History of the Environmental Technology Program at Rio Hondo

In order to meet the needs of industry and the regulatory community, a consortium of California community colleges was formed in 1989 to determine the specific needs for personnel trained in Environmental Technology (ET).

To accomplish this goal, the consortia formed an Advisory Committee of environmental professionals throughout the state and conducted a statewide survey of industry.  The survey and industry advisors determined that a significant need existed for technical personnel and the type of training needed.  They proceeded to develop a statewide curriculum currently in use throughout not only California, but throughout the western United States.  The survey indicated that a Certificate of Completion or Associate Degree will allow students to realize many career and educational opportunities in the environmental field.

Currently, there are 29 community colleges in California approved to offer the Environmental Technology curriculum.   Rio Hondo College has been a member of the statewide ET consortia since 1990.  Working with our own ET Advisory Committee consisting of over 40 members including environmental professionals, regulatory personnel, industry, and program alumni, Rio Hondo College has continuously upgraded and updated its program as new laws, methods, and technologies have emerged in the environmental field.

In 1995 Rio Hondo College, with the assistance and financial support of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) formed the Rio Hondo Environmental Training and Education Center (RHETEC). RHETEC will become a significant environmental remediation training center for personnel who work in the areas of Superfund clean-up, environmental sampling, solid waste management, air quality management, and water quality management.   RHETEC facilities include classrooms, a demonstration laboratory, and a computer laboratory. Rio Hondo College is California's only Community College with facilities dedicated to this purpose.

The College has established working relationships with several environmental agencies in the area including the U.S. EPA, the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Department of Transportation, The South Coast Air Quality Management District, The Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County, the California Environmental Protection Agency, and the California OSHA Consultation Service. These agencies assist the college in various ways including financial support, regulatory information, technical assistance, and personnel.