2011 Interns: Ben Villwock, Alysa Bradley, Joe Van Rossum, SHWEC faculty advisor, Katherine Mitchell, Tony Rieth, and Mike Nied

Since 2008 the University of Wisconsin Extension Solid and Hazardous Waste Education center has placed college students at facilities throughout Wisconsin to evaluate and put into practice pollution prevention projects that advance environmental sustainability. These 12-week summer experiences immerse the students in real world situations and enable the host facilities to reduce waste and improve their bottom line.

During the summer of 2011 Intern Alysa Bradley was placed in the City of Waupun with Public Works Director Dick Flynn and General Manager of Waupun Utilities Zak Bloom to investigate overall energy use to determine the best possibilities for new HVAC systems in City facilities, evaluate the feasibility of renewable technologies in the City, and investigate improving the efficiency of street lights. Bradley's efforts will assist the City with meeting its goal to have 25% of its energy come from renewable sources by 2025.

Bradley spent the second six weeks of her internship with Fond du Lac County government where she worked with Building Maintenance Supervisor Rick Kiefer and a newly formed Energy Team to develop an energy baseline. Bradley's work helped evaluate improvements to HVAC systems, the possibility of generating renewable energy to sell back to the power grid, and options for a new boiler in the Highway Department garage in Fond du Lac.

In addition to Fond du Lac County and the City of Waupun 2011 students worked on pollution prevention projects in Dunn County, Milwaukee County, Oshkosh Truck and the Marshfield Clinic. Municipalities, businesses, or residents interested in learning more about this project can contact Intern Coordinator, Marlene Jaglinski at marlene.jaglinski@ces.uwex.edu or Waste Reduction Specialist, Steve Brachman, at steve.brachman@ces.uwex.edu.