HW 1-2 Alex is an engineering student employed for the summer by Environmental E
ID: 1885436 • Letter: H
Question
HW 1-2 Alex is an engineering student employed for the summer by Environmental Engineering, a consulting firm. RJ, the engineer who supervises Alex, directs Alex to sample the contents of drums located on the property of a client. From the look and smell of the drums, Alex believes that analysis of the sample will show hazardous waste in the drums. Alex knows that if the material contains hazardous waste, there are legal requirements for the transport and disposal of the drums, and that federal and state authorities must be notified. Alex informs RJ of the likely contents of the samples and asks what to do next. RJ instructs him to report only that samples have been taken, and not to do the analysis. Since the client is a major one for Environmental Engineering, RJ proposes to report to the client only where the drums are located and that they contain questionable material, and to suggest that they be removed. Note that it is much more expensive to dispose of hazardous waste than conventional waste Many states have laws requiring environmental engineers to report any evidence of a "release" of hazardous materials (Any presence of hazardous material in other than its intended placement for use and storage counts as "release".) Does RJ fultfil an engineer's professional responsibilities by informing the client only of the presence of the drums and withholding more specific information on their contents? What can and should Alex, a student and a summer hire, do in this situation?
Explanation / Answer
1.2
As per ethics of engineer, an engineer has the topmost duty to protect and safeguard the welfare of the public and to protect the environment. By not informing the authority about the potential hazard, he is not only threatening the environment but also endangering the health and safety of the public. Also by withholding critical information from the client/employer, he is acting, in fact, committing an act of fraud. So it is clear that engineer RJ is not fulfilling his professional responsibility.
In such a scenario the summer intern may approach RJ's boss or other top management and inform him about the situation.
C.
Accepting the second job might create a conflict of interest for her even though both cases are unrelated, because from her previous engagement, with XYZ, she may have some or pass on some sensitive information.
However she can accept Alexis proposal, as both cases are unrelated, but in the beginning of the trial she has to declare her relationship with manufacturer XYZ, she had in the past, so that both parties are aware of it and later does not create any conflict.
since the opposing counsel has already opposed her relationship both with the defense and the litigation side, it is advisable not to testify in the case involving the same parties.
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