ENVS 5110 Earth & Environmental Science 3 semester hours

For Earth & Environmental Science, emphasis is placed on fieldwork and hands-on learning. The following modules are all field-based and comprise largely of residential field courses. We run field courses in Northern Mexico, Texas, Arizona, Utah, New Mexico and to study current volcanic processes, Washington & Oregon, USA. This allows the student to understand how hydro-geomorphic processes continue to shape the landscape. 

Field-based modules include: 

Computer-based models are central for understanding, predicting and testing geophysical and environmental systems. We run modules to equip you with the necessary skills and understanding in computer-based programming, introducing you to languages such as Fortran, C and C++, as well as specialized modeling software. 

Modules with computer-aided programming, modeling and data processing include: 

Towards the end of the second month, Earth & Environmental Science students will have to undertake a term paper project; a piece of independent research conducted under the supervision of a member of staff. Topics will be wide ranging, but will take advantage of the excellent facilities and support provided for earth sciences within the Environmental Science Department. 

ENVS 5118 Waste Tire Recycling Possibilities - 3 Semester hours

This environmental recycling course will deal with a plethora of topics regarding the myriad of options available to those interested in working for state, federal, county/city, landfill, and various rubber recycling entities. The course will be instructed by nationally recognized scrap tire recycling  specialist  Dr. Auriel R. Combs of El Paso, Texas. Dr. Combs has spent a good portion of the last 12 years working with tire recyclers and solid waste specialists and the exciting area of commercial possibilities.

Dr. Combs and Baler operator Casey Rush finish a tire bale in 
El Paso, Texas

Inc., and other researchers in their efforts in using tire bales in a square tire gasification system; arroyo and river erosion abatement; buildings; windbreaks on ranches; bridge building; fuel for ocean going vessels; and the possibility of electricity, steam, and distilled water as a end result of the heat source chain. He will also look at some of the interesting work being done with scrap tires and parts of scrap tires, i.e. tire treads for horse fencing; calving pens and hovels; pig-pens; horse stalls; dry walk-ways on muddy gravel base; and tire beam lamination. Finally our guest professor will explore its uses in recreation: mounds for jeep rock climbing; whoop-dee-do building for off-road and moto/super-cross raceways, encasement in concrete for diving and recreational fishing reeves; and in large pole barn buildings to assist with heat/cold climate modification.

Captive Energy Director Paul Healey and IIHW Scientific Director-Dr. CB Jacobson have been studying tire vaporization at the Spanish Fork, Utah site 
since 2000

Tire Vaporization Unit

ENVS 5125 The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
3 semester hours

In 2003 the Environmental Protection Agency began focusing on legislative actions with the creation of RCRA (The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act). This course will deal with an overview of RCRA and its relationship to other Environmental Statutes. Topics will include: Superfund – The Hazardous Waste Cleanup Program; Legislative Framework for Addressing Hazardous Waste Problems; Managing Solid Waste – RCRA Subtitle D; Managing Hazardous Waste – RCRA Subtitle C – which will include Hazardous Waste Identification; Hazardous Waste Recycling and Universal Waste; Regulations Governing Hazardous Waste Generators; Regulations regarding Hazardous Waste Transporters; Regulations Governing Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facilities; Land Disposal Restrictions; Hazardous Waste Combustion; Permitting of Treatment, Storage and Disposal  Facilities; Corrective Action to Clean Up  Hazardous 

Prerequisite for this course ENVS 5110 or equivalent training

ENVS 5130 Treatment, storage and disposal facilities 
1 semester hour

As part of the Environmental Protection Agency statutes regarding RCRA (The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act) this course concentrates on a specific aspect that many students  will   find   familiar.  Treatment,   storage  and  disposal 

facilities (TSDF) are the last link in the cradle-to-grave hazardous waste management system. TSDF is regulated in 40 CFR Parts 264 and 265. This overview course will look at permitting and in term status; exemptions; general facility standards; EPA ID numbers; Waste analysis; Security and Inspection Requirements; Personnel Training; Contingency Plans and Emergency Procedure s; Manifest, Record keeping and Reporting; the standards for Hazardous Waste Treatment; Storage and Disposal; Waste Piles; Closure; Financial Assurance; Ground Water Monitoring; and Air Emission Standards.

Here again students will be able to glean a cursory view of waste management, storage and processing. Access to researchers at the International Institute for Health & Wellness, waste tire recycling research center in Spanish Fork, Utah will provide the student with hands-on real life situational operations of non-hazardous (but negatively perceived by the public) in waste tire processing. In addition, as the new site in Columbus, New Mexico through its Tire Mountain-New Mexico waste tire baling and recycling research center comes on line, unique issues regarding international border concerns will also be explored.

Prerequisite for this course of study ENVS 5110 (or equivalent training)

IIHW Board Members, Tim Chadwic, Ken Jensen, and Dr Jacobson discuss plans for a square tire vaporization system which will burn tire bales, at the RVU-IIHW lab office in Provo, Utah.