P3 - 2013 Project Overview

In the summer of 2013, nine student interns and one graduate student assistant participated in UNL's Partners in Pollution Prevention Program. Students worked with businesses to research methods of reducing waste and preventing pollution. They also assisted with a wide variety of projects focusing on energy efficiency, water conservation and waste management. Each student prepared a report of proposed improvements, detailing the economic and environmental benefits of implementing their suggestions.

The following project overviews describe the interns' projects and recommendations.

Single Business Partnership

1. Megan Lush - Abengoa, York
   Analyzed sludge management alternatives, including regulatory barriers, to avoid landfill disposal.


2. Laurel Metzger - Hughes Brothers, Seward
   Analyzed the galvanizing and steel forging processes with a focus on hazardous waste reduction and energy efficiency.


3. Stephen Schlender – O’Neill Beef Packing, Omaha
   Conducted water conservation and energy efficient-related projects.


4. Zachary Seier - Hughes Brothers, Seward
   Evaluated
 sustainable
 manufacturing 
topics including metrology, elimination of single-use packing, and metal embrittlement.
   
   
5. Lucas Frahm - Graham Tire, Lincoln
   Analyzed waste streams and identified opportunities for energy and solid waste reductions for a small class-only project.
   

Multiple Business Assignments

1. Kristin Cope - UNL Extension and Agricultural Producers in Fillmore and Clay Counties Nebraska
   Analyzed irrigation systems for water/energy conservation.


2. Matthew Graham - UNL Extension and Agricultural Producers in Colfax County Nebraska
   Analyzed irrigation systems for water/energy conservation.


3. Charlie Hinds - NDEQ - Multiple Projects on Energy Efficiency for Small Community Wastewater Plants
   Conducted detailed energy audits for two small community wastewater treatment plants.


4. Anna Sorensen - UNL Extension and Agricultural Producers in Madison County Nebraska
   Analyzed irrigation systems for water/energy conservation.