| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 60.07 |
| Liaison | Mark Klapatch-Mathias |
| Submission Date | Feb. 24, 2017 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
University of Wisconsin-River Falls
IN-24: Innovation A
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.00 / 1.00 |
Mark
Klapatch Sustainability and Custodial Supervisor Facilities Management |
Name or title of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome:
A brief description of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome that outlines how credit criteria are met and any positive measurable outcomes associated with the innovation:
Mining companies, a Wisconsin county and the University of Wisconsin-River Falls have teamed up in an innovative, 1st of its kind, partnership on a $232,000, five-year study probing how the vast tracts of Wisconsin used for nonmetallic mining — including for frac sand — can best be reclaimed. Partnerships between a county, private companies, and a university are uncommon, especially to the extent this partnership has reached. This particular partnership truly is a collaborative and mutually beneficial endeavor to all groups involved.
The project focuses on Chippewa County, a hotbed of the state’s frac sand mining boom, where six industrial sand mining operations and 73 sand and gravel operations have already opened. Four more industrial sand mines are permitted. Chippewa County has a limited background or knowledge base within the county for how to reclaim mining sites so the partnership with the university has been extremely beneficial. What started as a 5 year research project has grown into a much more collaborative partnership as UWRF has provided expertise in sustainable land management, agricultural sustainability, water management, and more. The partnership has opened several avenues of research for the university, giving students and faculty hands on experience. The partnership has created additional opportunities for innovative thinking which adds value to each organization.
Which of the following impact areas does the innovation most closely relate to? (select up to three):
Public Engagement
Environmental Health
A letter of affirmation from an individual with relevant expertise or a press release or publication featuring the innovation :
The website URL where information about the innovation is available :
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.