What do you do if you're faced with a major environmental crisis as an environmental engineer?

1 Assess the situation

The first step is to assess the nature, scale, and impact of the environmental crisis. You need to gather and analyze relevant data, such as the source and extent of contamination, the affected population and ecosystems, the potential health and environmental risks, and the available resources and stakeholders. You also need to identify the legal and ethical implications of the crisis, such as the regulatory standards, the public expectations, and the social and environmental justice issues. By assessing the situation, you can define the problem and the objectives of your intervention.

2 Design a solution

The next step is to design a feasible and effective solution that meets the objectives and constraints of the situation. You need to apply your engineering knowledge and skills, such as mathematical modeling, risk assessment, environmental chemistry, and engineering design, to develop a solution that addresses the technical and practical aspects of the crisis. You also need to consider the economic, social, and environmental impacts of your solution, such as the cost-benefit analysis, the stakeholder involvement, and the sustainability assessment. By designing a solution, you can propose a plan and a budget for your intervention.

3 Implement and monitor

The final step is to implement and monitor your solution in the field. You need to coordinate and communicate with other professionals, such as contractors, regulators, community leaders, and researchers, to execute your plan and ensure its compliance and quality. You also need to collect and evaluate data, such as the performance indicators, the feedback from the stakeholders, and the environmental outcomes, to measure the effectiveness and efficiency of your solution. By implementing and monitoring your solution, you can achieve your goals and learn from your experience.

As an environmental engineer, you have the opportunity and the responsibility to make a positive difference in the environment and society. By following these steps and developing these skills, you can prepare yourself for any environmental crisis that you may encounter in your career.