As environmental challenges demand innovative solutions and collaborative expertise, the Environmental Council (EC) serves as EWRI’s cornerstone technical council driving progress across multiple domains in environmental engineering. Through its strategically structured committees and initiatives, the EC catalyzes knowledge dissemination, professional development, and technological advancement in addressing the most pressing environmental concerns.

Four specialized committees working in concert as part of the Environmental Council:

  • Environmental Council Awards Committee: Recognizing excellence and innovation in the field - The EC is committed to recognizing outstanding scholars, practitioners, and contributors in environmental engineering. The EC honors individual achievement and elevates the visibility of breakthrough approaches and technologies. Awards are given to those who have made significant contributions to the field of environmental engineering, including those whose articles in the Journal of Environmental Engineering, and the Journal of Hazardous, Toxic and Radioactive Waste have advanced the field.
  • Environmental Health & Water Quality Committee: Focusing on critical water resources and public health intersections through knowledge dissemination and public engagement - Understanding that environmental challenges require broad awareness and engagement, the Environmental Health & Water Quality Committee has pioneered multiple communication channels to extend the reach of critical environmental information. Their development of targeted webinars creates interactive learning opportunities for professionals, while their podcast series makes complex environmental topics accessible to broader audiences. Through contributions to Currents articles, the committee ensures that emerging environmental issues receive attention both within the professional membership and among stakeholders beyond traditional boundaries.
  • Environmental Policy, Permitting and Compliance Committee: Navigating the complex regulatory landscape - The Environmental Policy, Permitting and Compliance Committee serves as a crucial bridge between technical expertise and regulatory frameworks. Through specialized workshops and webinars, this committee equips environmental professionals with the knowledge and tools to navigate increasingly complex compliance requirements. By bringing together experts from practice, academia, and regulatory bodies, these events foster the kind of cross-disciplinary dialogue essential for developing workable environmental solutions within policy constraints.
  • Hazardous, Toxic and Radioactive Waste Engineering Committee: Addressing specialized waste management challenges - The Hazardous, Toxic and Radioactive Waste Engineering Committee has established itself as a powerhouse of technical knowledge development and dissemination. With more than 20 published books, manuals of practice, and other scholarly products, this committee has created an extensive technical foundation for addressing some of our most challenging waste management issues. These resources represent a critical knowledge repository that informs practice, education, and policy development in specialized waste management.

The Council also supports the Journal of Environmental Engineering and the Journal of Hazardous, Toxic and Radioactive Waste. Both publications are known for disseminating cutting-edge research, applications, and practice. The journals serve as both a catalyst for new research and a showcase for proven solutions. Through rigorous peer review and strategic focus areas, the journals ensure that the professional community has access to reliable, cutting-edge information that drives both theoretical advancement and practical application.

Looking Forward: An Invitation to Engage
The Environmental Council's impact reflects the expertise of its current committees and its commitment to inclusion and renewal. New members bring fresh perspectives, emerging expertise, and additional energy to the Council's vital work. For professionals committed to addressing environmental challenges through engineering excellence, the EC offers unparalleled opportunities for professional growth, network development, and meaningful contributions to solving some of society's most pressing challenges.

Whether your expertise lies in water quality assessment, waste management innovation, policy analysis, or emerging contaminants, the Environmental Council provides a platform to amplify your impact and connect with like-minded professionals dedicated to environmental protection and enhancement.

The Environmental Council welcomes inquiries from potential new members interested in contributing to its important work. Please reach out to Rory Klinger, Chair of the Environmental Council at [email protected].