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In 2005, 26 students from Iowa universities and colleges joined the DNR's Pollution Prevention Intern program.
During their 12-week internships, students researched methods of reducing waste and preventing pollution at their
host companies, and compared the costs of current procedures and proposed practices.
The following case studies demonstrate the intern recommendations and company efforts, with impressive environmental
and economic results.
All case summaries are in PDF format.
Ag Bio-Power, LC
Evaluate the feasibility of a variety of input materials for a process that converts solid wastes into fuel.
Case Summary
Archer Daniels Midland
Analyze existing material management techniques and propose improvements to reduce the impacts of stormwater runoff.
Case Summary
Bertch Cabinet Manufacturing
Collect and assess data that details the generation and disposal of wood scrap.
Case Summary
Des Moines Metro Wastewater Reclamation Facility
Conduct a motor efficiency study, evaluate the beneficial uses of biogas and develop a template for an energy report that will be updated on a routine basis.
Case Summary
The Dexter Company
Evaluate opportunities to reduce the environmental and cost impacts of hazardous waste as well as analyze wastewater treatment processes.
Case Summary
The Dial Corporation
Analyze the wastewater treatment system to optimize the system’s performance, and identification of possible water conservation opportunities.
Case Summary
Eaton Corporation
Evaluate the finish machining process and identify measures to optimize in-process parameters and tolerances, which will lead to a reduction in scrap.
Case Summary
Fansteel Wellman Dynamics
Review of the air compressor and water chiller system, a lighting survey and analysis of heat recovery opportunities.
Case Summary
Federal-Mogul Corporation
Review of electrical use and the compressed air system to reduce energy consumption.
Case Summary
Gelita USA
Water use and reutilization project to evaluate potential water conservation opportunities.
Case Summary
General Electric Company
Inspect the compressed air system and develop ideas to improve system efficiency, as well as evaluate the feasibility of a heat recovery project for the exhaust.
Case Summary
GKN Armstrong Wheels
Assess the compressed air and water systems and assist with the implementation of the improvements.
Case Summary
Harper Brush Works
Reduce landfill waste and an analysis of process scrap lumber and review of recycling opportunities.
Case Summary
Metzeler Automotive Profile Systems
Investigate the feasibility of recovering heat from oven stacks for use as building heat and assess the compressed air system.
Case Summary
Monsanto Company
Develop a database of process equipment and piping and the chemicals they contain during each step of the process in order to further develop and enhance the existing release reporting program.
Case Summary
Omega Cabinetry
Increase the value and volume of recyclables in the production of custom wood cabinetry, as well as assess the feasibility of solvent recycling and optimize the process used to catalyze enamel components. Conduct total yield analysis.
Case Summary
Pella Corporation Carroll Operations
Reduce the quantity of paint thereby decreasing raw material purchase costs and waste disposal costs.
Case Summary
ROMECH
Redesign the lighting system and evaluate the compressed air system.
Case Summary
Rousselot Dubuque
Evaluate and document the steam system and condensate system, identify wastes, and make recommendations to optimize systems.
Case Summary
Star Building Systems
Reduce energy consumption through improvements to lighting, heating, and air compressor systems.
Case Summary
Terra Industries, Inc.
Research opportunities that will result in the beneficial use of spent lime that is generated in the water treatment step in the production of nitrogen fertilizer.
Case Summary
Textron Fastening Systems
Create a waste stream database, including solid waste and utility data, and review waste streams and prioritize improvement projects.
Case Summary
Titan Tire Corporation
Evaluate the production process to improve efficiency, reduce scrap, and decrease raw material purchasing costs in the production of agricultural tires.
Case Summary
Tone Brothers, Inc.
Identify improvements for energy use cycles, equipment operation, and equipment selection procedures; develop training materials to promote energy conservation in the production of spices and related food products.
Case Summary
VA Medical Center
Develop a pollution prevention program to reduce mercury waste, including a facility audit and recommendations for alternative products or procedures.
Case Summary
VT Industries, Inc.
Reduce energy consumption through improved energy management techniques, modifications to the dust collection system, and improvements to the air compressor system.
Case Summary
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