July 6, 2006

Department of Environmental Quality Director Steven E. Chester announced today that a total of $127,150 will fund two projects through Michigan’s end user and market development grant funds. The grants are designed to further the DEQ’s efforts to eliminate scrap tire piles by promoting innovative reuses of scrap tires.

“The DEQ is looking forward to increasing the use of scrap tire material in Michigan,” said Director Chester. “We can eliminate the environmental and public health threats posed by scrap tire piles, while expanding Michigan’s economy.”

Viking Energy of McBain, Missaukee County, received a $126,000 end-user grant to use tire-derived fuel in their processes, and the Saginaw County Road Commission received a $1,150 market development grant to study rubber-modified asphalt. The grants announced today are in addition to 35 grants totaling $3.9 million that were awarded in January 2006, for the cleanup of scrap tire sites throughout the state.

For further information on the DEQ’s efforts to find new uses for scrap tires, contact the Scrap Tire Regulatory Program, Waste and Hazardous Materials Division, DEQ, P.O. Box 30241, Lansing, Michigan 48909 7741; or contact Ms. Rhonda Oyer Zimmerman at 517 373 4750 or by e mail at oyerr@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”

Revised July 6, 2006 by Pat Watson