Environmental Technology refers to the knowledge and skills which allow a person to work with hazardous materials in compliance with governmental regulations to protect human health and environment. Program graduates are trained to research applicable regulations and recommend compliance methods; to maintain records as required by OSHA, EPA, and DOT; to develop and implement hazardous materials handling procedures; to manage hazardous materials from "cradle to grave"; to seek and implement pollution prevention and waste reduction methods; and to plan for emergency response. This program is designed for direct job entry at the technician level. While units in the program are transferable to many institutions, students should consult a counselor for information.
42 INDUSTRIAL HAZARDOUS WASTE GENERATION/
REDUCTION/TREATMENT 3 Units
Industrial processes and their generation of waste streams in seven selected industries: electroplating, metal finishing and printed circuit board production, oil refining and chemical production, steel production, general manufacturing, printing and graphic production, agriculture and consumer services. Raw materials and chemicals used in industry, changes that occur as they move through the industrial process, and material balance concept of inventory. Applicable regulations and the importance of waste minimization/treatment concepts. Home hazardous waste generation and reduction. 3 hours. Transfer: CSU
43 HEALTH EFFECTS OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 3 Units
Acute and chronic health effects produced by exposure to chemical, physical, and biological agents. Emphasis on hazardous materials commonly associated with industrial operations, waste disposal and remediation sites. Includes routes of entry, toxic effects, risk evaluation, permissible exposure limits, medical surveillance, control methods for reducing exposure, and Material Safety Data Sheets. Strongly Recommended: A course in biology. 3 hours. Transfer: CSU
45 HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT APPLICATIONS 4 Units
Hazardous waste regulation with emphasis on generator compliance, site investigation and remediation, permitting enforcement, and liability. Explanation of hazardous waste regulatory framework, of environmental resources available, and of research skills in the hazardous waste area. Application of regulations, including proper methods of preparing a hazardous waste manifest, labeling of storage containers, sampling and analysis, preparing a Phase I Environmental Audit, and selecting environmental consultants. Prerequisite: Environmental Technology 40 and Chemistry 30B (both completed with a grade of "C" or higher). 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab. Transfer: CSU
46A SAFETY AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE I 2 Units
Safety and emergency response to chemical and physical exposures in industrial and field settings. Includes: recognition of hazardous materials, hazard classifications, laws and regulations applying to worker health and safety, risk reduction processes, site control and evaluation, handling drums and containers, and an understanding of the ICS system. Prerequisite: Environmental Technology 43 (completed with a grade of "C" or higher). 1.5 hours lecture, 1.5 hours lab. Transfer: CSU
46B SAFETY AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE II 2 Units
Continuation of Environmental Technology 46A with emphasis on decision making in emergencies, spill control, emergency response, and designing plans. Includes personal protective equipment, incident response planning, emergency response including field exercises in the use of PAPR and self-contained breathing apparatus, and field monitoring and decontamination methods. Prerequisite: Environmental Technology 46A (completed with a grade of "C" or higher). 1.5 hours lecture, 1.5 hours lab. Transfer: CSU
48 HAZARDOUS MATERIALS MANAGEMENT
APPLICATIONS 4 Units
Federal, state, and local laws and regulations relating to hazardous materials. Emphasis on compliance with Department of Transportation, OSHA Hazard Communication, Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 (SARA), Title III Community Right-to-Know, Underground Tank, Asbestos, Proposition 65, and Air Toxics Regulations. Includes proper labeling, shipping, and handling of hazardous materials; obtaining and interpreting material safety data sheets; permitting and monitoring functions; and planning and reporting functions. Prerequisite: Environmental Technology 40 and 43 and Chemistry 30B (all completed with a grade of "C" or higher). 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab. Transfer: CSU
For a schedule of courses currently offered, please consult the on-line schedule of classes at Las Positas College.