one of the following four academic criteria:
1. High School
High School Graduation Certificate with a 60% overall average in the following (or equivalent):
i. English (2 credits) (minimum 60%) from: 3201
ii. Mathematics (4 credits) chosen from:
Advanced: 2200, 3200 (50% minimum in each course)
Academic: 2201 (50% minimum), 3201 (60% minimum)
iii. Science (4 credits) two of which must be chosen from:
Biology: 3201
Physics: 3204
Chemistry: 3202
Earth Systems: 3209
Note: The remaining two Science credits to be chosen from the highest Science mark in level 1, 2 or 3.
2. Comprehensive Arts and Science (CAS) Transition
Comprehensive Arts and Science (Transition) Certificate with the following courses:
i. Math
MA1040,
MA1041
ii. Two Science courses chosen from one of the following three combinations:
a. Introductory Biology:
BL1020,
BL1021
b. Introductory Chemistry:
CH1030,
CH1031
c. Introductory Physics:
PH1050,
PH1051
Note: It is recommended that CAS learners who intend to enroll in the Environmental Engineering Technology (Co-op) Diploma program complete both of the Introductory Chemistry courses and both of the Introductory Biology courses.
3. Adult Basic Education (ABE)
Adult Basic Education (Level III) Graduation with Degree and Technical Profile including the following courses (or equivalent):
i. English 3101A, 3101B, 3101C or 3102A, 3102B, 3102C
ii. Mathematics 1101A, 1101B, 1101C, 2101A, 2101B, 2101C, 3101A, 3101B, 3101C
iii. Science from one of the following sections:
a. Biology 1101, 2101A, 2101B, 2101C, 3101A, 3101B, 3101C
b. Chemistry 1102, 2102A, 2102B, 2102C, 3102A, 3102B, 3102C
c. Physics 1104, 2104A, 2104B, 2104C, 3104A, 3104B, 3104C
Applicants with Adult Basic Education (Level III) Graduation with a different Profile may be eligible for admission to the program provided the appropriate selection of courses including those outlined above have been completed.
4. Mature Student Requirements
Applicants who do not meet the education prerequisites for this program, are 19 years at the time of application and out of school for at least one year may be considered on an individual basis under the Mature Student Requirements; for more information regarding the Mature Student Requirements please refer to
Procedure AC-102-PR Admission.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Because of the extensive field and laboratory exposure incorporated into this program, students will be required to obtain specialized clothing and equipment that includes a lab coat, safety glasses, graphics calculator, compass, CSA Safety Boots, CSA hardhat, rain gear, and other clothing appropriate for outdoor work.