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Home > Blogs > Butler County News and Issues > Archives > 2009 > October > 29 > Entry
County offers pollution prevention internship program
Press release from Butler County:
Two local companies are realizing that “going green” not only helps the environment, but can also result in more than $600,000 in combined annual savings.
MillerCoors LLC and Tedia Company recently participated in the Butler County Recycling and Solid Waste District’s 12-week Pollution Prevention (P2) Intern Program to further their environmental goals, improve efficiencies and save money. Miami University intern, Matthew Fehr, and Ohio State University intern, Michael Klimek, analyzed the companies’ waste streams, purchasing practices, water and energy usage, and evaluated financial incentives and cost savings. Specifically, the interns:
- Quantified condensate recovery and water recycling opportunities
- Researched alternative lighting and energy efficient improvements
- Identified opportunities to minimize solid waste
- Identified recycling and reuse opportunities
- Streamlined reduction in hazardous wastes
- Improved air quality and overall operations
Through the P2 internship program, the Tedia Company was able to implement programs that will reduce air pollution and hazardous waste disposal and conserve energy. In addition to furthering their environmental goals, Tedia was also able to save money by reducing employee time associated with manufacturing operations. Overall, Tedia expects to save more than $16,000 from these pollution prevention projects.
“As a small company with limited resources, Michael gave us an extra set of hands. We were able to use his skills to complete some important projects that might otherwise still be waiting to get started,” said Tedia Company Safety and Training Manager Greg Fugitt.
“The best part of my internship was that I was able to work on several meaningful projects and gain valuable experience. At the end of my internship, I was able to estimate the savings I provided Tedia as well as the environmental impact,” said Tedia Intern Michael Klimek.
MillerCoors aims to reduce its environmental footprint through several sustainable development priorities. The water dependent industry focuses on water conservation as one of these priorities. The company’s goal is to reduce water consumption, energy usage, and the amount of waste it sends to landfills each year. During the summer of 2009, MillerCoors committed to reducing water and energy usage in several areas with high demand and minimize solid waste disposal. They plan to save more than $585,000 in energy, water, and waste reduction.
“The internship gave me valuable work experience with a well known company. I learned so much working here and I really believe this will benefit me greatly in the future,” said MillerCoors Intern Matthew Fehr.
In 2007, the Solid Waste District formed a partnership with Hamilton County and TechSolve to establish the P2 Intern Program. The partnership secured $42,000 in U.S. Environmental Protection Agency grant funds to create the program, which pairs college-level interns with local businesses for 12 weeks during the summer. Companies pay only about $1,500 for intern salary costs.
“The P2 Program helps local businesses improve their operations, conserve energy and water usage, and decrease waste disposal. Companies save money while increasing their environmental performance,” said Butler County Environmental Specialist Kimberley York.
The Solid Waste District is currently accepting applications from businesses and students for the 2010 P2 program. The application due date for businesses is Jan. 29 and the due date for students is Feb. 19. Businesses or students who would like to apply, should contact Environmental Specialist Kimberley York at (513) 887-3406 or YorkKA@butlercountyohio.org or download an application on the district’s website at www.butlercountyrecycles.org. Web applications are located under “business programs” then click on “summer intern.”
The Butler County Recycling and Solid Waste District is dedicated to promoting recycling, waste reduction and responsible disposal of all waste from households, commercial businesses, and industry to conform to Ohio EPA regulations.
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