We all breathe a little easier knowing environmental technicians are on
the job. They use their practical knowledge of science to help lower pollution
levels.
Environmental technicians are involved in quality control, testing contaminated
sites, monitoring atmospheric conditions and removing waste products and hazardous
materials. They can work in plants, offshore sites, forests, or for municipalities
and government agencies.
Wendy Moss is a technician who makes sure companies and factories comply
with environmental laws. "If you live or work across the street from a factory
and you think its production is making it difficult for you to breathe, we'll
investigate."
Environmental technicians also set up, operate and monitor equipment as
part of fieldwork. Analyzing data accurately and preparing reports is part
and parcel of the job, along with presenting results to clients or companies.
Providing solutions or new processes to combat pollutants is also part of
the technician's day.
Mark Drake, an environmental technician, knows everything there is to know
about instruments that measure air quality. "We maintain air monitoring stations,"
he says. "They sample the air daily and calibrate the pollution. We have to
ensure the equipment is properly working or repair it and recalibrate."
Lisa Lockerby works for an urban reactive team of officers who respond
to odors, spills and smoke problems. "If someone is working next door to a
factory and sees chemicals being pumped into the air, we'll make a report.
I'll go to the site and check out whether that company is in violation of
five different legislative acts. We'll then determine whether the company
requires corrective action."
"We file a report and then give the company six months to put into place
any necessary changes. If there's an immediate threat to life, health or safety,
immediate actions are taken," adds Moss. "If the problem persists, fines or
stop orders may be necessary."