Article written by Collin Cruz
The Agency hosted its first-ever EPC Expo, held at the Roger P. Stewart Center, for approximately one-hundred students and staff from Terrace Community Middle School. The EPC Expo was held following an Arbor Day tree planting ceremony at their school.
 |
EPC Executive Director Janet Lorton, Terrace Community Middle School Principal Tahvia Shaw, students, and EPC Staff participated in a tree-planting ceremony in front of the school. |
The Expo focused on how STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) relates to environmental protection. Engineers and scientists from the Air, Wetlands, Waste, and Water Divisions demonstrated technical engineering concepts and tools that EPC staff uses daily.  |
The Air Division display consisted of two types of functioning air pollution control devices (baghouse and wet scrubber) and various air monitoring equipment. Students learned how local facilities obtain air permits, how the EPC determines that their equipment is properly operated and maintained, as well as the complex engineering principles and air pollution equipment used to determine air quality. |
 |
Water Division staff demonstrated the engineering principles used to effectively regulate wastewater in our county. An open channel flow exhibit illustrated how engineers measure flow using geometry and physics, while a carbon adsorption display showed how carbon is used to remove impurities from contaminated waters. Students also learned how an ultrasonic flow meter works in a pipeline to measure flow rates and why granular activated carbon is so effective for treating wastewater.
|
 |
| The Waste Division demonstration included a replica of an air sparge system which is used for petroleum cleanup. The display illustrated how air bubbles are introduced into the groundwater allowing for contact with the petroleum contaminants, which transfers them into the vapor phase. The vapors are introduced into the vadose zone and are subsequently captured and removed by a vacuum system. Models and graphic aids allowed students to visualize the process which takes place underground. | The Wetlands Division provided students with examples of technical engineering drawings that assist staff in identifying potential impacts to wetland habitats during new construction permitting. Additionally, students were taught how to identify several species of local native plants. They learned about the important role that wetlands play in mitigating flood risks, maintaining healthy ecological biodiversity, and the many benefits they provide for our environment and local economy. |
|
|
 |
EPC staff wishes to
thank Terrace Community Middle School for their
participation and for making the Arbor Day celebration and EPC Expo
event a success! |
