Chinese delegation to get water cleanup tour

Looking to further capitalize on the water resource management gains in the region over the past several decades, the New North, Inc. has invited a delegation of Chinese scholars, engineers, and scientists to tour the Fox River and area facilities to learn about effective river cleanup.

The trip, which is organized by the New North, will see the Chinese delegation visit the Björklunden campus of Lawrence University in Door County, the Green Bay Wastewater Treatment Plant, the Fox River, an Appleton Coated, LLC paper mill, and the Holsum–Elm Dairy farm in Hilbert, in addition to the University of Wisconsin Madison and Milwaukee campuses.

While in Wisconsin, the delegation will hear presentations from professors at UW–Green Bay, UW–Madison and Marquette, as well as from representatives of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and several New North companies.

“Northeast Wisconsin has seen a tremendous amount of progress in its efforts to protect its watersheds, and we’re excited to have the opportunity to share our experiences and expertise with members of the Chinese scientific community,” said Jerry Murphy, Executive Director of the New North, Inc. “This trip will provide not only academic resources for our guests, but potential business opportunities for those in the New North.”

China is currently undergoing steps to alleviate severe pollution along several of its rivers, including the Yangtze, the longest in the country and the third longest in the world. Many of the country’s water use issues are due to a growing paper industry, making the stewardship and cleanup efforts along the Fox River an ideal model for China to follow.

“Like China, the New North is home to a thriving industrial economy, with the production of paper products playing a large role,” Murphy said. “The opportunity for the Chinese delegation to tour one of our region’s paper mills and the Fox River will provide a great deal of insight into how to effectively protect watersheds from contamination.”

The Chinese delegation arrived in Wisconsin on Friday, and on Thursday, the group will be touring the Holsum–Elm Dairy farm in Hilbert.