Environmental Engineering

Civil Engineering/Second Stage

Introduction to Environment and Environmental Consideration in City Planning

Environment: It is a biosphere which includes earth, atmosphere approximately about 600 km height and down to several kilometers beneath the sea level. It can be divided to systems such as Air, Water, and Land. Environmental Engineering: It is the application of science and engineering principles to improve the environment (Air, Water, and Land), to provide healthy water, air, and land for human habitation and for other organisms, and to remediate polluted sites. The environmental engineer places special attention on the biological, chemical and physical reactions in the air, land and water environments and on improved technology for integrated management system, including reuse and recovery measures. Why we study environmental engineering: Any engineering project change the environment in some ways, it might be immediately or long term impact on the health of the surrounding community. As an engineer because of our professional role in the society have a particular obligation toward the integration of development and the environment concern leading toward sustainable future development. Sustainability: It is the development which ensures that future generations will have equal access to the resources that our planet offers. It also refers to types of development that are economically viable, do not harm the environment and are socially just. Environmental Consideration in City Planning: Environmental factors in site selection and planning: A- General information should be available before suitable site can be selected, which includes:

Environmental Engineering

Civil Engineering/Second Stage

1- Presence of a future capacity and total land area desired should be known. 2- Types of establishment may be maintained. 3- Radius of the area available. 4- Accessibility to the roads, airportetc. 5- Observation around the site.

B- Topography: A plan should be prepared for the selected land including: 1- Complete topographic survey must be done with contour lines at suitable internal such as 2.5m, 1.5m, 1m. 2- Natural stream, water sheds and drainage.

C- Desirable Features: It is difficult and not possible to find all requirements, but the following must be considered: 1- An adequate ground water or surface water supply not subjected to excessive pollution. 2- A permeable soil that will readily absorb rain water and permit the disposal of sewage and other waste water. 3- Land to be used for housing or other structures should be above high flood level. 4- A gentle slope for the land is required. 5- The area should be large to avoid crowding and allow for future expansion. 6- A satisfaction area should be available for sports and refreshment area. 7- Other services must be considered such as electricity, telephone, etc. 8- Sewerage system, solid waste disposal system must be considered.

D- Geology, soil and drainage: 1- Boring should be made for the site, depth of boring depends on the type of structures. 2- Samples should be taken at each meter to find soil characteristics. 3- Water table depth must be found and test should be done for ground water.

Environmental Engineering
E- Meteorology: 1- Study of rainfall and floods should be made. 2- Study of wind (during summer and winter). 3- Study of duration and direction of sun light.

Civil Engineering/Second Stage

F- Construction material and sources: It is very important to determine the sources of rocks, sand, gravel and wood. G- Improvement (if needed): Some times improvements needed to the part of the level such as: 1- Filling swamp area (the cost must be maintained). 2- Construction of culverts for the land. 3- Ditches and levee. 4- If the slope is more than 8% certain precaution for foundation should be made. 5- Surface diversion for stream drainage. 6- Preparation of land for recreation purpose.

H- Site Planning: After all mentioned studies has been done a site is selected, the following steps should be done. 1- Preparation of a map with a suitable scale. 2- Contour lines a bout 1m internal are drawn. 3- Approximate location of proposed establishment. 4- Layout for the roads and their connection with main roads. 5- Lay out for water supply and drainage system.

Environmental Engineering

Civil Engineering/Second Stage

Pollution, types of pollution, factors affecting pollution

Pollution: Is the introduction of contaminants into a natural environment that causes instability, disorder, harm or discomfort to the ecosystem i.e. physical systems or living organisms. Pollution can take the form of chemical substances or energy, such as noise, heat or light. Pollutants materials: Pollutants are the elements of pollution can be foreign substances or energies or naturally occurring; when naturally occurring they are considered contaminants when they exceed natural levels.

How pollution occur from natural operation

Energy production

Material uses

Material production

Waste (Gases, Liquid, Noises, Solid waste).

Re-uses

Pollution control

Environmental Engineering

Civil Engineering/Second Stage

Factors effect pollution: 1- Population growth increase pollution increase. 2- Education increase pollution decrease. 3- Derelict lands increase pollution increase. 4- Technology Increase, pollution (increase/ decrease). 5- Economic growth increase pollution decrease. 6- Re-uses increase pollution decrease.