August 22, 2007

An Allen Park doctor is going green with a pollution prevention project approved under the Department of Environmental Quality's Small Business Pollution Prevention Loan Program.

Dr. Muzaffar Awan will use the $110,560 loan to install a digital X-ray machine and associated equipment. 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.

"Small businesses in Michigan are working hard to find ways to reduce their overall environmental impact," said DEQ Director Steven E. Chester. "This project will benefit the Allen Park community and demonstrates that we can all make a difference in protecting and preserving Michigan's environment."

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

"We're pleased to be installing this new x-ray equipment in our office," said Dr. Muzaffar Awan, owner of the Allen Park Health Center. "It's a win-win for everyone, we're reducing wastes and saving money, while providing our patients a better and much more healthy 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 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 August 22, 2007 by Pat Watson