ABET outcome (5): “Engineering programs must demonstrate that their students attain an ability to “recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.” (www.abet.org proposed for 2016-2017)
I’d Rather Be Fishing (Case 1039) NIEE
The issue presented in this case concerned an employee, Shariq, of an environmental engineering firm called Everclere. Shariq was tasked with surveying a recent client’s property and evaluating its environmental condition. After investigating the property and taking any necessary samples for preliminary testing, Shariq was to call his supervisor, Chuck who was at the same time spending time with the client at his personal lakehouse to promote the company’s relationship with the client. When Shariq went to the property, he found two drums from which he took samples and stored them appropriately. Shariq had reason to believe based on past experience that the contents of the drums was most likely toxic and had to be disposed of in a particular way in order to prevent any pollution or other adverse environmental effects. After he returned to the office, he called Chuck and told him what he had found and his thoughts on the drums. Chuck informed him that the client did not what to do anything with the property at that time and to simply record the existence of the samples. A few days later Shariq discovers that a remediation contractor had been called in to remove the drums and dispose of the contents in a “fill dirt” site. Shariq is now presented with the issue of confronting and/or challenging his superior or allowing a potentially dangerous waste product be released into the environment.
Shariq’s biggest concern should be for the safety of the people that may be affected by the release of the potentially toxic waste within the drums. Depending on the location of the “fill dirt” site and the toxicity of the contents, people could become sick or even die. Another issue Shariq faces is challenging his superior. He could lose his job if he tries to undermine his boss or causes a big stir about the potentially harmless issue. The latter could also impact the public by needlessly worrying them. There are fortunately a few happy middle ground solutions to this issue, which is what the majority of people tended towards when asked for a possible solution. One of these include Shariq assuming that Chuck did not know about the remediation efforts and tell him what he had learned and also reinforce his original belief that the samples be tested. If Chuck decides to ignore Shariq, then the blame is no longer on him and he can do nothing else. This solution saves Shariq from developing a bad relationship with his boss, but it also puts the public and the company’s reputation in danger if Chuck chooses to ignore him. Another approach would be to go behind Chuck’s back and have the samples rush tested before the drums are dumped. If they are safe then Shariq can proceed with peace of mind and if they are toxic then Shariq can inform Chuck of his findings. This approach is definitely the safest for the public, but it could offend Chuck if Shariq were to go behind his back.
If I were in Shariq’s position I would choose to first talk to Chuck. The case study does not indicate what sort of person Chuck is or how strong the relationship between Chuck and Shariq is, but in any situation, lying should be avoided at all costs. Shariq should be honest with Chuck, but also make sure he is not accusing Chuck of anything. He should present it as an issue of safety for the public as well as the company’s reputation and also provide reasons why he believes the samples should be tested. If Chuck is a logical man he should at least consent to have the samples tested. If not, Shariq should move to whoever is above Chuck and present the issue to them. Although going above Chuck may not be ideal for his relationship with him, it is the only way to save the public, the company, and Shariq’s job and integrity as an engineer if Chuck is difficult and refuses to have the contents tested.