Department of Environmental Quality Director Steven E. Chester announced today that a pollution prevention project proposed by McLeod Eastpointe Chiropractic, P.C. of Eastpointe has received a $46,650 low interest loan through the DEQ's Small Business Pollution Prevention Loan Program.

McLeod Eastpointe Chiropractic, P.C. will use the funds to install a digital x-ray machine and associated equipment, eliminating the need for radiographic film, lead-lined film containers, and the chemicals used to develop the film.  The new equipment will also reduce water and energy usage compared to conventional x-ray equipment.

"This project is another example of environmental benefit and economic gain going hand-in-hand," said Director Chester.  "This partnership with Eastpointe Chiropractic Facility will not only reduce the amount of waste generated at their facility, but will also reduce their energy use and benefit their bottom line."

The DEQ and the company's local lending institution, Citizens Bank, each contributed half of the loan proceeds.

"Switching to digital x-ray makes good sense for both the environment and our bottom line," said Dr. Douglas McLeod, President of McLeod Eastpointe Chiropractic, P.C.  "Receiving a low interest loan to install environmentally preferable equipment helps us to save money on interest and operational costs."

Businesses with fewer than 500 employees can apply for loans of up to $400,000 with a guaranteed interest rate of not more than five percent.  The short application helps businesses describe how their projects will eliminate or reduce waste through source reduction, environmentally sound reuse, and/or recycling, including water and energy conservation projects.

Loans are available to all private business sectors including farming, manufacturing, retail, and service.  For more information, contact the DEQ's Environmental Assistance Center at 800-662-9278, or by e-mail at deq-ead-env-assist@michigan.gov.

Editor's note:  DEQ news releases are available on the department's Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq.

"Protecting Michigan's Environment, Ensuring Michigan's Future"