Environmental Engineering

Environmental engineering is the application of science and engineering principles to the environment. In the case of storm water, these practices are used to provide healthy environments for human habitation and for other organisms, and to remediate polluted waterways throughout the City of Norfolk.  

In this division, engineers and scientists assess the impacts of a proposed project on environmental conditions. They apply scientific and engineering principles to evaluate if there are likely to be any adverse impacts to water quality, habitat quality, flora and fauna, social vitality, and ecology. If impacts are expected, they then develop mitigation measures or BMP's (Best Management Practices) to limit or prevent such impacts. An example of a mitigation measure would be the creation of a wetland to remove toxins and slow the flow of the storm water leaving a site.