Environmental Science and Engineering – Module 1 Vocabulary

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms, agencies, laws, systems, and principles discussed in the Environmental Science and Engineering Module 1 lecture.

Environmental Engineering

Engineering field that uses mathematics and science to solve environmental sanitation problems such as water supply, waste disposal, and pollution control.

Environmental Ethics

Branch of philosophy dealing with moral principles governing human interaction with the natural environment and long-term survival.

Environmental Code of Ethics

Professional guidelines emphasizing environmental protection, public welfare, honesty, objectivity, and practicing within one’s expertise.

Systems Approach

Method of looking at all interrelated parts of a problem as a whole to understand interactions and devise optimal solutions.

Single-medium Pollution

Environmental problem confined to only one medium—air, water, or soil.

Multimedia Pollution

Contamination that crosses boundaries between air, water, and soil, requiring integrated control.

Water Resource Management System

Integrated system for collecting, treating, storing, and distributing water to users.

Surface Water

Streams, lakes, and rivers used as community or industrial water sources.

Groundwater

Water pumped from wells beneath the earth’s surface for supply.

Distribution System

Network of pipes (water mains) delivering treated water under pressure to consumers.

Water Mains

Primary pressurized pipes (≈200–860 kPa) within a distribution system.

Storage Reservoir

Elevated or ground-level tank that stores excess treated water for peak demand and emergencies.

Average Daily Water Consumption

Mean amount of water used per day, used to size sources and storage during critical low-flow periods.

Peak Demand

Maximum short-term rate of water use determining pipe sizing, pressure loss, and storage needs.

Meterage

Use of individual water meters; promotes conservation by making consumption measurable.

Wastewater Management Subsystem

System for collecting, transporting, treating, and properly disposing of domestic and industrial sewage.

Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTWs)

Municipal wastewater treatment facilities regulated as public utilities.

Infiltration (Sewer)

Groundwater entering gravity sewers through joints, cracks, or manholes.

Inflow

Surface water entering sewer systems through illegal connections or manhole openings during storms.

Air Resource Management

Balancing costs and benefits to maintain air quality that protects health and welfare.

Cost-Benefit Analysis (Air Quality)

Economic evaluation comparing pollution-control expenses with societal benefits of cleaner air.

Solid Waste Management System

Processes for collection, transport, treatment, disposal, or recovery of solid wastes.

Waste Minimization

Strategy of preventing or reducing waste generation to avoid treatment and disposal.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)

Philippine agency responsible for integrated environmental policy, regulation, and resource management.

Environmental Management Bureau (EMB)

DENR bureau overseeing pollution prevention, environmental assessments, and quality standards.

Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA)

Philippine body regulating development and environmental quality in the Laguna Lake region.

Philippine Environmental Quality Report

DENR publication documenting national environmental conditions and policies (first issued for 1990-1995).

Presidential Decree 1151

1977 Philippine Environmental Policy establishing environmental rights, targets, and EIS guidelines.

Presidential Decree 1152

1977 Philippine Environmental Code setting management systems for air, water, land, resources, and waste.

Oposa v. Factoran

1993 Supreme Court case recognizing the constitutional right to a balanced ecology and intergenerational accountability.

Intergenerational Responsibility

Legal doctrine that each generation must preserve environmental quality for future generations.

Precautionary Principle

Guideline to act to prevent environmental harm despite scientific uncertainty about risks.

Citizen Suit

Rule allowing any Filipino citizen to file court action to enforce environmental laws.

Writ of Kalikasan

Philippine court order against acts causing large-scale environmental damage affecting life or health.

Writ of Continuing Mandamus

Judicial directive compelling agencies to perform ongoing environmental duties until compliance is achieved.

SLAPP Defense

Protection against Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation intended to harass environmental advocates.

Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC)

DENR/EMB document certifying a project’s compliance with Environmental Impact Statement requirements.

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

Process of predicting and evaluating environmental impacts of proposed projects and planning mitigation.

Environmentally Critical Project (ECP)

Project with significant adverse environmental impact requiring mandatory EIA and ECC approval.

Environmentally Critical Area (ECA)

Geographically sensitive area where projects must undergo EIA and obtain an ECC.

Polluter Pays Principle

Concept that polluters should bear the costs of managing and remediating the pollution they cause.

Piercing the Corporate Veil

Court action holding shareholders personally liable when a corporation is used to evade obligations or commit fraud.

Nell Doctrine

Philippine rule that asset transfers between corporations do not automatically transfer liabilities, with specific exceptions.

Public Trust Doctrine

Principle that certain natural resources are held by the state in trust for public use and protection.

Climate Change Act (Philippines)

Law creating a framework for climate change adaptation and mitigation and establishing the Climate Change Commission.

Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC)

Philippines’ initial pledge to reduce greenhouse‐gas emissions by up to 70 % by 2030, conditional on support.

Multi-Partite Monitoring Team (MMT)

Stakeholder group tasked to monitor ECC compliance and report environmental impacts of critical projects.

Sustainability Reporting Guidelines for Publicly Listed Companies

SEC rules requiring Philippine listed firms to disclose environmental, social, and governance performance annually.

Green Jobs Act

Philippine law granting tax incentives to enterprises that generate employment supporting environmental sustainability.

Renewable Energy Act (Philippines)

Law providing tax holidays, zero VAT, and other incentives to developers of renewable energy facilities.

Ecological Solid Waste Management Act

Statute mandating local governments to implement integrated waste management focusing on reduction, recycling, and composting.

Clean Water Act (Philippines)

Law protecting water bodies through discharge permits, wastewater standards, and pollution control measures.

Clean Air Act (Philippines)

Comprehensive law establishing air quality management, emission limits, and permitting for pollution sources.