A project proposed by Plantenga’s Cleaners of Spring Lake has qualified for a $40,000 loan under the Department of Environmental Quality’s new Small Business Pollution Prevention Loan Program.

DEQ Director Russell Harding’s approval clears the way for finalizing the low-interest loan.

The program is part of the Clean Michigan Initiative, a $675 million environmental bond proposed by Gov. John Engler and overwhelmingly approved by voters in 1998. The program is open to small businesses with fewer than 100 employees. Projects that eliminate or reduce waste through source reduction or environmentally sound reuse or recycling are considered for funding.

"Pollution prevention is the most effective way to achieve environmental improvements," Harding said. "This is exactly the type of company that the loan program is designed to assist. I commend Plantenga’s Cleaners for its commitment to enhancing our environment, and for taking advantage of this worthwhile program."

The loan will enable Plantenga’s Cleaners to upgrade its dry-cleaning equipment and significantly reduce the annual amount of perchloroethylene purchased. Perchloroethylene is a solvent that may be harmful to human health and the environment.

The company expects to reduce its perchloroethylene usage by 83 percent by upgrading its equipment with carbon adsorption.

"Receiving a low-interest loan through the program allows us to proceed with this environmentally sound project that has been greatly needed," said LeAnn Glasser, owner of Plantenga’s Cleaners. "We are excited that with the help of this program we are able to create a healthier work environment for our employees and save money."

Loans of up to $100,000 are available to all private business sectors including manufacturing, farming, retail and service. Under the program, the DEQ and the company’s bank each fund half of the loan amount, ensuring that the maximum interest rate does not exceed 5 percent. In this instance, Grand Haven Bank will issue the loan upon completion of the loan documents.

For more information on the program, contact the DEQ at 1-800-662-9278.