IRVINE, CA, June 22, 2005 -- In response to growing environmental and regulatory needs, UC Irvine Extension is offering a new course in Watershed Regulations and Management. The program, the only one of its kind offered locally, provides the latest tools and tactics for professionals to address and control water pollution from urban runoff and other human activities.
Based upon a recent study conducted by UC Irvine's Department of Environmental Health, Science and Policy, researchers were able to estimate the economic impact of illnesses associated with polluted recreational waters. According to the results, researchers estimate that swimming in local coastal waters costs the public $3.3 million per year in health-related expenses.
Planners, builders, municipalities, and businesses in general are required to maintain compliance with a greater number of federal, state and local laws pertaining to urban runoff. This comprehensive course is designed to offer professionals insight into multiple issues including identifying pollutants, implementing and managing programs that address water quality issues, and encouraging public participation and enforcement. The program targets professionals of all levels including: urban planners, environmental professionals and others regulated under water pollution laws.
"Urban runoff affects both public health and the health of our environment," Rogelio C. Rodriguez, director of engineering and science programs for UC Irvine Extension, said. "By offering businesses and municipalities the latest educational offerings on the subject of urban runoff, businesses can implement the latest tactics to protect our valued water resources. The public, in turn, will experience the benefits through cleaner beaches, lakes, rivers and other water bodies."
"Urban runoff is very common in the residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, and municipal developments throughout the year, regardless of a wet or dry season," said Dr. Mo Lahsaie, UC Irvine Extension instructor and clean water coordinator for the City of Oceanside. "The Watershed Regulations and Management course will educate industry professionals on how to design programs to control water runoff and pollutants and be in compliance with regulations such as the Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) and legislation including the Federal Clean Water Act, the State of California Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act and the State of California Assembly Bill 411 (AB411)."
The course begins on Friday, July 15 at the UCI Learning Center in Orange, and is scheduled in a format conducive for busy working professionals. For course details and to enroll for the Watershed Regulations and Management course, please log onto www.unex.uci.edu.
As the continuing education arm of UCI, UC Irvine Extension is dedicated to providing a university-level learning experience for students, offering thousands of exciting courses and programs to local, regional, and global constituencies. UC Irvine Extension offers a rich array of academic and community programs to support a diverse audience, from a wide selection of academic programs to numerous campus activities.
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