Each student is required to research a topic in the field of environmental compliance and safety
and complete an original, scholarly research paper based on the topic researched. It is most
important to research the selected topic in its entirety, i.e., research and analyze the topic from
different angles. This research paper must be submitted with all supporting materials (i.e.,
purpose of paper, methodology, technical analyses, economic analyses (if needed), conclusions
and recommendations, figures, tables, graphs, citations, references, etc.).
Some broad examples of acceptable topics are presented below for student consideration.
However, this is not an exhaustive list and students may select other topics in the field of
Environmental Compliance and Environmental Safety for the research paper.
Instructors will provide helpful feedback on topic selection in the early weeks of the term:
Discussion of facilities and activities that engage in activities that result in emissions of
pollutants into the atmosphere, including open burning, incineration of solid wastes, use
of halogenated parts washers, etc. What the Environmental & Safety Managers at these
facilities do to bring the operations into compliance;
What happens to facilities that are cited by federal and local environmental regulations
that do not comply with the emission requirements/regulations? Typical reasons why
they do not comply and what process they go through to be in compliance again;
What are the safety concerns related to manufacture of hazardous chemicals (e.g.,
acids, chlorinated solvents, explosives, fuels, etc.)? What are the safety mechanism in
place to potentially prevent accidents? Give examples of safety violation and mention
any related accidents or you analyses of what could have happened;
Choose an Industry (e.g., coal mining and production, chemical manufacture, oil and gas
exploration, chemical transportation, etc.) and discuss their environmental pollution and
compliance record. Provide an analyses of where you see an improvement industrial
activities and environmental efforts to minimize environmental pollution and increase
compliance; and
Assume you are the Environmental Compliance & Safety Director of a large chemical
corporation, and the chemical corporation accidentally spilled a large amount of
chemical to a large surface water nearby. This surface water source provides a critical
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source of potable water to a community about a mile away. Discuss and analyze the
major steps you as the corporate direct need to take to mitigate the system. Discuss all
critical factors, such as, working with regulatory agencies, emergency measures,
chemistry of the chemical and its behavior in the environment, remedial measure,
community notification, etc. Your analyses of the various aspects of the spill situation is
important.
For this research paper submittal, students are to submit a paper as if it were going to be
submitted to a national professional society of one’s choice, such as International Network for
Environmental Compliance and Enforcement (INECE), National Association for Environmental
Health & Safety Management Professionals (NAEM), American Academy of Environmental
Engineers and Scientists (AAEES), National Association of Safety Professionals, National
Association of Environmental Professionals, National Safety Council, and American Society of
Civil Engineers (ASCE), for publication. The submission should be worthy of submission to a
journal in one of these societies/associations, geared toward the appropriate audience, and
should be leading-edge work. Search the websites for author or submission guidelines. Some
examples:
National Association of Safety Professionals
National Association of Environmental Professionals
National Safety Council
International Network for Environmental Compliance and Enforcement
American Society of Civil Engineers Author Guide – Missouri
American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists
The research should identify what knowledge already exists on the topic and what additional
information can be obtained to further the knowledge base in the field which can benefit
corporations. In other words, information should not be a rehash of what is already known in
the field. It should be new and worthy of advancing the field of occupational safety, health,
and/or environmental management.
Although the research paper should be worthy of publication, students are not required to
submit their papers for publication. However, submission of papers is encouraged, but students
should be sure to address any issues, comments, or suggested edits noted by their instructor
before submission.
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The final paper should be between 6-8 pages (approximately 2000-2500 words), not including
cover page, abstract, and references. The paper must be submitted in APA format.
