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ENV 275 Environmental Sustainability

The focus of this course is on sustainable growth, design, and development. Emphasis is on Delaware-specific regulations and environmental issues, including water quality, habitat, stormwater and drainage, sustainable development, and sea-level rise. Students identify and evaluate development options that result in more sustainable places to live and work.

Credits

3

Prerequisite

Prerequisite: ENV 260 and CET 240 and ENV 271 and ENV 190

See Course Syllabus

Course Number and Title:

ENV 275 Environmental Sustainability

Campus Location

  • Stanton

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: ENV 260 and CET 240 and ENV 271 and ENV 190

Course Credits and Hours

3 credit(s)

2 lecture hours/week

4 lab hours/week

Course Description

The focus of this course is on sustainable growth, design, and development. Emphasis is on Delaware-specific regulations and environmental issues, including water quality, habitat, stormwater and drainage, sustainable development, and sea-level rise. Students identify and evaluate development options that result in more sustainable places to live and work.

Additional Materials

None

Required Text(s)

Obtain current textbook information by viewing the campus bookstore - https://www.dtcc.edu/bookstores online or visit a campus bookstore. Check your course schedule for the course number and section.

Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)

  1. Evaluate a theoretical site design based upon the principles and practices of smart growth and low-impact development (LID). (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6; PGC EET 1, 5, 6)
  2. Produce field assessments on the proposed site. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4; PGC EET 1, 2, 3, 6)
  3. Evaluate environmental issues using geographic information systems (GIS) applications. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6; PGC EET 1, 5, 6)
  4. Evaluate environmental regulatory issues that impact a theoretical site design. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6; PGC EET 1, 3, 5, 6)
  5. Design a preliminary stormwater management plan. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6; PGC EET 1, 3, 4, 5, 6)
  6. Design a theoretical wastewater treatment system. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6; PGC EET 1, 3, 4, 5, 6)
  7. Assess key habitats and ecosystems affected by a theoretical site design. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6; PGC EET 1, 3, 4, 5, 6)
  8. Evaluate sea level rise implications on a theoretical site design. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6; PGC EET 1, 3, 4, 5, 6)
  9. Create professional quality environmental reports for the theoretical site. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6; PGC EET 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
  10. Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct as expected in industry. (CCC 1, 4; PGC EET 3)

See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.

Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs)

Upon completion of this course, the student will:

  1. Evaluate a theoretical site design based upon the principles and practices of smart growth and low-impact development (LID).
    1. Select principles of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building standards for a theoretical site design.
    2. Select infiltration stormwater best management practices (BMPs) for a theoretical site design.
    3. Evaluate the environmental impacts of the construction methods used in a theoretical site design.
    4. Integrate smart growth principles into a theoretical site design.
  2. Produce field assessments on the proposed site.
    1. Assess depth to water table, conduct sieve analysis on a soil sample(s), and classify soils with respect to stormwater infiltration practices.
    2. Assess National Wetland Inventory by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service delineation by determining hydrology, dominant plant species, and presence or absence of hydric soils on the site.
    3. Produce a site reconnaissance report in accordance with ASTM 1527.
  3. Evaluate environmental issues using geographic information systems (GIS) applications.
    1. Select appropriate GIS data layers and applications for environmental analysis.
    2. Integrate the information gathered from GIS data to inform the theoretical site design.
  4. Evaluate environmental regulatory issues that impact a theoretical site design.
    1. Evaluate record reviews to gather information necessary to the theoretical site design.
    2. Consider tax ditches and the difference between tax ditches and non-tax ditches.
    3. Evaluate if tax ditches are located within the theoretical site.
    4. Evaluate local codes/ordinances and state regulations to establish restrictions on development.
    5. Evaluate local codes and ordinances relative to floodplain management and/or sea level rise.
  5. Design a preliminary stormwater management plan.
    1. Produce a Stormwater Assessment Study (SAS) according to State of Delaware regulations.
    2. Produce hydrologic calculations in accordance with state and/or local laws.
    3. Design a preliminary stormwater management plan in accordance with state and/or local laws.
  6. Design a theoretical wastewater treatment system.
    1. Distinguish between centralized and decentralized wastewater treatment methods in the context of a theoretical site design.
    2. Evaluate appropriate regulations and standards to a theoretical site design.
    3. Calculate influent and effluent characteristics of wastewater for a theoretical site design.
    4. Calculate nutrient and organic loadings from septic systems and/or centralized wastewater treatment plans for a theoretical site design.
    5. Select an appropriate wastewater treatment process for the theoretical site design.
  7. Assess key habitats and ecosystems affected by a theoretical site design.
    1. Assess the types of habitats and ecosystems in a theoretical site design.
    2. Evaluate the implications of a theoretical site design on habitats and ecosystems.
    3. Evaluate federal and/or state and local laws related to habitats, ecosystems, and threatened and endangered species.
  8. Evaluate sea level rise implications on a theoretical site design.
    1. Evaluate the risks of sea level rise in Delaware using appropriate State of Delaware resources.
    2. Assess sea level rise implications on a theoretical site design.
  9. Create professional quality environmental reports for the theoretical site.
    1. Create a wastewater selection report for the theoretical wastewater treatment process.
    2. Create recommendations based upon smart growth, sustainable design, and low impact stormwater management for a theoretical site design.
    3. Create an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) according to NEPA for a theoretical site design.
    4. Create a Phase I Site Assessment according to ASTM 1527-13 for a theoretical site design.
  10. Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct as expected in industry.
    1. Identify the need for self-discipline and time management in technical industries.
    2. Communicate and function effectively as a member of a team.

Evaluation Criteria/Policies

The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:

90-100 = A
80-89 = B
70-79 = C
0-69 = F
Students should refer to the Catalog/Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.

Final Course Grade

Calculated using the following weighted average

Evaluation Measure

Percentage of final grade

Summative: Phase I Site Assessment

15%

Summative: Environmental Impact Statement

15%

Summative: Wastewater Treatment Design

15%

Summative: Stormwater Management Design

15%

Summative: Final Presentation

15%

Formative: Assignments (Quizzes, Readings, Labs, Journals, Participation, Information Presentations, Etc.)

25%

TOTAL

100%

Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major)

ENVAASEET

  1. Apply the knowledge, techniques, skills, and applicable tools of the discipline to engineering activities, including but not limited to site development, hydraulics and hydrology, grading, water and wastewater treatment, pollution prevention and treatment, and sustainable design.
  2. Conduct standardized field and laboratory testing.
  3. Demonstrate a commitment to quality, timeliness, professional development, and continuous improvement.
  4. Use graphic techniques and productivity software to produce technical documents.
  5. Explain the major aspects of normal ecology of the planet and risks associated with polluting the environment.
  6. Apply current federal, state, and local environmental and safety regulations and industry best management practices.

Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)

  1. Apply clear and effective communication skills.
  2. Use critical thinking to solve problems.
  3. Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
  4. Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
  5. Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
  6. Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.

Students in Need of Accommodations Due to a Disability

We value all individuals and provide an inclusive environment that fosters equity and student success. The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. The College's policy on accommodations for persons with disabilities can be found in the College's Guide to Requesting Academic Accommodations and/or Auxiliary Aids Students may also access the Guide and contact information for Disabilities Support Counselors through the Student Resources web page under Disabilities Support Services, or visit the campus Advising Center.

Minimum Technology Requirements

Minimum technology requirements for online, hybrid, video conferencing and web conferencing courses.

Academic Integrity

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Academics/Academic-Integrity

Attendance

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Search?q=attendance

Cell phone/Electronic Device

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Student-Policy/Cell-Phone-and-Electronic-Device-Policy

Tuition Adjustment Policy

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Financial/Tuition-Fee-Adjustment-Policy-Course-or-Semester-Withdrawal