Rose City Veterinary Clinic Receives Environmental Loan

Contact: Robert McCann (517) 373-7917

Agency: Natural Resources

Department of Natural Resources and Environment Director Rebecca A. Humphries announced today that a pollution prevention project proposed by Ogemaw Veterinary Clinic PC has received a low interest loan through the DNRE's Small Business Pollution Prevention Loan Program.

Ogemaw Veterinary Clinic PC will use the funds to install a digital x-ray machine and associated equipment at their clinic located in Rose City.  The 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.

"We are pleased to partner with Ogemaw Veterinary Clinic PC in a project that demonstrates how businesses of all sizes can play an important role in protecting our environment," said Director Humphries.  "The upgrades they will be making to their equipment will not only reduce the amount of waste generated at their facility, but will also reduce their energy use and benefit their bottom line."

The DNRE and the company's local lending institution, Firstbank, each contributed half of the loan proceeds.

"Receiving this low-interest loan from the P2 Loan Program has helped us move forward with an environmentally sound project that we have needed to undertake," said Dr. Jacob Langendorfer, president of Ogemaw Veterinary Clinic PC.  "What a great opportunity; this project will benefit our patients, clients, and the environment."

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 DNRE's Environmental Assistance Center at 800-662-9278, or by e-mail at deq-ead-env-assist@michigan.gov.

The DNRE is committed to conserve, manage, protect, and promote accessible use and enjoyment of the state's environmental, natural resource, and related economic interests for current and future generations.