September 7, 2006

Department of Environmental Quality Director Steven E. Chester announced today that a pollution prevention project proposed by Brigadoon Golf Club in Newaygo County has received a $310,000 low interest loan through the DEQ’s Small Business Pollution Prevention Loan Program.

Brigadoon Golf Club will use the funds to replace the existing irrigation system for the golf course with more efficient irrigation controllers and sprinkler heads, as well as complete pump improvements to support the irrigation system changes. Loan proceeds will also fund the purchase of 23 electric golf carts to replace gasoline-powered carts.

The club estimates that it will reduce water consumption by 60,000,000 gallons per year, reduce emissions, and cut its gasoline usage by over 2,300 gallons per year.

“This project is an example of how businesses of all kinds can pursue pollution prevention,” said Director Chester. “Our agency is pleased to assist small businesses across the state in making improvements to their operations that protect Michigan’s environment.”

The DEQ and the company’s local lending institution, United Bank of Michigan, each contributed half of the loan proceeds.

“Brigadoon is known for its wildlife,” said Grant McKinley, president of Brigadoon Golf Club. “Wild turkey, red fox, white-tailed deer, and a designated salmon stream are part of our recreation experience here. This loan will help us to proceed with a pollution prevention project that supports our philosophy of blending environmentally sound business practices and nature.”

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 September 7, 2006 by Pat Watson