Iowa Environmental 10 PDH Discount Package 3

This online engineering PDH course provides information on the development of Area Contingency Plans (ACPs) for environmental emergencies, and explains the formation of area committees, essential plan elements and the establishment of the ACP scope and content.

An ACP is a reference document prepared for the use of all agencies engaged in responding to environmental emergencies in a defined geographic area. An ACP is not a rigid, prescriptive plan with step-by-step instructions for responses. Rather it serves as a mechanism to ensure responders have access to essential area-specific information, as well as to promote interagency coordination as a means of improving the effectiveness of responses.

Responding to the immediate circumstances of an environmental emergency can be a challenging task. Thus, the ACP provides a mechanism for planning for these potential complications prior to an incident. Moreover, it is a useful tool for responders, providing practical and accessible information about what they need to know for an effective response. Currently, the ACP concept has grown beyond oil spill legislations to encompass the prospect of responses to environmental emergencies in general, including hazardous substance releases, natural disasters and acts of terrorism.

This online engineering PDH course presents the factors affecting Indoor Air Quality (IAQ): sources of indoor air contaminates, HVAC systems design and operation, pollutant pathways and driving forces, and building occupants. Moreover, this course illustrates how "effective communication" between building management and building occupants is very essential in preventing IAQ problems.

The indoor environment in any building is a result of the interaction between the site, climate, building system (original design and later modifications in the structure and mechanical systems), construction techniques, contaminant sources (building materials and furnishings, moisture, processes and activities within the building, and outdoor sources), and building occupants. Indoor air contaminants can originate within the building or be drawn in from outdoors. If contaminant sources are not controlled, Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) problems can arise, even if the HVAC system is properly designed and well-maintained.

EPA recognizes that IAQ problems present serious hazards to building occupants. Therefore, EPA developed this guide to protect building owners and building occupants from poor indoor air quality and to promote a healthy indoor environment in which the surroundings contribute to productivity comfort and a sense of health and well being.

This 2 PDH online course is applicable to civil, environmental and mechanical engineers, facility managers, building owners and all others who are interested in gaining an understanding of building air quality.

This online engineering PDH course provides tools and strategies that can be implemented during the brownfield cleanup and redevelopment process. This includes consideration of projected climate change and potential impact on vulnerable populations when performing brownfield site assessments, evaluating cleanup alternatives, and planning for redevelopment.

Many members of vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, low-income communities and tribal communities, live close to brownfields and other blighted properties. Brownfield redevelopment presents opportunities to reduce blight and improve the quality of life for vulnerable populations while mitigating the impacts of climate change.

To build resilience to climate change, members of the community (including local government, businesses, academic institutions, banks, community leaders, and residents) must pursue climate change adaptation as well as mitigation.