Environmental engineering is an engineering field that focuses on protecting and improving the environment, as well as public health, by mitigating damage and adverse effects from human activities.
The ultimate goal of environmental engineering is to safeguard environmental resources and create a healthier and more sustainable planet. In practice, that looks like designing and managing systems for air pollution control, solid waste management, water treatment, utilities and more.
Within environmental engineering, there are many sub-disciplines. These include:
- Water & Wastewater Treatment
- Agricultural Engineering
- Natural Resource Engineering
- Air Quality Management
- Solid Waste Management
- Soil & Groundwater Remediation
- Environmental Impact Assessment
- Sustainable & Green Engineering
- Energy-Water-Environment Sustainability (EWES)
Specific Challenges of Environmental Engineering in Colorado
Colorado has some specific challenges that engineering firms in Colorado must address on project sites. For instance, Colorado has a history of mining, and has many abandoned mines that leach heavy metals and acids into local water sources. Engineers work to remediate these sites by designing treatment systems to neutralize the acid and remove pollutants.
In addition, Colorado has an arid climate, which makes it susceptible to droughts. Water management can be a challenge, and engineers are always considering the best way to reuse and conserve water. The arid climate also makes wildfires frequent and intense, which not only can harm native habitats, but also negatively impact air quality. Environmental engineers are tasked with monitoring air quality and developing strategies to mitigate the health risks associated with wildfire smoke.
Finally, the rapid population growth that Colorado has experienced in metro areas puts a strain on existing infrastructure, including water, wastewater, and transportation systems. Environmental engineers must design and expand these systems to keep pace with demand while minimizing environmental impact and promoting sustainable development. This often involves innovative solutions like green infrastructure to manage stormwater runoff and reduce the urban heat island effect.
Environmental Engineering Forms in Colorado
Many firms are doing exceptional environmental engineering work in Colorado. Learn more about some of the top environmental engineering firms in Colorado:
CGRS
CGRS is an environmental consulting company that’s been operating since 1987. As a leak detection company, they quickly expanded offerings to tackle all different environmental challenges. They now offer multi-faceted services, with a strong focus on environmental solutions including water treatment, contamination remediation, air quality services and more.
You can learn more about CGRS here.
Roaring Fork Engineering
Roaring Form Engineering is a civil engineer in Colorado that specializes in environmental engineering, among other civil-engineering sub-disciplines. Roaring Fork Engineering focuses on engineering in mountain communities — and you can find their work all over the western half of Colorado.
For environmental engineering, Roaring Fork offers water distribution design, treatment plant design, water and sewer rate studies, sewer collection system design, lift and booster stations, funding procurement, and more. With deep experience in both mountainous, rocky terrain and many different facets of civil engineering, Roaring Fork strives to make a difference in the environment with innovative solutions and high-quality work.
Learn more about Roaring Fork Engineering’s environmental offerings here.
DS Environmental Consulting
DS Environmental Consulting offers many environmental services, but focuses on testing, assessments and remediation for hazardous materials like asbestos, mold, radon, soot/ash, and more.
They also offer site assessments and project management. DS Environmental is an expert in environmental regulations and provides clients with innovative solutions — whether the challenge is a contaminated jobsite, groundwater management, or water testing.
Learn more about their services here.
Modern Engineering Solutions
Modern Engineering Solutions simplifies wastewater management and engineering for clients. This includes designing water distribution systems, modernizing aging water infrastructure, meeting growing demand, and mitigating harmful chemicals within the water supply.
Based out of Golden, CO, Modern Engineering Solutions uses the latest technology along with their proven experience to solve many different environmental engineering challenges with the water supply in Colorado.
Learn more about their experience here.
Learn More About Environmental Engineering in Colorado
The natural environment is one of Colorado’s biggest draws for tourists and residents, but without careful management and conservation, population growth can be a threat.
That’s why environmental engineering is so vital — building infrastructure and promoting sustainable development will create systems that allow Colorado’s beautiful mountain communities and thriving cities to continue to grow, while respecting and preserving the surrounding environment.
Roaring Fork Engineering specializes in helping Colorado’s mountain communities thrive. In addition to environmental engineering, we offer a full range of comprehensive civil engineering services, to make your project a success, whether its wastewater system design, wildfire impact studies, land surveys, project oversight, or erosion control.
The quality of our work directly impacts the world we live in — which is why we strive to be the best, most responsive firm possible. To get in touch about our environmental engineering services, get in touch here.
