This course will focus on environmental issues related to water quality, including the effects of Marcellus Shale waste water on public and private drinking water supplies. The emphasis will be on southwestern Pennsylvania, but we'll look at the effects of Marcellus Shale industry operations on a state and regional basis too. Emphasis is placed on a balanced, in depth presentation of the issues that must be addressed to realistically solve modern environmental problems. This will be accomplished by (1) focusing on a single environmental issue of relevance to southwestern Pennsylvania (2) structuring weekly sessions around a single aspect of that issue, and (3) giving students an opportunity to learn about the issues from local professionals and community leaders active in these fields.  Offered in alternate years. Lecture 3 hours.

Course prerequisites

None