EXHIBIT 23.1


                          CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP
                              INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8  No.333-61151)  pertaining  to the 1998  Stock  Option  Plan of EMCON of our
report  dated  February 23, 1999,  with  respect to the  consolidated  financial
statements  and schedules of EMCON included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for
the year ended December 31, 1998.



San Francisco, California
March 24, 1999





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