Contact:     Sharon Goble (517) 241-8280

 Detroit Dentist Goes Digital with State Loan
New X-ray machine aids pollution prevention effort

A Detroit dentist is going “digital” with a pollution prevention project approved under the Department of Environmental Quality’s Small Business Pollution Prevention Loan Program.

Dr. Darnell Kaigler will use the $100,000 loan to install a digital X-ray machine and associated equipment.  That will eliminate the need for radiographic film, lead-lined film containers, and the chemicals used to develop the film.  The new equipment also will reduce water and energy usage compared to conventional X-ray equipment.

“Michigan businesses are working hard to find ways in which they can minimize impacts on the environment,” DEQ Director Russell Harding said.  “I am pleased that they are taking advantage of this low-interest loan program to improve their environmental performance.”

The program is part of the Clean Michigan Initiative, a $675 million environmental bond proposed by Governor John Engler and overwhelmingly approved by voters in 1998.

 “We estimate that we can eliminate the annual purchase of 208 gallons of radiographic fixer and developer solution, and 260 film containers,” said Dr. Kaigler.  “In addition, this new equipment will reduce our water usage by almost 47,000 gallons a year, as well as save on our energy costs.”

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 loan funding.

Loans of up to $100,000 are available to all private business sectors, including manufacturing, farming, retail, and service.  The DEQ’s Environmental Assistance Division administers the program.

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