Pollution Prevention Services

Since 1990, hundreds of Iowa businesses, industries, institutions and governmental agencies have saved money, improved operational efficiency, and become environmental leaders by working with DNR's Pollution Prevention (P2) Services.

Our team of technical engineers provide no-cost, confidential, non-regulatory assistance to facility operators. Opportunities are identified that can improve your company or organization's bottom line while making positive environmental impacts. 

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What is Pollution Prevention (P2)?

Pollution prevention (P2) is any practice that reduces, eliminates, or prevents pollution at its source. P2, also known as “source reduction,” can be practiced by modifying equipment and production processes, promoting the use of nontoxic or less toxic substances, implementing conservation techniques, and reusing materials rather than putting them into the waste stream.

The benefits of P2 extend to all aspects of a business. P2 practices usually result in a company’s financial savings, enhanced employee safety, and reduced liability and risks. Companies see improvements in their ability to meet their regulatory requirements and frequently enjoy improved company image and employee satisfaction.

P2 Opportunities for Businesses

There are a few key areas that should be examined for pollution prevention potential.

  • Water use and treatment, including sanitary water, process water, and boiler water use
  • Solid waste streams from production, maintenance, office areas, and warehousing
  • Hazardous waste streams from production and maintenance departments
  • Energy use; focusing particularly on lighting, HVAC systems, compressed air systems, and steam systems

Iowa P2 Services offers no-cost, non-regulatory, and confidential assessments to help you identify what opportunities your business has to save money and reduce your environmental impact. For more information on the assessments we offer, please visit our P2 Assessments webpage.

Strategies

The list below is not comprehensive. Visit our P2 Intern Program Case Summary Dashboard to learn about more solutions that have worked for Iowa companies.

  • Increasing energy efficiency / energy conservation
  • Reducing water and chemical inputs
  • Modifying processes or equipment to produce less waste
  • Using non-toxic or less toxic chemicals as cleaners, solvents, etc.
  • Improved, ongoing employee P2 training
  • Recovering material inputs for reuse within the process (energy, water, waste)
  • Improved maintenance and housekeeping procedures, including preventative maintenance
  • Material tracking and inventory control

P2 Hierarchy

  • Source Reduction – Eliminate or reduce the generation of waste at the source. Eliminate or reduce the acquisition and use of materials that contribute to waste generation. Substitute less hazardous materials where possible. Conserve water and energy by improving process efficiency. Source reduction is the most preferred waste management strategy.
  • Material Reuse – Reuse materials to reduce and eliminate the net generation of waste. For example, reuse incoming packaging for outgoing packaging.
  • Recycling – Recycle or reclaim waste material to minimize the net waste generated. Onsite recycling is preferred over off-site recycling.
  • Treatment – Minimize the quantity, toxicity, and hazardous qualities of waste materials by onsite or off-site treatment.
  • Disposal – Any remaining waste should be disposed of properly.
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Benefits of P2 Program

Pollution Prevention (P2) Services helps businesses improve their bottom line through the identification of operational efficiencies that can save money and benefit the environment for generations to come. Go green and save green!

Pollution prevention (P2) begins with source reduction — reducing waste at its source before the waste is generated, rather than addressing it at the end of production. P2 occurs when:

  • Raw materials, water, energy, and other resources are utilized more efficiently
  • Less harmful substances are substituted for hazardous ones
  • Toxic substances are eliminated from production processes

Using a multi-media approach, our team of engineers conduct assessments to identify opportunities for pollution prevention through energy efficiency, water, wastewater, solid waste and hazardous waste reduction.

Pollution Prevention (P2) can bring benefits to your business by saving you money through:

  • Reduced liabilities
  • Increased efficiencies
  • More efficient use of raw materials
  • Better process operation
  • Boosting your prestige as a good environmental neighbor

Clients can get assistance to reduce or eliminate waste through P2 strategies. We will meet with each client to determine how to meet the environmental needs.

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Program Eligibility

Your company is eligible to work with Pollution Prevention Services if:

  • You are a business, industry, institution (e.g. hospital, educational campuses), or governmental agency with 100 or more employees.
  • You employ fewer than 100 people, but meet at least one of the following criteria:
    • Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) reporter
    • Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Large-Quantity Generator of hazardous waste
    • Large Utility User (greater than $1 million in energy and water usage and waste disposal annually)
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P2 Equipment Loan Program

Pollution Prevention Services has several pieces of monitoring equipment that are available to companies to assist in data collection to further their pollution prevention initiatives. For more information, visit the P2 Equipment Loan Program page or view the following videos:

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Program Reports & News

Previous newsletters are available upon request. Sign up for P2 News

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What Does Pollution Prevention Services Offer?

P2 Resource Library available upon request. Includes case studies, vendor lists, current publications and reports, software, tools, and calculators.

Many of our clients have worked with Pollution Prevention Services on an ongoing basis for a number of years, seeking new pollution prevention opportunities. As your company's goals evolve, a continued partnership can ensure you are operating as efficiently and effectively as possible, keeping costs down and increasing your competitive edge.

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Testimonials from Clients

  • "This program gives the host company a chance to finish something they may not have the time or resources to complete. It gives the students real time experience and helps prepare them to hit the ground running once they complete the degree work. I would highly recommend this program to other companies.” - Kevin West – EH&S Coordinator for Rosenboom, Sheldon, IA 
  • “This program is an excellent resource to employers in the State of Iowa.  Each year, our assigned intern has provided us with results that have helped us improve our sustainability programs and environmental management.” - Brian Herbst, Plant Safety Manager for Smithfield Foods, Sioux City, IA
  • “This is an excellent program. Our intern delivered above and beyond our expectations.” - Kimberlie Bumgardner, Environmental Manager at Tyson Foods Inc. Hillshire Brands, Storm Lake, IA
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