November 29, 2007

Department of Environmental Quality Director Steven E. Chester announced today that a pollution prevention project proposed by Southland Development of Muskegon County has received a $170,000 low interest loan through the DEQ's Small Business Pollution Prevention Loan Program.

Southland Development will use the funds to complete a pollution prevention project at Bent Pine Golf Club in Whitehall and enable them to replace the existing irrigation system for the golf course with a more efficient computer controlled system, as well as add controls to the current pumping subsystem.

"Small businesses in Michigan are working hard to find ways to reduce their overall environmental impact," said Director Chester. "The DEQ will continue to be a partner in these efforts that benefit Michigan's environment, as well as our economy."

Southland Development estimates that the new efficient irrigation system will reduce water consumption by 10,235,490 gallons per year and provide for annual energy savings of 21 percent (20,064 kWh).

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

"The low interest, P2 Loan Program made it possible for us to make a major capital improvement in our golf course and stay within our annual operating budget," said Scot Southland, member of Southland Development. "Because of the new irrigation system our customers will be playing golf on higher quality, more consistent turf throughout the entire golfing season. Completing this project is clearly better for the environment, our customers, and our bottom line."

Businesses with fewer than 500 employees can apply for loans of up to $400,000 with a guaranteed interest rate of not more than 5 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"

Revised November 29, 2007 by Pat Watson