Department of Environmental Quality Director Steven E. Chester announced today that a pollution prevention project proposed by Bone & Joint Institute, P.C. of Port Huron has received a $106,774 low interest loan through the DEQ's Small Business Pollution Prevention Loan Program.

Bone & Joint Institute, P.C. will use the funds to install a digital x-ray machine and associated equipment, which 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.

"Businesses of any size can play an important role in protecting and preserving our environment," said DEQ Director Steven E. Chester.  "This partnership with the Bone & Joint Institute will not only benefit our environment, but will also reduce their energy use and benefit their bottom line."

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

"Upgrading to digital x-ray brings new technology to our patients and assists our community in reducing pollution," said Tim Connell, Administrator for Bone & Joint Institute, P.C.  "We're grateful to the DEQ and Citizens Bank for working with us to get this exciting project off the ground."

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"