Testing Pittsburgh’s waters: a look back at EPP history

Long before environmental testing and reporting were standard practice, Carnegie Mellon students were building the foundation right here in Pittsburgh.

This archival footage from the 1970s captures students from the Engineering and Public Policy department (then known as the Department of Engineering and Public Affairs) out in the field, analyzing local air and water quality.

Five decades later, EPP's problem-driven approach remains unchanged. The department continues to equip engineers with the technical tools needed to translate robust data into actionable public policy.