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2009 MnTAP Pollution Prevention Project
Intern Presentations

2009 MnTAP Pollution Prevention Project Interns. Pictured from
left to right: Patrick Liesch, Chris Iacono, Scott Trantina, Alicia Reigel,
Zachary Zurbey, Seth Thompson

(September 1, 2009) -- Interns from the Minnesota Technical Assistance Program (MnTAP) Pollution Prevention Project discussed their recent summer internships at a special presentation session held on August 21, at the University of Minnesota McNamara Alumni Center, Minneapolis.

Each summer MnTAP hires and pays junior or senior college students to work in Minnesota companies to research solutions for specific waste-related problems. At the event, interns presented their waste reduction solutions and answered questions about their projects.

2009 MnTap Intern Project Descriptions

Chris Iacono (Iowa State University, Mechanical Engineering) explored energy conservation opportunities in facility processes including compressed air production and building ventilation at Roberts Automatic, Chanhassen. Oil mist generation and air quality was also assessed to identify needs for improvement.

Patrick Liesch (Minnesota State University - Mankato, Mechanical Engineering) worked to eliminate zinc in the wastewater, optimizing the compressed air system and investigating a new, phosphate free conversion coating system at Lou-Rich Inc., Albert Lea.

Alicia Reigel (University of Minnesota, Environmental Policy and Corporate Environmental Management) performed a life cycle, cost, and infection prevention analysis of reusable and disposable gowns to evaluate the potential for implementing reusable gowns at Fairview Medical Center, Minneapolis. She also completed a greenhouse gas emissions baseline for the Fairview hospital system.

Seth Thompson (University of Wisconsin - Madison, Industrial Engineering) investigated the potential for use of an automatic distribution system for pharmaceuticals at Oak Hills Living Center, New Ulm, which will help reduce hazardous waste and medication error at this assisted living center.

Scott Trantina (University of Minnesota, Chemical Engineering) researched water quality and quantity used for production to determine feasibility of reusing water at Siemens Water Technologies, Roseville.

Zachary Zurbey (Minnesota State University - Mankato, Automotive Engineering) evaluated the potential for recycling process water and analyzed energy used for compressed air and HVAC systems at Johnson Screens, New Brighton.

About MnTap:

The Minnesota Technical Assistance Program (MnTAP) is an outreach program at the University of Minnesota that helps Minnesota businesses develop and implement industry-tailored solutions that prevent pollution at the source, maximize efficient use of resources, and reduce energy use and cost to improve public health and the environment.

MnTAP provides free technical assistance tailored for each specific business. By reducing waste and increasing efficiency businesses in Minnesota can save on disposal and raw material costs, and decrease regulatory compliance burdens while creating healthier and safer working conditions for employees.

Established in 1984, MnTAP is funded primarily by a pass-through grant from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s Prevention and Assistance Division to the University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Division of Environmental Health Sciences.