An Online Engineering PDH Course on Determining Economically Beneficial RE-Powering Sites for Critical Infrastructure Beyond Wastewater Treatment Plants
The Environmental Protection Agency has established a program called the RE-Powering America’s Land Initiative, that encourages renewable energy development on current and formerly contaminated lands, landfills, and mine sites (RE-Powering sites).
RE-Powering can provide cleaner energy sources in areas of high demand, while returning land to productive use. RE-Powering sites also may have attributes (for example, proximity to infrastructure) that can lower renewable energy development costs and shorten development timeframes.
In this online engineering PDH course, a methodology is presented for determining if it is possible—in areas with high vulnerability to natural disasters—to match the need to maintain critical wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) with potential RE-Powering sites in ways that are economically beneficial. Although demonstrated in the course by application to WWTPs, the methodology was intentionally designed to be general enough to apply to other types of critical infrastructure—such as drinking water treatment plants, hospitals, schools, emergency centers, cell towers, fire stations, and natural gas distribution centers.
This course is intended for civil, environmental, electrical and other engineers concerned with renewable energy applications. This course includes a true/false and multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to highlight the general concepts of the course material.
This course is based on the Environmental Protection Agency document, “RE-Powering Critical Infrastructure,” February 2019, as part of EPA’s RE-Powering America’s Land Initiative.
Civil Engneering faculty member for 27 years
Dr. Rossow is a graduate of the University of Michigan with B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Illinois. He taught civil engineering for over 35 years, including six years at Washington University in St. Louis and 29 years at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, where he was the Chair of the Civil Engineering Department for ten years. His areas of expertise are in civil engineering and mechanics. He has consulted for various organizations, including government agencies and an international offshore drilling company. He has published numerous technical journal articles and technical reports for a variety of governmental agencies and private sector organizations. Mark P. Rossow, PE, PhD Licensed Professional Engineer in State of Illinois License No. 062.040560 Dr. Rossow is a graduate of the University of Michigan with B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees. He taught civil engineering for over 35 years, including six years at Washington University in St. Louis and 29 years at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, where he was the Chair of the Civil Engineering Department for ten years. His areas of expertise are in civil engineering and mechanics. He has consulted for various organizations, including government agencies and an international offshore drilling company. He has published many journal articles and technical reports.
