Institute of Environmental & Water Resource Management (IPASA)

IPASA in Brief

The Institute of Environmental & Water Resource Management (IPASA) was established in 1994 previously known as the Institute of Environmental as an effort to integrate available expertise in various fields at UTM to understand and to overcome complex problems related to our environment. IPASA is an interdisciplinary center for environmental research, consultation and graduate training. IPASA also provides continuing education programs (i.e. seminars and short courses) in environmental related areas.
Although it was officially formed in 1994, most of the IPASA associated fellows have vast experience in environmental studies, consultancies and teaching since early 1980s. Currently, IPASA is governed by a Board of Directors and assisted by managers and fellows, chaired by the Dean of the Faculty of Civil Engineering, UTM. A Director and a Deputy Director who are appointed on a rotational basis head the management team.
Objectives
The objectives of IPASA are as follow:
To stimulate, encourage and enhance research programs in environmental related areas;
To establish collaboration among academics in various disciplines related to environmental studies toward enhancing the research programs;
To establish and enhance relationship and collaboration between UTM and various agencies (private and public sectors) in environmental research and consultancy;
To provide advisory and consultancy services to public and private agencies on environmental issues;
To provide facilities for strengthening postgraduate courses in environmental studies offered by related faculties;
To provide technical program in the field of environmental technology and management;
To provide services on environmental quality testing.
Consultancy and Services
With its wide range of expertise, IPASA also provides consultancy and testing services in environmental related areas. IPASA members have carried out more than 100 Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and related projects during the past years. Other projects include:
River classification and pollution study
River basin study
Lake and reservoir studies
Industrial wastewater treatment
Coastal erosion protection and land reclamation
Groundwater monitoring network study
Solid and hazardous waste disposal siting
Air pollution control
Ecotoxicology and risk assessment
Urban pollution discharges
With its available sophisticated instruments and well-trained personnel, IPASA is capable of providing services for environmental quality analysis. This includes common water quality parameters testing such as pH, BOD, COD, SS, TOC, turbidity, microbiological study, oil and grease and heavy metals content. Other important testing but non-conventional such as OUR and NUR are also available. Ambient air and fuel gas content and noise level can also be tested. Various other chemical analysis can be carried out at our chemistry and environmental engineering laboratories.
Continuing Education
IPASA also conduct courses and in-service training for public and private sectors. As an example, the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) course can be offered to professionals such as architects, engineers, surveyor and planners. Other courses and training conducted includes:
Advanced wastewater treatment
Industrial air pollution control
Clean technology for industrial applications
Medical waste management
Sludge management
Environmental risk assessment
Solid and hazardous waste management
Environmental instrument analysis
Membrane technology for environmental control
Water quality laboratory practices
Sewer:- Physical, chemical and biological reactor
Cleaner production practices