The Minnesota Technical Assistance Program (MnTAP) is looking for six metro businesses to host science and engineering interns focused on water conservation projects.

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 costs to improve public health and the environment.

In a 2016 MnTAP project Tanner Glaza (Byproducts and Biosystems Engineering student) researched the Anoka-Hennepin Independent School District’s 35 properties (243 acres of landscape) water use to analyze and prioritize water conservation opportunities. The project was able to reduce watering of general areas (by half); eliminate water added to general use areas; reduce over-watered areas; and improve turf conditions by including moisture sensors and smart irrigation practices for improve landscapes.

Tanner Glaza’s MnTAP project reduced annual water use of over 4.8 million gallons at Anoka-Hennepin School District properties.

MnTAP provides free, industry-tailored technical assistance. By reducing waste and increasing efficiency, businesses can save on disposal and raw material costs and decrease regulatory compliance burdens. And a company will, also, create healthier and safer working conditions for your employees.

• Businesses, click here to apply;
• Students, click here to apply.

Established in 1984, MnTAP is funded primarily by a pass-through grant from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s Resource Management and Assistance Division to the University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Division of Environmental Health Sciences. As part of the University, MnTAP has no regulatory responsibilities or obligations.

For more information contact the Minnesota Technical Assistance Program at (612) 624-1300.