April 8, 2008

Department of Environmental Quality Director Steven E. Chester announced today that a $500,000 grant has been awarded to Entech, Inc. of White Pigeon to purchase equipment that will enable them to increase their use of scrap tires. Entech currently cuts whole scrap tires into tire chips, while the grant funds will pay for 50 percent of the cost of additional equipment to grind the tire chips into crumb rubber to be used in the plastic and rubber molding and extrusion markets.

Entech will have 18 months to complete contract requirements including installing and operating the new equipment. As part of the grant, Entech is committing to operate this equipment and produce crumb rubber for at least seven years.

"This grant will enable a new use for scrap tires in Michigan, and a new business opportunity for the company," said DEQ Director Chester. "The scrap tire grant program has continued to create a successful partnership in protecting our environment and fostering economic growth."

Funding for this grant program is available under the authority of Part 169, Scrap Tires, of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, as amended. Persons creating new or increased markets for Michigan scrap tires were eligible to apply for these funds.

Additional information is available by contacting the Scrap Tire Regulatory Program, Waste and Hazardous Materials Division, DEQ, P.O. Box 30241, Lansing, Michigan 48909-7741, at 517-241-2924; or contact Rhonda Oyer Zimmerman at 517-373-4750 or by e mail at oyerr@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"

Revised April 8, 2008 by Pat Watson