HW 1-2 Alex is an engineering student employed for the summer by Environmental E
ID: 1885474 • Letter: H
Question
HW 1-2 Alex is an engineering student employed for the summer by Environmental Engineering, a consulting firm. RJ, the engineer who supervises Alex, directs Alex to sample the contents of drums located on the property of a client. From the look and smell of the drums, Alex believes that analysis of the sample will show hazardous waste in the drums. Alex knows that if the material contains hazardous waste, there are legal requirements for the transport and disposal of the drums, and that federal and state authorities must be notified. Alex informs RJ of the likely contents of the samples and asks what to do next. RJ instructs him to report only that samples have been taken, and not to do the analysis. Since the client is a major one for Environmental Engineering, RJ proposes to report to the client only where the drums are located and that they contain questionable material, and to suggest that they be removed. Note that it is much more expensive to dispose of hazardous waste than conventional waste Many states have laws requiring environmental engineers to report any evidence of a "release" of hazardous materials. (Any presence of hazardous material in other than its intended placement for use and storage counts as release".) Does RJ fulfill an engineer's professional responsibilities by informing the client only of the presence of the drums and withholding more specific information on their contents? What can and should Alex, a student and a summer hire, do in this situation?Explanation / Answer
Engineers have professional responsibilities in identification, transport, disposal of hazardous waste materials. In the US, Environment Protection Agency (EPA) has defined hazardous wastes, and developed methods of handling it. It has developed a 'cradle-to-grave' strategy, ensuring the hazardous waste is handled safely from the time it is created, while it is transported, treated, and stored, and until it is disposed.
After Alex had identified the presence of hazardous waste and reported it to his superviser (RJ), it is duty of RJ to notify their client & agency, and ensure proper and safe disposal.
EPA has laid down rules suggesting Hazardous Waste must be shipped and handled safely and legally by certified environmental engineers.
Summary of recommended procedures for shipping hazardous wastes from an industrial plant to another location is given below:
1. A licensed transporter and hazardous waste facility to receive plant's waste must be selected. 2. A licensed engineer's testing to identify the hazardous waste before shipping. 3. Receiving an Identification number from certified agency 4. Receiving a shipment label for the concerned hazardous waste material and 5. Transporting the hazardous waste as per transportation regulation.
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