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Iowa companies save more than $1 million through 2009 Pollution Prevention Intern Program Posted: October 1, 2009 DES MOINES — Iowa companies are saving $1.2 million annually as a result of implementing environmental improvements recommended by interns with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ 2009 Pollution Prevention Intern Program. Twenty-four top engineering students from various Iowa colleges and universities worked at selected host facilities for 11 weeks this summer to analyze the facility’s waste stream and research alternative processes or technologies to save money and benefit the environment. “The concept of Pollution Prevention is to analyze a process and reduce or eliminate the generation of waste instead of treating, recycling or disposing of it later,” said Danielle Dilks, intern program coordinator. “Interns bring a fresh perspective to the concept of identifying innovative solutions for projects, ultimately optimizing the company’s bottom line.” The program’s engineering staff provides technical assistance to each student throughout the internship. Since 2001, host companies have saved more than $58.6 million in implemented intern projects. These projects also save water, divert waste from landfills, reduce hazardous waste and conserve energy and greenhouse gas emissions. In addition to the intern program, Pollution Prevention Services provides opportunity assessments of energy, water and waste systems, assistance with Environmental Management Systems, workshops and other training opportunities. All services offered through Pollution Prevention Services are confidential and non-regulatory. Case summaries of the 2009 intern projects are available at www.iowadnr.gov/waste/p2/intern.html. Applications are currently being accepted for companies and interns to participate in the 2010 Pollution Prevention Intern Program. Applications are available at www.iowadnr.gov/waste/p2/intern.html. For more information, contact Danielle Dilks at (515) 281-8063 or Danielle.Dilks@dnr.iowa.gov.
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