Environmental Technology Online Courses

Call (413) 755-4501 to enroll.

Total Contact Hours (TCH) listed with each course reflect continuing education credit that will be allowed for Wastewater Treatment Operators by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. Though these credits may also be acceptable in other states and/or for other types of licenses, potential students are responsible for contacting their specific licensing agency for confirmation of credits that will be allowed prior to course enrollment.

AGRICULTURAL AGENTS THREAT & RESPONSE (10 Hours) $69
In addition to the human element is the economic and psychological impact of a biological attack against the U.S. agricultural industry. Foreign animal diseases as well as encroaching plant pathogens are the focus of this module. A review of Foot-and-Mouth disease and Mad Cow Disease provide a basis for discussion of the other diseases addressed in this module. Included is a virtual laboratory tour of the European outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth disease to demonstrate the potential for widespread economic and psychological devastation among the general public as well as those directly employed in the agricultural industry.

ANTHRAX THREAT & RESPONSE (10 Hours) $69
What is anthrax, why is it a terrorist agent, how can it be detected, who is at risk, when has it been used, where can I go for information? These and other questions surrounding Bacillus anthracis and the infection it causes are addressed in the Anthrax Module. Included is a virtual laboratory exercise to introduce sampling protocols.

BOTULISM AND OTHER FOOD-BORNE AGENTS THREAT and RESPONSE (10 Hours) $69
Our food supply arrives daily from all over the world. What is the potential for contamination, what agents are of particular concern to the CDC and what historical data do we have on food borne infections? This module addresses a variety of organisms and microbial toxins that have been identified by the CDC as potential food-borne agents of terrorism. Included is a virtual laboratory to acquaint the student with the multitude of potential scenarios for both intentional and accidental food-borne illnesses.

COMPOSTING OPERATIONS (25 Hours) $99
Composting is the controlled process of organic degradation or waste decomposition. This web-based course will provide those taking the class with knowledge in the process of waste decomposition, an array or microorganisms and invertebrates consume the organics and convert them to humus. In the truest sense, solid waste composting is actually microbe farming, and like any type of farming, success has a lot to do with the farmer knowing how to make what he is raising thrive and grow. This class will meet or exceed most state requirements for the educational components of certification and/or licensing required for solid waste professionals.

CONTINUITY OF OPERATIONS (COOP), INTRODUCTION TO (5 Hours)
(To Be Released Soon)
This web-based course is designed for a broad audience - from senior managers to those involved directly involved in the continuity of operations (COOP) planning effort. The class provides a working knowledge of the COOP guidance found in Federal Preparedness Circular 65, "Federal Executive Branch Continuity of Operations" and provides activities to enhance your COOP program. Topics include an overview of: essential functions, delegations of authority, succession planning, alternate facilities, interoperable communications, vital records and databases and human capital.

DOT HAZARDOUS MATERIALS TRANSPORTATION (5 Hours) $29
This course is designed to familiarize you with the DOT hazard communication system related safety and security issues. It will help you understand the labels, placards, shipping papers, and markings associated with the transportation of hazardous material. You will learn how to read the Hazardous Material Table and the 2000 Emergency Response Guidebook. The course includes labeling exercises, form completions, and self-tests. Students can access the DOT Regulations and the CFR through online links.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE TO TERRORISM (10 Hours) $69
An act of terrorism can occur anywhere, at any minute, when you would least expect it. No jurisdiction, urban, suburban, or rural, is totally immune. Despite our security consciousness, if terrorists intend to wreak havoc it will be difficult to stop them. This course is designed to provide workers with the knowledge and information on how best to respond to such an attack.

HAZARD COMMUNICATION (HazCom/Right to Know) (1 Hour) $29
Using the Internet, students will become familiar with OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard 29 CFR 1910.120 that requires employers to develop a written Hazard Communication Program and to inform and train employees. This course provides an overview of the standard, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs), collection and retention, proper storage procedures, labeling and placarding systems, employee training, and documentation.

HAZWOPER - MODERATE RISK (24 Hours) $99
This Internet-based course provides 24 hours of interactive training online for those needing Moderate Risk certification (29 CFR 1910.120). The course consists of an online text, interactive exercises, web links, self-grading quizzes, and final exam.

HAZWOPER REFRESHER (8 Hours) $69
This Internet-based course provides eight hours of interactive training online for the annual refresher to the 40-hour Hazardous Wastesite Worker course (29 CFR 1910.120). This course fulfills the requirement for both workers and supervisors.

INCIDENT COMMAND (8 Hours) $29
The Incident Command System is the model tool for command, control, and coordination of a response. This course will provide you with the understanding on how to coordinate the efforts of individual agencies as they work toward the common goal of stabilizing the incident and protecting life, property, and the environment. The course uses principles that have been proven to improve efficiency and effectiveness in both business settings and emergency responses. At the end of the course, you will be required to complete a final exam to qualify for a certificate of completion. A minimum score of 80% is required to receive your certification.

INCIDENT MANAGEMENT (5 Hours) $29
This course is designed to meet the mandate set out on February 28, 2003, by President Bush when he issued Homeland Security Presidential Directive-5. HSPD-5 directed the Secretary of Homeland Security to develop and administer a National Incident Management System. NIMS provides a consistent nationwide template to enable all government, private-sector, and nongovernmental organizations to work together during domestic incidents.

INTEGRATED SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT (60 Hours) $99
Using the Internet this course will provide the student with a comprehensive look at solid waste management; combining the aspects of landfill, composting and household hazardous waste operations. This class will meet or exceed most state requirements for the educational components of certification and/or licensing required for solid waste professionals.

LANDFILL OPERATIONS (25 Hours) $99
Using the Internet those taking this course will gain a vast array of knowledge concerning the many aspects of landfill operations. This course provides eight foundation blocks for the operator with units on waste decomposition, geology & hydrology, engineering, surveying, landfill design, landfill construction, landfill operations, and regulations. This class will meet or exceed most state requirements for the educational components of certification and/or licensing required for solid waste professionals.

LOCKOUT/TAGOUT AWARENESS (4 Hours) $29
The standard requires the adoption and implementation of practices and procedures to shut down equipment, isolate it from its energy source(s), and prevent the release of potentially hazardous energy while maintenance and servicing activities are being performed. This course contains minimum performance requirements, and definitive criteria for establishing an effective program for the control of hazardous energy. It summarizes for the student key components of the standard in a question/answer format and is intended to guide the user in understanding aspects of the Lockout/Tagout standard.

MASS FATALITIES, INTRODUCTION TO (4 Hours) $29
This course is designed to provide the student with an overview of key issues to be addressed when developing mass fatalities response plans. It focuses on the primary functions that must be fulfilled in order to facilitate mass fatalities response and community recovery. Some of the concepts discussed in this course include: Essential Emergency Management Issues, Hazardous Materials Identification, Primary Sites of Mass Fatalities Response Operation, Headquarters Staff Processing Center, Disaster Site, Morgue Site, Family Assistance Center, and Management of Traumatic Stress. No final exam is required.

MULTI-HAZARD EMERGENCY PLANNING FOR SCHOOLS (8 Hours)
(To Be Released Soon)
This course is a short and "easy to take" web-based class that focuses on multi-hazard emergency planning for schools. Those taking this class will find information on emergency management operations, roles and duties; how to assess potential hazards that schools may face; and learn how to develop and test an Emergency Operations Plan that addresses all potential hazards.

NATIONAL RESPONSE PLAN (NRP), INTRODUCTION TO THE (3 Hours)
(To Be Released Soon)
The course is designed for Federal, State, local and private sector emergency management professionals. The purpose of the course is to introduce those taking the class to: describe the purpose of the NRP, locate information within the NRP, describe the roles and responsibilities of entities as specified in the NRP, identify the organizational structure used for NRP coordination, describe the field-level organizations and teams activated under the NRP, and identify the incident management activities addressed by the NRP.

SMALLPOX THREAT & RESPONSE (10 Hours) $69
Smallpox, a disease of the past and a threat for the future, is a Category A concern for the CDC. Cause, differential diagnosis issues, containment, and mitigation issues are addressed in the Smallpox Module. Included is a virtual laboratory exercise to test your ability to trace an outbreak.

TERRORISM - A PERSPECTIVE (32 Hours) $99
In this online class those taking the course will look at the many aspects of terrorism, from historical, preparedness, response and the psychological implications.

TERRORISM - BIOLOGICAL AGENTS (32 Hours) $99
This class is the first in a series of five courses and designed to identify the biological agents of primary concern to the Center for Disease Control and the US Department of Agriculture. The potential for release, expected epidemiology/etiology, detection, and response protocols are explores through narrated presentations and virtual laboratory exercises. A Terrorism Agent Control Technology certificate is awarded when all 5 courses in the asynchronous series are successfully completed.

TULAREMIA AND PLAGUE THREAT & RESPONSE (10 Hours) $69
Vector borne and endemic, these diseases are caused by bacteria harbored in the animal population and if aerosolized result in potentially deadly pneumonic infections. The role of the animals in our environment in the wake of an intentional release of these organisms is addressed along with descriptions of the bacterial agents in the Tularemia and Plague Module. Included is a virtual laboratory exercise identifying potential risks to the laboratory technician isolating these organisms for wound exudates.

WASTEWATER ANALYSIS (48 Hours) $99
Using the Internet, students will be introduced to basic laboratory safety and gravimetric, spectrophotometric, electrochemical, titrimetric, and microbiological methods. The units include instruction on the laboratory procedures for microscopic, coliform, BOD5, COD, ammonia, grease and oil, chlorine and solids analysis. Along with reading assignments from the text, the course is enhanced with up-to-date photographs, interactive exercises, and online links.

WASTEWATER COLLECTION SYSTEMS (64 Hours) $99
Using the Internet, students will gain a working knowledge of wastewater collection systems safety procedures, sewer inspection and testing, pipeline cleaning and maintenance, underground repair, lift stations, equipment maintenance, and sewer rehabilitation. Along with reading assignments from the text, the course is enhanced with up-to-date photographs, audio, interactive exercises, and links.

WASTEWATER TREATMENT I (64 Hours) $99
Using the Internet, students will explore the rudiments of wastewater treatment. This introductory course includes instruction in water pollution control, preliminary and primary treatment, fixed film processes, and suspended growth systems. Along with reading assignments from the text, the course is enhanced with up-to-date photographs, audio, interactive exercises, and online links.

WASTEWATER TREATMENT II (64 Hours) $99
Using the Internet, students will focus on issues of concern to wastewater treatment facilities. The topics of this course include activated sludge process control, sludge digestion and solids handling, nitrogen and phosphorous removal, and odor control. Along with reading assignments from the text, the course is augmented with audio, photographs, interactive exercises, and online links.

WASTEWATER TREATMENT - INDUSTRIAL (64 Hours) $99
Using the Internet, students will focus on issues of concern to industrial wastewater treatment facilities. The topics of this course include regulatory requirements; flow measurement; preliminary, physical and chemical treatment; filtration; and treatment of metal streams. Along with reading assignments from the text, the course is augmented with audio, photographs, interactive exercises, and online links.

WATER ANALYSIS (48 Hours) $99
Using the Internet, students will be introduced to basic laboratory safety and gravimetric, spectrophotometric, electrochemical, titrimetric and microbiological methods. The units include instruction on the procedures for regulatory sampling and safety, and specific analytical procedures for total residue, fluoride, pH, ammonia, acidity, alkalinity, calcium, chloride, hardness, and coliform analysis.

WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS (64 Hours) $99
Using the Internet, students will obtain a working knowledge of potable water distribution systems. The topics of this course include water storage facilities, operation and maintenance of water mains, water quality issues, disinfection, and safety.

WATER TREATMENT I (64 Hours) $99
Using the Internet, students will explore the rudiments of water treatment. The topics of this course include regulatory monitoring, iron and manganese removal, filtration, coagulation, flocculation, fluoridation, and disinfection. Along with reading assignments from the text, the course is enhanced with audio, up-to-date photographs, interactive exercises, and online links.

WATER TREATMENT II (64 Hours) $99
Using the Internet, students will focus on issues of concern to surface water treatment facilities. The topics of this course include reservoir management, taste and odor control, corrosion management, softening, demineralization, and trihalomethanes. Instrumentation and sludge handling and disposal issues are also addressed. Along with reading assignments from the text, the course is augmented with audio, photographs, interactive exercises, and online links.

WATER/WASTEWATER - PERMITS & ADMINISTRATION (16 Hours) $99
Using the Internet students will be able to improve their people skills, operations management, become more familiar with safety issues and responsibilities and the permitting and certification process.

WATER/WASTEWATER - PUMPS, MAINTENANCE & SAFETY (48 Hours)
Using the Internet, students will cover a very broad range of topics including, centrifugal pumps, selection and replacement of packing, seals, hydraulics, operating conditions, preventative maintenance, motors, plans and specifications, hazard types, plant equipment and procedures, lab safety and fire prevention, and hazard communications.

WORKER SAFETY FOR DISASTER RESPONSE (10 Hours) $69
This course is designed to provide workers with the knowledge, information, and basic skills to work safely at a disaster site, a natural event or man-caused incident. Those taking this course will learn how to recognize potential hazards and the need for reporting hazards identified on assigned job tasks, helping them to ensure the health and safety for themselves and others. No final exam is required.