The Department of Environmental Quality announced today that a pollution prevention (P2) project proposed by the Allied Photographic & Imaging has received a $45,000 low interest loan through the DEQ's Small Business Pollution Prevention Loan Program.

Allied Photographic & Imaging will use the funds to purchase and install new digital photographic development equipment.  This project will eliminate the chemicals previously used to develop film, reduce annual water consumption by 98 percent, and reduce overall energy consumption at their Grand Rapids business.

"By reducing its chemical use and water consumption, Allied has demonstrated its commitment to protecting and preserving our environment," said DEQ Director Steven Chester.  "The improvements made possible by the loan not only benefit the environment, but also will result in cost savings for the company."

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

"Allied Photographic & Imaging is appreciative of working with Chemical Bank and the State of Michigan to successfully implement the low interest P2 Loan Program to purchase new environmentally friendly equipment," said Kim Toren-Freeman, president of Allied Photographic & Imaging.  "Establishing new product lines that will generate new revenue for small business in Michigan is more important than ever to help in surviving these challenging economic times.  Working together is a positive for Michigan and small business."

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 1-800-662-9278, 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"