UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO

Department of Civil Engineering

CIV440S, 2010
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT AND RISK ASSESSMENT
Course Description: The process and techniques for assessing and managing the impacts on and
risks to humans and the ecosystem associated with engineered facilities, processes and products. Both
biophysical and social impacts are addressed. Topics include: environmental assessment processes;
environmental legislation; techniques for assessing impacts; engineering risk analysis; health risk
assessment; risk management and communication; social impact assessment; cumulative impacts;
environmental management systems; the process of considering alternative methods for preventing
and controlling impacts; and stakeholder involvement and public participation. Examples are drawn
from various engineering activities and facilities such as energy production, chemical production,
treatment plants, highways and landfills.
Instructor:

Prof. P.H. Byer

GB413

(416) 978-5980

Timetable:

Mondays
Wednesdays

12-2 pm
9-11 am

GB221
GB120

byer@ecf.utoronto.ca

Web Site, Notes and Readings: There is no textbook for the course. Lecture notes and readings will
be placed on the Blackboard course web site. Students should print and bring the lecture notes to
class. The web site will also have some supplementary (i.e. non-required) material that will be noted
as such. Also some required materials may be handed out in class. Students are responsible for
ensuring that they receive all required notes and handouts as well as announcements that are placed on
the web site or given out during the classes.
Grading:
Paper: Discussion of Published Research Paper
Quiz - Closed Book, No Calculator
Test - Closed Book, No Calculator
Final Exam - Closed Book, No Calculator
Bonus assignment

CIV440-10 Revised

15%
5%
30%
50%
up to 3%

UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO
Department of Civil Engineering
CIV440S, 2010 - ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT AND RISK ASSESSMENT
COURSE OUTLINE
(subject to change)
DATE

TOPIC

M Jan.

Introduction to Course
Introduction to EA/RA: What, Why and For What

"

Intro to EA/RA: What, Why and For What continued

"

11

Environmental Management Systems

13

Environmental Legislation and Regulations

"

18

Risk Assessment and Management

Engineering Risk Analysis

"

20

Engineering Risk Analysis continued

25

Human Health Risk Assessment

"

27

Human Health Risk Assessment continued

M Feb.

Human Health Risk Assessment continued

Risk Communication

"

Quiz

10

Case Study: Ajax Water Treatment Plant EA

Paper Assignment Out

M
W

"

15
17

READING WEEK

"

22

Steps and Key Issues for Impact Assessments

"

24

Steps and Key Issues continued

CIV440-10 Revised

M March 1

Test (2 hours)

"

Biophysical Impact Assessment

Biophysical Impact Assessment continued

10

Social Impact Assessment

15

Social Impact Assessment continued

Follow up Guest Speaker

"

17

Cumulative Impact Assessment

"

22

Public/Stakeholder Participation
Case Study Guest speaker
Paper Due

"

24

Tutorial

29

Public/Stakeholder Participation continued

Collective Decision Making

"

31

Tutorial

M April

Evaluation of Alternatives

Addressing Climate Change

CIV440-10 Revised