Department of Environmental Quality Director Steven E. Chester announced today that a pollution prevention project proposed by Robert Hasbany, M.D. P.L.L.C. of Madison Heights has received a $60,000 low interest loan through the DEQ's Small Business Pollution Prevention Loan Program.

The medical facility will use the funds to install a digital x-ray machine and associated equipment at Madison Medical Arts Complex.  This project will eliminate 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 will not only reduce the amount of waste generated at this medical 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.

"I am extremely grateful for the low interest loan from the Small Business Pollution Prevention Loan Program and Citizens Bank enabling us to install digital x-ray equipment in our Madison Heights office" said Dr. Robert Hasbany, member of Robert Hasbany, M.D. P.L.L.C.  "This is a great program for small businesses like mine.  We are able to reduce waste, conserve energy, and provide our patients with a state of the art service."

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"