Holt dentist receives environmental loan

Agency: Environmental Quality

August 18, 2011                                                                                                                 11-0811

For More Information                                               Brad Wurfel, 517-373-7917, wurfelb@michigan.gov 

       Karen Edlin, 517-373-0604, edlink@michigan.gov    

State DEQ officials today announced a $31,609 pollution prevention loan awarded to a Holt dental clinic to fund the purchase and installation of a new digital x-ray system, eliminating wastes from the company's former conventional x-ray system.

Michael J. Novello, DDS, PLC received the low-interest loan through the DEQ's Small Business Pollution Prevention Loan Program. This project eliminates the use of radiographic film, lead-lined film containers, and the chemicals used to develop the film. The new equipment also reduces water and energy usage compared to conventional x-ray equipment.

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

"Thanks to Dart Bank and the DEQ's P2 Loan Program," Novello said. "Securing a low, 3.05 percent loan through this partnership allows us to invest in the newest health care technology. This important project is a great benefit to our patients' care and privacy, while offering a more environmentally friendly service to our community."

Businesses with fewer than 500 employees can apply for loans 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, environmental 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, call the DEQ's Environmental Assistance Center at 800-662-9278.    

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