Produced by the National Institute for Engineering Ethics (NIEE) and the National Society of
Professional Engineers (NSPE), Copyright 1989
SYNOPSIS
Gilbane Gold is the name given to dried sludge from the Gilbane wastewater treatment plant. It is sold to farmers as a commercial fertilizer. The annual revenue generated saves the average family about $300 per year in taxes. Several years ago the city of Gilbane established limits on the discharge of heavy metals to the sewers in order to protect Gilbane Gold from the build-up of toxic materials that could end up in the soil. The limits are more restrictive than federal limits but are based on the concentration of the discharge with no restriction on total weight of discharged material.
Z CORP, a computer components manufacturer, discharges wastewater containing small amounts of lead and arsenic into the city sewers. By the current city test standards, the discharge usually meets allowable levels. Z CORP people know of a newer test which shows that the discharge exceeds the limits. The ethical dilemma is: Should Z CORP tell the city about the new test? Acceptance of the new test would require additional investment in clean-up equipment by Z CORP. Word leaks and a TV investigation begins.
A complicating factor: Z CORP has just received a contract for five times as many computer modules as they presently make, but at a thin profit margin. Five times as much waste will be produced. Adding five times as much water will meet the city standards for discharge concentration, but Gilbane Gold will contain five times as much heavy metal as before. Z CORP's VP says changing the test standards would cause the company to lose money on the new contract. Her position: Z CORP should provide jobs; the city should worry about the environment.
KEY PLAYERS:
DAVID JACKSON: Young environmental engineer working for Z CORP
TOM RICHARDS : Engineering consultant fired by Z CORP for espousing the new test standards
PHIL PORT : Manager and head of Z CORP's environmental affairs department
FRANK SEEDERS : Z CORP's engineering manager
DIANE COLLINS : VP in charge of Z CORP's Gilbane plant
LLOYD BREMEN : Former state commissioner of environmental protection
WINSLOW MASSIN : Professor emeritus, School of Engineering, Hanover University
MARIA RENATO : TV reporter
CONSIDER

Choosing between good and evil, some say, is easy. Choosing between competing goods is what is difficult. For Example:

Protection of human health and the environment (regulation and spirit vs. letter of the law) vs. quality of life and welfare of people (jobs and taxes)

Free enterprise (profitability and competition in an international marketplace) vs. personal integrity
(view of self and living up to personal standards)

After viewing Gilbane Gold, list two or three major ethical issues in the video.
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3.
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Assuming you are the President of ZCORP, list two or three actions you would take immediately (within the next 2 days)
1.
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2.
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3.
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