ECOL 3520/8720
Tuesdays and Thursdays 11-12:15, Ecology Seminar Room

Offered every spring semester, Environmental Law for Scientists covers common and statutory law (federal, state, and local) principles intended to prevent and remedy pollution. 

Course Objectives:
The focus of the course is on how selected federal, state and local laws and policies motivate or inhibit the protection of water and biodiversity at all levels of government (sometimes unintentionally) and how scientists and environmental design professionals can influence environmental policy through research, outreach, and advocacy.

Our readings will include federal and state laws, journal articles and Georgia case studies. Classes will include some lectures by the professor, guest lectures, discussion sessions led by students, and at least one field trip. Students will be graded on two exams and a service-learning project.

projects

Gray Water Model Ordinance for Athens-Clarke County
Jordona Doughty and Marsha Ward, 2003

Gray water is wastewater generated from showers, bathroom sinks, washing machines, and dishwashers that can be treated and reused for nonpotable purposes, especially landscape irrigation. The use of gray water for outside irrigation is prohibited in Athens-Clarke County and the state of Georgia, but is used safely in other states as a conservation measure.

Model ordinance (PDF)

Rain Garden Manual
Sara Hoffman and Warner Orozco, 2003

A Rain Garden is an alternative method for managing stormwater. Basically a vegetated depression, a Rain Garden allows storm water to slowly infiltrate the soil, trapping sediment and other pollutants, rather than running directly into rivers and streams via storm drains and pipes, carrying the pollutants it picks up along the way. Usually landscaped with native plants, Rain Gardens are beautiful as well as functional.

Rain Garden Manual (PDF) (large file, 1.5 MB)

Stormwater Utility Primer
Tim Carter, 2003

A stormwater utility is a funding mechanism to pay for the management of stormwater. As with other utilities such as public water or sewer, the user of the service pays a fee based on volume. Stormwater utilities charge fees based on the amount of stormwater runoff a parcel of land contributes to the system. Currently only 3 jurisdictions in Georgia (Griffin, Decatur, and Columbia County) have stormwater utilities in place; but over 300 exist in the US.

Stormwater Utility Primer (PDF)

people | news & events | research | education | service & outreach | international | publications | links
home | contact us | about us | search this site

University of Georgia -  Eugene P. Odum School of Ecology