For More Information                                 Brad Wurfel, 517-373-7917, wurfelb@michigan.gov                                                                                  Karen Edlin, 517-373-0604, edlink@michigan.gov 

DEQ officials today announced a $96,110 pollution prevention loan awarded to East Lansing Orthopedic Association, P.C. to fund the purchase and installation of a new digital x-ray system.

The medical clinic received the low-interest loan through the DEQ's Small Business Pollution Prevention Loan Program. This project eliminates the need for 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, Capitol National Bank, each contributed half of the loan proceeds.

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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