Document:

<PAGE>   1
                                                                EXHIBIT 10.37

                     BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT (ASSET BASED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<C>                 <S>              <S>              <S>            <S>               <S>           <S>           <S>
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  PRINCIPAL         LOAN DATE         MATURITY        LOAN NO        CALL / COLL       ACCOUNT       OFFICER       INITIALS
$6,000,000.00       12-22-2000       04-01-2001       40007847        4A / 171                         JES
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    References in the shaded area are for Lender's use only and do not limit the applicability of this document to any
        particular loan or item. Any item above containing "***" has been omitted due to text length limitations.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
    <S>                                                               <C>
    BORROWER:  EARTHCARE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT OF FLORIDA, INC.         LENDER:  MARINE BANK
               P.O. BOX 76843                                                  FRANKLIN BRANCH
               TAMPA, FL 33675                                                 10068 W. LOOMIS ROAD
                                                                               FRANKLIN, WI 53132
===========================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

THIS BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT (ASSET BASED) DATED DECEMBER 22, 2000, IS MADE AND
EXECUTED BETWEEN EARTHCARE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT OF FLORIDA, INC. ("BORROWER")
AND MARINE BANK ("LENDER") ON THE FOLLOWING TERMS AND CONDITIONS. BORROWER HAS
RECEIVED PRIOR COMMERCIAL LOANS FROM LENDER OR HAS APPLIED TO LENDER FOR A
COMMERCIAL LOAN OR LOANS OR OTHER FINANCIAL ACCOMMODATIONS, INCLUDING THOSE
WHICH MAY BE DESCRIBED ON ANY EXHIBIT OR SCHEDULE ATTACHED TO THIS AGREEMENT
("LOAN"). BORROWER UNDERSTANDS AND AGREES THAT: (A) IN GRANTING, RENEWING, OR
EXTENDING ANY LOAN, LENDER IS RELYING UPON BORROWER'S REPRESENTATIONS,
WARRANTIES, AND AGREEMENTS AS SET FORTH IN THIS AGREEMENT, AND (B) ALL SUCH
LOANS SHALL BE AND REMAIN SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS AGREEMENT.

TERM. This Agreement shall be effective as of December 22, 2000, and shall
continue in full force and effect until such time as all of Borrower's Loans in
favor of Lender have been paid in full, including principal, interest, costs,
expenses, attorneys' fees, and other fees and charges, or until such time as
the parties may agree in writing to terminate this Agreement.

LINE OF CREDIT. Lender agrees to make Advances to Borrower from time to time
from the date of this Agreement to the Expiration Date, provided the aggregate
amount of such Advances outstanding at any time does not exceed the Borrowing
Base. Within the foregoing limits, Borrower may borrow, partially or wholly
prepay, and reborrow under this Agreement as follows:

     CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO EACH ADVANCE. Lender's obligation to make any
     Advance to or for the account of Borrower under this Agreement is subject
     to the following conditions precedent, with all documents, instruments,
     opinions, reports, and other items required under this Agreement to be in
     form and substance satisfactory to Lender:

          (1) Lender shall have received evidence that this Agreement and all
          Related Documents have been duly authorized, executed, and delivered
          by Borrower to Lender.

          (2) Lender shall have received such opinions of counsel, supplemental
          opinions, and documents as Lender may request.

          (3) The security interests in the Collateral shall have been duly
          authorized, created, and perfected with first lien priority and shall
          be in full force and effect.

          (4) All guaranties required by Lender for the credit facility(ies)
          shall have been executed by each Guarantor, delivered to Lender, and
          be in full force and effect.

          (5) Lender, at its option and for its sole benefit, shall have
          conducted an audit of Borrower's Accounts, Equipment, books, records,
          and operations, and Lender shall be satisfied as to their condition.

          (6) Borrower shall have paid to Lender all fees, costs, and expenses
          specified in this Agreement and the Related Documents as are then due
          and payable.

          (7) There shall not exist at the time of any Advance a condition which
          would constitute an Event of Default under this Agreement, and
          Borrower shall have delivered to Lender the compliance certificate
          called for in the paragraph below titled "Compliance Certificate."

     MAKING LOAN ADVANCES. Advances under this credit facility, as well as
     directions for payment from Borrower's accounts, may be requested orally or
     in writing by authorized persons. Lender may, but need not, require that
     all oral requests be confirmed in writing. Each Advance shall be
     conclusively deemed to have been made at the request of and for the benefit
     of Borrower (1) when credited to any deposit account of Borrower maintained
     with Lender or (2) when advanced in accordance with the instructions of an
     authorized person. Lender, at its option, may set a cutoff time, after
     which all requests for Advances will be treated as having been requested on
     the next succeeding Business Day.

     MANDATORY LOAN REPAYMENTS. If at any time the aggregate principal amount of
     the outstanding Advances shall exceed the applicable Borrowing Base,
     Borrower, immediately upon written or oral notice from Lender, shall pay to
     Lender an amount equal to the difference between the outstanding principal
     balance of the Advances and the Borrowing Base. On the Expiration Date,
     Borrower shall pay to Lender in full the aggregate unpaid principal amount
     of all Advances then outstanding and all accrued unpaid interest, together
     with all other applicable fees, costs and charges, if any, not yet paid.

     LOAN ACCOUNT. Lender shall maintain on its books a record of account in
     which Lender shall make entries for each Advance and such other debits and
     credits as shall be appropriate in connection with the credit facility.
     Lender shall provide Borrower with periodic statements of Borrower's
     account, which statements shall be considered to be correct and
     conclusively binding on Borrower unless Borrower notifies Lender to the
     contrary within thirty (30) days after Borrower's receipt of any such
     statement which Borrower deems to be incorrect.

COLLATERAL. To secure payment of the Primary Credit Facility and performance of
all other Loan, obligations and duties owed by Borrower to Lender, Borrower
(and others, if required) shall grant to Lender Security Interests in such
property and assets as Lender may require. Lender's Security Interests in the
Collateral shall be continuing liens and shall include the proceeds and
products of the Collateral, including without limitation the proceeds of any
insurance. With respect to the Collateral, Borrower agrees and represents and
warrants to Lender:

     PERFECTION OF SECURITY INTERESTS. Borrower agrees to execute such financing
     statements and to take whatever other actions are requested by Lender to
     perfect and continue Lender's Security Interests in the Collateral. Upon
     request of Lender, Borrower will deliver to Lender any and all of the
     documents evidencing or constituting the Collateral, and Borrower will note
     Lender's interest upon any and all chattel paper if not delivered to Lender
     for possession by Lender. Contemporaneous with the execution of this
     Agreement, Borrower will execute one or more UCC financing statements and
     any similar statements as may be required by applicable law, and will file
     such financing statements and all such similar statements in the
     appropriate location or locations. Borrower hereby appoints Lender as its
     irrevocable attorney-in-fact for the purpose of executing any documents
     necessary to perfect or to continue any Security Interest. Lender may at
     any time, and without further authorization from Borrower, file a carbon,
     photograph, facsimile, or other reproduction of any financing statement for
     use as a financing statement. Borrower will reimburse Lender for all
     expenses for the perfection, termination, and the continuation of the
     perfection of Lender's security interest in the Collateral. Borrower
     promptly will notify Lender of any change in Borrower's name including any
     change to the assumed business names of Borrower. Borrower also promptly
     will notify Lender of any change in Borrower Social Security Number or
     Employer Identification Number. Borrower further agrees to notify Lender in
     writing prior to any change in address or location of Borrower's principal
     governance office or should Borrower merge or consolidate with any other
     entity.
<PAGE>   2

                     BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT (ASSET BASED)
                                  (CONTINUED)                             PAGE 2
================================================================================

COLLATERAL RECORDS. Borrower does now, and at all times hereafter shall, keep
correct and accurate records of the Collateral, all of which records shall be
available to Lender or Lender's representative upon demand for inspection and
copying at any reasonable time. With respect to the Accounts, Borrower agrees
to keep and maintain such records as Lender may require, including without
limitation information concerning Eligible Accounts and Account balances and
agings. Records related to Accounts (Receivables) are or will be located at .
With respect to the Equipment, Borrower agrees to keep and maintain such
records as Lender may require, including without limitation information
concerning Eligible Equipment and records itemizing and describing the kind,
type, quality, and quantity of Equipment, Borrower's Equipment costs, and the
daily withdrawals and additions to Equipment. Records related to Equipment are
or will be located at . The above is an accurate and complete list of all
locations at which Borrower keeps or maintains business records concerning
Borrower's collateral.

COLLATERAL SCHEDULES. Concurrently with the execution and delivery of this
Agreement, Borrower shall execute and deliver to Lender schedules of Accounts
and Equipment and schedules of Eligible Accounts and Eligible Equipment in form
and substance satisfactory to the Lender. Thereafter supplemental schedules
shall be delivered according to the following schedule: With respect to
Eligible Accounts, schedules shall be delivered with each advance request when
borrowing, but no later than fifteen (15) days from the end of the month when
there is a balance outstanding.

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES CONCERNING ACCOUNTS. With respect to the
Accounts, Borrower represents and warrants to Lender: (1) Each Account
represented by Borrower to be an Eligible Account for purposes of this
Agreement conforms to the requirements of the definition of an Eligible
Account; (2) All Account information listed on schedules delivered to Lender
will be true and correct, subject to immaterial variance; and (3) Lender, its
assigns, or agents shall have the right at any time and at Borrower's expense
to inspect, examine, and audit Borrower's records and to confirm with Account
Debtors the accuracy of such Accounts.

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES CONCERNING EQUIPMENT. With respect to the
Equipment, Borrower represents and warrants to Lender: (1) All Equipment
represented by Borrower to be Eligible Equipment for purposes of this Agreement
conforms to the requirements of the definition of Eligible Equipment; (2) All
Equipment values listed on schedules delivered to Lender will be true and
correct, subject to immaterial variance; (3) The value of the Equipment will be
determined on a consistent accounting basis; (4) Except as agreed to the
contrary by Lender in writing, all Eligible Equipment is now and at all times
hereafter will be in Borrower's physical possession; (5) Except as reflected in
the Equipment schedules delivered to Lender, all Eligible Equipment is now and
at all times hereafter will be of good and merchantable quality, free from
defects; (6) Eligible Equipment is not now and will not at any time hereafter
be stored with a bailee, warehouseman, or similar party without Lender's prior
written consent, and, in such event, Borrower will concurrently at the time of
bailment cause any such bailee, warehouseman, or similar party to issue and
deliver to Lender, in form acceptable to Lender, warehouse receipts in Lender
name evidencing the storage of Equipment; and (7) Lender, its assigns, or
agents shall have the right at any time and at Borrower's expense to inspect
and examine the Equipment and to check and test the same as to quality,
quantity, value, and condition.

CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO EACH ADVANCE. Lender's obligation to make the initial
Advance and each subsequent Advance under this Agreement shall be subject to
the fulfillment to Lender's satisfaction of all of the conditions set forth in
this Agreement and in the Related Documents.

     LOAN DOCUMENTS. Borrower shall provide to Lender the following documents
     for the Loan: (1) the Note; (2) Security Agreements granting to Lender
     security interests in the Collateral; (3) financing statements perfecting
     Lender's Security Interests; (4) evidence of insurance as required below;
     (5) guaranties; (6) together with all such Related Documents as Lender may
     require for the Loan; all in form and substance satisfactory to Lender and
     Lender's counsel.

     BORROWER'S AUTHORIZATION. Borrower shall have provided in form and
     substance satisfactory to Lender properly certified resolutions, duly
     authorizing the execution and delivery of this agreement, the Note and the
     Related Documents. In addition, Borrower shall have provided such other
     resolutions, authorizations, documents and instruments as Lender or its
     counsel, may require.

     FEES AND EXPENSES UNDER THIS AGREEMENT. Borrower shall have paid to Lender
     all fees, costs, and expenses specified in this Agreement and the Related
     documents as are then due and payable.

     REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. The representations and warranties set
     forth in this Agreement, in the Related Documents, and in any document or
     certificate delivered to Lender under this Agreement are true and correct.

     NO EVENT OF DEFAULT. There shall not exist at the time of any Advance a
     condition which would constitute an Event of Default under this Agreement
     or under any Related Document.

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. Borrower represents and warrants to Lender, as
of the date of this Agreement, as of the date of each disbursement of loan
proceeds, as of the date of any renewal, extension or modification of any Loan,
and at all times any indebtedness exists:

     ORGANIZATION. Borrower is a corporation for profit which is, and at all
     times shall be, duly organized, validly existing, and in good standing
     under and by virtue of the laws of the State of Florida. Borrower is duly
     authorized to transact business in all other states in which Borrower is
     doing business, having obtained all necessary filings, governmental
     licenses and approvals for each state in which Borrower is doing business.
     Specifically, Borrower is, and at all times shall be, duly qualified as a
     foreign corporation in all states in which the failure to so qualify would
     have a material adverse effect on its business or financial condition.
     Borrower has the full power and authority to own its properties and to
     transact the business in which it is presently engaged or presently
     proposes to engage. Borrower maintains an office at P.O. Box 76843, Tampa,
     FL 33765. Unless Borrower has designated otherwise in writing, the
     principle office is the office at which Borrower keeps its books and
     records including its records concerning the Collateral. Borrower will
     notify Lender of any change in the location of Borrower's principle
     office. Borrower shall do all things necessary to preserve and to keep in
     full force and effect its existence, rights and privileges, and shall
     comply with all regulations, rules, ordinances, statutes, orders and
     decrees of any governmental or quasi-governmental authority or court
     applicable to Borrower and Borrower's business activities.

     ASSUMED BUSINESS NAMES. Borrower has filed or recorded all documents or
     filings required by law relating to all assumed business names used by
     Borrower. Excluding the name of Borrower, the following is a complete list
     of all assumed business names under which Borrower does business: NONE.

     AUTHORIZATION. Borrower's execution, delivery, and performance of this
     Agreement and all the Related Documents have been duly authorized by all
     necessary action by Borrower and do not conflict with, result in a
     violation of, or constitute a default under (1) any provision of Borrower's
     articles of incorporation or organization, or bylaws, or any agreement or
     other instrument binding upon Borrower or (2) any law, governmental
     regulation, court decree, or order applicable to Borrower or to Borrower's
     properties.

     FINANCIAL INFORMATION. Each of Borrower's financial statements supplied to
     Lender truly and completely disclosed Borrower's financial condition as of
     the date of the statement, and there has been no material adverse change in
     Borrower's financial condition subsequent to the date of the most recent
     financial statement supplied to Lender. Borrower has no material contingent
     obligations except as disclosed in such financial statements.

     LEGAL EFFECT. This Agreement constitutes, and any instrument or agreement
     Borrower is required to give under this Agreement when delivered will
     constitute legal, valid, and binding obligations of Borrower enforceable
     against Borrower in accordance with their respective terms.

     PROPERTIES. Except as contemplated by this Agreement or as previously
     disclosed in Borrower's financial statements or in writing to Lender and as

<PAGE>   3

                     BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT (ASSET BASED)
                                  (CONTINUED)                             PAGE 3
================================================================================

     accepted by Lender, and except for property tax liens for taxes not
     presently due and payable, Borrower owns and has good title to all of
     Borrower's properties free and clear of all Security Interests, and has not
     executed any security documents or financing statements relating to such
     properties. All of Borrower's properties are titled in Borrower's legal
     name, and Borrower has not used, or filed a financing statement under, any
     other name for at least the last five (5) years.

     HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES. Except as disclosed to and acknowledged by Lender in
     writing, Borrower represents and warrants that: (1) During the period of
     Borrower's ownership of Borrower's Collateral, there has been no use,
     generation, manufacture, storage, treatment, disposal, release or
     threatened release of any Hazardous Substance by any person on, under,
     about or from any of the Collateral. (2) Borrower has no knowledge of, or
     reason to believe that there has been (a) any breach or violation of any
     Environmental Laws; (b) any use, generation, manufacture, storage,
     treatment, disposal, release or threatened release of any Hazardous
     Substance on, under, about or from the Collateral by any prior owners or
     occupants of any of the Collateral; or (c) any actual or threatened
     litigation or claims of any kind by any person relating to such matters.
     (3) Neither Borrower nor any tenant, contractor, agent or other authorized
     user of any of the Collateral shall use, generate, manufacture, store,
     treat, dispose of or release any Hazardous Substance on, under, about or
     from any of the Collateral; and any such activity shall be conducted in
     compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations,
     and ordinances, including without limitation all Environmental Laws.
     Borrower authorizes Lender and its agents to enter upon the Collateral to
     make such inspections and tests as Lender may deem appropriate to determine
     compliance of the Collateral with this section of the Agreement. Any
     inspections or tests made by Lender shall be at Borrower's expense and for
     Lender's purposes only and shall not be construed to create any
     responsibility or liability on the part of Lender to Borrower or to any
     other person. The representations and warranties contained herein are based
     on Borrower's due diligence in investigating the Collateral for hazardous
     waste and Hazardous Substances. Borrower hereby (1) releases and waives any
     future claims against Lender for indemnity or contribution in the event
     Borrower becomes liable for cleanup or other costs under any such laws, and
     (2) agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Lender against any and all
     claims, losses, liabilities, damages, penalties, and expenses which Lender
     may directly or indirectly sustain or suffer resulting from a breach of
     this section of the Agreement or as a consequence of any use, generation,
     manufacture, storage, disposal, release or threatened release of a
     hazardous waste or substance on the Collateral. The provisions of this
     section of the Agreement, including the obligation to indemnify, shall
     survive the payment of the indebtedness and the termination, expiration or
     satisfaction of this Agreement and shall not be affected by Lender's
     acquisition of any interest in any of the Collateral, whether by
     foreclosure or otherwise.

     LITIGATION AND CLAIMS. No litigation, claim, investigation, administrative
     proceeding or similar action (including those for unpaid taxes) against
     Borrower is pending or threatened, and no other event has occurred which
     may materially adversely affect Borrower's financial condition or
     properties, other than litigation, claims, or other events, if any, that
     have been disclosed to and acknowledged by Lender in writing.

     TAXES. To the best of Borrower's knowledge, all of Borrower's tax returns
     and reports that are or were required to be filed, have been filed, and all
     taxes, assessments and other governmental charges have been paid in full,
     except those presently being or to be contested by Borrower in good faith
     in the ordinary course of business and for which adequate reserves have
     been provided.

     LIEN PRIORITY. Unless otherwise previously disclosed to Lender in writing,
     Borrower has not entered into or granted any Security Agreements, or
     permitted the filing or attachment of any Security Interests on or
     affecting any of the Collateral directly or indirectly securing repayment
     of Borrower's Loan and Note, that would be prior or that may in any way be
     superior to Lender's Security Interests and rights in and to such
     Collateral.

     BINDING EFFECT. This Agreement, the Note, all Security Agreements (if any),
     and all Related Documents are binding upon the signers thereof, as well as
     upon their successors, representatives and assigns, and are legally
     enforceable in accordance with their respective terms.

AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS. Borrower covenants and agrees with Lender that, so long
as this Agreement remains in effect, Borrower will:

     NOTICES OF CLAIMS AND LITIGATION. Promptly inform Lender in writing of (1)
     all material adverse changes in Borrower's financial condition, and (2) all
     existing and all threatened litigation, claims, investigations,
     administrative proceedings or similar actions affecting Borrower or any
     Guarantor which could materially affect the financial condition of Borrower
     or the financial condition of any Guarantor.

     FINANCIAL RECORDS. Maintain its books and records in accordance with GAAP,
     applied on a consistent basis, and permit Lender to examine and audit
     Borrower's books and records at all reasonable times.

     FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. Furnish Lender with the following:

          ANNUAL STATEMENTS. As soon as available, but in no event later than
          180 days after the end of each fiscal year, Borrower's balance sheet
          and income statement for the year ended, audited by a certified public
          accountant satisfactory to Lender.

          INTERIM STATEMENTS. As soon as available, but in no event later than
          45 days after the end of each fiscal quarter, Borrower's balance sheet
          and profit and loss statement for the period ended, prepared by
          Borrower.

          TAX RETURNS. As soon as available, but in no event later than thirty
          (30) days after the applicable filing date for the tax reporting
          period ended, Federal and other governmental tax returns, prepared by
          Borrower.

     All financial reports required to be provided under this Agreement shall be
     prepared in accordance with GAAP, applied on a consistent basis, and
     certified by Borrower as being true and correct.

     ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. Furnish such additional information and statements,
     as Lender may request from time to time.

     FINANCIAL COVENANTS AND RATIOS. Comply with the following covenants and
     ratios:

          WORKING CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS. Borrower shall comply with the following
          working capital ratio requirements:

               CURRENT RATIO. Maintain a Current Ratio in excess of 1.000 TO
               1.000. The term "Current Ratio" means Borrower's total Current
               Assets divided by Borrower's total Current Liabilities.

          MINIMUM INCOME AND CASH FLOW REQUIREMENTS.

          TANGIBLE NET WORTH REQUIREMENTS. Other Net Worth requirements are as
          follows: Maintain a minimum Net Worth and Subordinated Debt of not
          less than $4,500,000.00.

          OPERATING RATIO REQUIREMENTS. Borrower shall comply with the following
          operating ratio requirements:

          EXPENSE RATIO REQUIREMENTS: Borrower shall comply with the following
          expense ratio requirements:

          OTHER REQUIREMENTS.
          Total Unsubordinated Liability/Tangible Net Worth and Subordinated
          Debt may not exceed 4.00 to 1.00.

          Except as provided above, all computations made to determine
          compliance with the requirements contained in this paragraph shall be
          made in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles,
          applied on a consistent basis, and certified by Borrower as being true
          and correct.

<PAGE>   4

                     BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT (ASSET BASED)
                                  (CONTINUED)                             PAGE 4
================================================================================

     INSURANCE. Maintain fire and other risk insurance, public liability
     insurance, and such other insurance as Lender may require with respect to
     Borrower's properties and operations, in form, amounts, coverages and with
     insurance companies acceptable to Lender. Borrower, upon request of Lender,
     will deliver to Lender from time to time the policies or certificates of
     insurance in form satisfactory to Lender, including stipulations that
     coverages will not be cancelled or diminished without at least ten (10)
     days prior written notice to Lender. Each insurance policy also shall
     include an endorsement providing that coverage in favor of Lender will not
     be impaired in any way by any act, omission or default of Borrower or any
     other person. In connection with all policies covering assets in which
     Lender holds or is offered a security interest for the Loans, Borrower will
     provide Lender with such lender's loss payable or other endorsements as
     Lender may require.

     INSURANCE REPORTS. Furnish to Lender, upon request of Lender, reports on
     each existing insurance policy showing such information as Lender may
     reasonably request, including without limitation the following: (1) the
     name of the insurer; (2) the risks insured; (3) the amount of the policy;
     (4) the properties insured; (5) the then current property values on the
     basis of which insurance has been obtained, and the manner of determining
     those values; and (6) the expiration date of the policy. In addition, upon
     request of Lender (however not more often than annually), Borrower will
     have an independent appraiser satisfactory to Lender determine, as
     applicable, the actual cash value or replacement cost of any Collateral.
     The cost of such appraisal shall be paid by Borrower.

     GUARANTIES. Prior to disbursement of any Loan proceeds, furnish executed
     guaranties of the Loans in favor of Lender, executed by the guarantors
     named below, on Lender's forms, and in the amounts and under the conditions
     set forth in those guaranties.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
       NAMES OF GUARANTORS                   AMOUNTS
       -------------------                   -------
<S>                                         <C>
       HIGHLAND HOLDINGS, INC.              UNLIMITED
       DONALD F. MOOREHEAD                  UNLIMITED
       SOLID WASTE VENTURES, INC.           UNLIMITED
</TABLE>

     OTHER AGREEMENTS. Comply with all terms and conditions of all other
     agreements, whether now or hereafter existing, between Borrower and any
     other party and notify Lender immediately in writing of any default in
     connection with any other such agreements.

     LOAN PROCEEDS. Use all Loan proceeds solely for Borrower's business
     operations, unless specifically consented to the contrary by Lender in
     writing.

     TAXES, CHARGES AND LIENS. Pay and discharge when due all of its
     indebtedness and obligations, including without limitation all assessments,
     taxes, governmental charges, levies and liens, of every kind and nature,
     imposed upon Borrower or its properties, income, or profits, prior to the
     date on which penalties would attach, and all lawful claims that, if
     unpaid, might become a lien or charge upon any of Borrower's properties,
     income, or profits.

     PERFORMANCE. Perform and comply, in a timely manner, with all terms,
     conditions, and provisions set forth in this Agreement, in the Related
     Documents, and in all other instruments and agreements between Borrower and
     Lender. Borrower shall notify Lender immediately in writing of any default
     in connection with any agreement.

     OPERATIONS. Maintain executive and management personnel with substantially
     the same qualifications and experience as the present executive and
     management personnel; provide written notice to Lender of any change in
     executive and management personnel; conduct its business affairs in a
     reasonable and prudent manner.

     ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES. Promptly conduct and complete, at Borrower's
     expense, all such investigations, studies, samplings and testings as may be
     requested by Lender or any governmental authority relative to any
     substance, or any waste or by-product of any substance defined as toxic or
     a hazardous substance under applicable federal, state, or local law, rule,
     regulation, order or directive, at or affecting any property or any
     facility owned, leased or used by Borrower.

     COMPLIANCE WITH GOVERNMENTAL REQUIREMENTS. Comply with all laws,
     ordinances, and regulations, now or hereafter in effect, of all
     governmental authorities applicable to the conduct of Borrower's
     properties, businesses and operations, and to the use or occupancy of the
     Collateral, including without limitation, the Americans With Disabilities
     Act. Borrower may contest in good faith any such law, ordinance, or
     regulation and withhold compliance during any proceeding, including
     appropriate appeals, so long as Borrower has notified Lender in writing
     prior to doing so and so long as, in Lender's sole opinion, Lender's
     interests in the Collateral are not jeopardized. Lender may require
     Borrower to post adequate security or a surety bond, reasonably
     satisfactory to Lender, to protect Lender's interest.

     INSPECTION. Permit employees or agents of Lender at any reasonable time to
     inspect any and all Collateral for the Loan or Loans and Borrower's other
     properties and to examine or audit Borrower's books, accounts, and records
     and to make copies and memoranda of Borrower's books, accounts, and
     records. If Borrower now or at any time hereafter maintains any records
     (including without limitation computer generated records and computer
     software programs for the generation of such records) in the possession of
     a third party, Borrower, upon request of Lender, shall notify such party to
     permit Lender free access to such records at all reasonable times and to
     provide Lender with copies of any records it may request, all at Borrower's
     expense.

     COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATES. Unless waived in writing by Lender, provide Lender
     at least annually and at the time of each disbursement of Loan proceeds,
     with a certificate executed by Borrower's chief financial officer, or other
     officer or person acceptable to Lender, certifying that the representations
     and warranties set forth in this Agreement are true and correct as of the
     date of the certificate and further certifying that, as of the date of the
     certificate, no Event of Default exists under this Agreement.

     ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AND REPORTS. Borrower shall comply in all respects
     with any and all Environmental Laws; not cause or permit to exist, as a
     result of an intentional or unintentional action or omission on Borrower's
     part or on the part of any third party, on property owned and/or occupied
     by Borrower, any environmental activity where damage may result to the
     environment, unless such environmental activity is pursuant to and in
     compliance with the conditions of a permit issued by the appropriate
     federal, state or local governmental authorities; shall furnish to Lender
     promptly and in any event within thirty (30) days after receipt thereof a
     copy of any notice, summons, lien, citation, directive, letter or other
     communication from any governmental agency or instrumentality concerning
     any intentional or unintentional action or omission on Borrower's part in
     connection with any environmental activity whether or not there is damage
     to the environment and/or other natural resources.

     ADDITIONAL ASSURANCES. Make, execute and deliver to Lender such promissory
     notes, mortgages, deeds of trust, security agreements, assignments,
     financing statements, instruments, documents and other agreements as Lender
     or its attorneys may reasonably request to evidence and secure the Loans
     and to perfect all Security Interests.

LENDER'S EXPENDITURES. If any action or proceeding is commenced that would
materially affect Lender's interest in the Collateral or if Borrower fails to
comply with any provision of this Agreement or any Related Documents, including
but not limited to Borrower's failure to discharge or pay when due any amounts
Borrower is required to discharge or pay under this Agreement or any Related
Documents, Lender on Borrower's behalf may (but shall not be obligated to) take
any action that Lender deems appropriate, including but not limited to
discharging or paying all taxes, liens, security interests, encumbrances and
other claims, at any time levied or placed on any Collateral and paying all
costs for insuring, maintaining and preserving any Collateral. All such
expenditures incurred or paid by Lender for such purposes will then bear
interest at the rate charged under the Note from the date incurred or paid by
Lender to the date of repayment by Borrower. All such expenses will become a
part of the Indebtedness and, at Lender's

<PAGE>   5
                     BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT (ASSET BASED)
                                  (CONTINUED)                             PAGE 5
================================================================================

option, will (A) be payable on demand; (B) be added to the balance of the Note
and be apportioned among and be payable with any installment payments to become
due during either (1) the term of any applicable insurance policy; or (2) the
remaining term of the Note; or (C) be treated as a balloon payment which will be
due and payable at the Note's maturity.

NEGATIVE COVENANTS. Borrower covenants and agrees with Lender that while this
Agreement is in effect, Borrower shall not, without the prior written consent
of Lender:

     INDEBTEDNESS AND LIENS. (1) Except for trade debt incurred in the normal
     course of business and indebtedness to Lender contemplated by this
     Agreement, create, incur or assume indebtedness for borrowed money,
     including capital leases, (2) sell, transfer, mortgage, assign, pledge,
     lease, grant a security interest in, or encumber any of Borrower's assets
     (except as allowed as Permitted Liens), or (3) sell with recourse any of
     Borrower's accounts, except to Lender.

     CONTINUITY OF OPERATIONS. (1) Engage in any business activities
     substantially different than those in which Borrower is presently engaged,
     (2) cease operations, liquidate, merge, transfer, acquire or consolidate
     with any other entity, change its name, dissolve or transfer or sell
     Collateral out of the ordinary course of business, or (3) pay any
     dividends on Borrower's stock (other than dividends payable in its stock),
     provided, however that notwithstanding the foregoing, but only so long as
     no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result from
     the payment of dividends, if Borrower is a "Subchapter S Corporation" (as
     defined in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended), Borrower may
     pay cash dividends on its stock to its shareholders from time to time in
     amounts necessary to enable the shareholders to pay income tax and make
     estimated income tax payments to satisfy their liabilities under federal
     and state law which arise solely from their status as Shareholders of a
     Subchapter S Corporation because of their ownership of shares of
     Borrower's stock, or purchase or retire any of Borrower's outstanding
     shares or alter or amend Borrower's capital structure.

     LOANS, ACQUISITIONS AND GUARANTIES. (1) Loan, invest in or advance money
     or assets, (2) purchase, create or acquire any interest in any other
     enterprise or entity, or (3) incur any obligation as surety or guarantor
     other than in the ordinary course of business.

CESSATION OF ADVANCES. If Lender has made any commitment to make any Loan to
Borrower, whether under this Agreement or under any other agreement, Lender
shall have no obligation to make Loan Advances or to disburse Loan proceeds if:
(A) Borrower or any Guarantor is in default under the terms of this Agreement
or any of the Related Documents or any other agreement that Borrower or any
Guarantor has with Lender; (B) Borrower or any Guarantor dies, becomes
incompetent or becomes insolvent, files a petition in bankruptcy or similar
proceedings, or is adjudged a bankrupt; (C) there occurs a material adverse
change in Borrower's financial condition, in the financial condition of any
Guarantor, or in the value of any Collateral securing any Loan; or (D) any
Guarantor seeks, claims or otherwise attempts to limit, modify or revoke such
Guarantor's guaranty of the Loan or any other loan with Lender; or (E) Lender
in good faith deems itself insecure, even though no Event of Default shall have
occurred.

RIGHT OF SETOFF. To the extent permitted by applicable law, Lender reserves a
right of setoff in all Borrower's accounts with Lender (whether checking,
savings, or some other account). This includes all accounts Borrower holds
jointly with someone else and all accounts Borrower may open in the future.
However, this does not include any IRA or Keogh accounts, or any trust accounts
for which setoff would be prohibited by law. Borrower authorizes Lender, to the
extent permitted by applicable law, to charge or setoff all sums owing on the
indebtedness against any and all such accounts.

DEFAULT. Each of the following shall constitute an Event of Default under this
Agreement:

     PAYMENT DEFAULT. Borrower fails to make any payment when due under the
     Loan.

     OTHER DEFAULTS. Borrower fails to comply with or to perform any other term,
     obligation, covenant or condition contained in this Agreement or in any of
     the Related Documents or to comply with or to perform any term,
     obligation, covenant or condition contained in any other agreement between
     Lender and Borrower.

     DEFAULT IN FAVOR OF THIRD PARTIES. Borrower or any Grantor defaults under
     any loan, extension of credit, security agreement, purchase or sales
     agreement, or any other agreement, in favor of any other creditor or
     person that may materially affect any of Borrower's or any Grantor's
     property or Borrower's or any Grantor's ability to repay the Loans or
     perform their respective obligations under this Agreement or any of the
     Related Documents.

     FALSE STATEMENTS. Any warranty, representation or statement made or
     furnished to Lender by Borrower or on Borrower's behalf under this
     Agreement, the Note, or the Related Documents is false or misleading in any
     material respect, either now or at the time made or furnished or becomes
     false or misleading at any time thereafter.

     INSOLVENCY. The dissolution or termination of Borrower's existence as a
     going business, the insolvency of Borrower, the appointment of a receiver
     for any part of the Borrower's property, any assignment for the benefit
     of creditors, any type of creditor workout, or the commencement of any
     proceeding under any bankruptcy or insolvency laws by or against Borrower.

     DEFECTIVE COLLATERALIZATION. This Agreement or any of the Related
     Documents ceases to be in full force and effect (including failure of any
     collateral document to create a valid and perfected security interest or
     lien) at any time and for any reason.

     CREDITOR OR FORFEITURE PROCEEDINGS. Commencement of foreclosure or
     forfeiture proceedings, whether by judicial proceeding, self-help,
     repossession or any other method, by any creditor of Borrower or by any
     governmental agency against any collateral securing the Loan. This includes
     a garnishment of any of Borrower's accounts, including deposit accounts,
     with Lender. However, this Event of Default shall not apply if there is a
     good faith dispute by Borrower as to the validity or reasonableness of the
     claim which is the basis of the creditor or forfeiture proceeding and if
     Borrower gives Lender written notice of the creditor or forfeiture
     proceeding and deposits with Lender monies or a surety bond for the
     creditor or forfeiture proceeding, in an amount determined by Lender, in
     its sole discretion, as being an adequate reserve or bond for the dispute.

     EVENTS AFFECTING GUARANTOR. Any of the preceding events occurs with
     respect to any Guarantor of any of the Indebtedness or any Guarantor dies
     or becomes incompetent, or revokes or disputes the validity of, or
     liability under, any Guaranty of the Indebtedness.

     CHANGE IN OWNERSHIP. Any change in ownership of twenty-five percent (25%)
     or more of the common stock of Borrower.

     ADVERSE CHANGE. A material adverse change occurs in Borrower's financial
     condition, or Lender believes the prospect of payment or performance of the
     Loan is impaired.

     INSECURITY. Lender in good faith believes itself insecure.

     EFFECT OF AN EVENT OF DEFAULT. If any Event of Default shall occur, except
     where otherwise provided in this Agreement or the Related Documents, all
     commitments and obligations of Lender under this Agreement or the Related
     Documents or any other agreement immediately will terminate (including
     any obligation to make further Loan Advances or disbursements), and, at
     Lender's option, all Indebtedness immediately will become due and payable,
     all without notice of any kind to Borrower, except that in the case of an
     Event of Default of the type described in the "Insolvency" subsection
     above, such acceleration shall be automatic and not optional. In addition,
     Lender shall have all the rights and remedies provided in the Related
     Documents or available at law, in equity, or otherwise. Except as may be
     prohibited by applicable law, all of the Lender's rights and remedies
     shall be cumulative and may be exercised singularly or concurrently.
     Election by Lender to pursue any remedy shall not exclude pursuit of any
     other remedy, and an election to make expenditures or to take action to
     perform an obligation of Borrower or of any Guarantor shall not affect
     Lender's right to declare a default and to exercise its rights and
     remedies.
<PAGE>   6

                     BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT (ASSET BASED)
                                  (CONTINUED)                             PAGE 6
================================================================================

MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS. The following miscellaneous provisions are part of
this Agreement:

     AMENDMENTS. This Agreement, together with any Related Documents,
     constitutes the entire understanding and agreement of the parties as to the
     matters set forth in this Agreement. No alteration of or amendment to this
     Agreement shall be effective unless given in writing and signed by the
     party or parties sought to be charged or bound by the alteration or
     amendment.

     ATTORNEYS' FEES; EXPENSES. Borrower agrees to pay upon demand all of
     Lender's costs and expenses, including Lender's attorneys' fees and
     Lender's legal expenses, incurred in connection with the enforcement of
     this Agreement. Lender may hire or pay someone else to help enforce this
     Agreement, and Borrower shall pay the costs and expenses of such
     enforcement. Costs and expenses include Lender's attorneys' fees and legal
     expenses whether or not there is a lawsuit, including attorneys' fees and
     legal expenses for bankruptcy proceedings (including efforts to modify or
     vacate any automatic stay or injunction), appeals, and any anticipated
     post-judgment collection services. Borrower also shall pay all court costs
     and such additional fees as may be directed by the court.

     CAPTION HEADINGS. Caption headings in this Agreement are for convenience
     purposes only and are not to be used to interpret or define the provisions
     of this Agreement.

     CONSENT OF LOAN PARTICIPATION. Borrower agrees and consents to Lender's
     sale or transfer, whether now or later, of one or more participation
     interests in the Loan to one or more purchasers, whether related or
     unrelated to Lender. Lender may provide, without any limitation whatsoever,
     to any one or more purchasers, or potential purchasers, any information or
     knowledge Lender may have about Borrower or about any other matter relating
     to the Loan, and Borrower hereby waives any rights to privacy Borrower may
     have with respect to such matters. Borrower additionally waives any and all
     notices of sale of participation interests, as well as all notices of any
     repurchase of such participation interests. Borrower also agrees that the
     purchasers of any such participation interests will be considered as the
     absolute owners of such interests in the Loan and will have all the rights
     granted under the participation agreement or agreements governing the sale
     of such participation interests. Borrower further waives all rights of
     offset or counterclaim that it may have now or later against Lender or
     against any purchaser of such a participation interest and unconditionally
     agrees that either Lender or such purchaser may enforce Borrower's
     obligation under the Loan irrespective of the failure or insolvency of any
     holder of any interest in the Loan. Borrower further agrees that the
     purchaser of any such participation interests may enforce its interests
     irrespective of any personal claims or defenses that Borrower may have
     against Lender.

     GOVERNING LAW. THIS AGREEMENT WILL BE GOVERNED BY, CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED
     IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL LAW AND THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF WISCONSIN. THIS
     AGREEMENT HAS BEEN ACCEPTED BY LENDER IN THE STATE OF WISCONSIN.

     CHOICE OF VENUE. If there is a lawsuit, Borrower agrees upon Lender's
     request to submit to the jurisdiction of the courts of Milwaukee County,
     State of Wisconsin.

     NO WAIVER BY LENDER. Lender shall not be deemed to have waived any rights
     under this Agreement unless such waiver is given in writing and signed by
     Lender. No delay or omission on the part of Lender in exercising any right
     shall operate as a waiver of such right or any other right. A waiver by
     Lender of a provision of this Agreement shall not prejudice or constitute a
     waiver of Lender's right otherwise to demand strict compliance with that
     provision or any other provision of this Agreement. No prior waiver by
     Lender, nor any course of dealing between Lender and Borrower, or between
     Lender and any Grantor, shall constitute a waiver of any of Lender's rights
     or of any of Borrower's or any Grantor's obligations as to any future
     transactions. Whenever the consent of Lender is required under this
     Agreement, the granting of such consent by Lender in any instance shall not
     constitute continuing consent to subsequent instances where such consent is
     required and in all cases such consent may be granted or withheld in the
     sole discretion of Lender.

     NOTICES. Any notice required to be given under this Agreement shall be
     given in writing, and shall be effective when actually delivered, when
     actually received by telefacsimile (unless otherwise required by law), when
     deposited with a nationally recognized overnight courier, or, if mailed,
     when deposited in the United States mail, as first class, certified or
     registered mail postage prepaid, directed to the addresses shown near the
     beginning of this Agreement. Any party may change its address for notices
     under this Agreement by giving formal written notice to the other parties,
     specifying that the purpose of the notice is to change the party's address.
     For notice purposes, Borrower agrees to keep Lender informed at all times
     of Borrower's current address. Unless otherwise provided or required by
     law, if there is more than one Borrower, any notice given by Lender to any
     Borrower is deemed to be notice given to all Borrowers.

     SEVERABILITY. If a court of competent jurisdiction finds any provision of
     this Agreement to be illegal, invalid, or unenforceable as to any
     circumstance, that finding shall not make the offending provision illegal,
     invalid, or unenforceable as to any other circumstance. If feasible, the
     offending provision shall be considered modified so that it becomes legal,
     valid and enforceable. If the offending provision cannot be so modified, it
     shall be considered deleted from this Agreement. Unless otherwise required
     by law, the illegality, invalidity, or unenforceability of any provision
     of this Agreement shall not affect the legality, validity or enforceability
     of any other provision of this Agreement shall not affect the legality,
     validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement.

     SUBSIDIARIES AND AFFILIATES OF BORROWER. To the extent the context of any
     provisions of this Agreement makes it appropriate, including without
     limitation any representation, warranty or covenant, the word "Borrower" as
     used in this Agreement shall include all of Borrower's subsidiaries and
     affiliates. Notwithstanding the foregoing however, under no circumstances
     shall this Agreement be construed to require Lender to make any Loan or
     other financial accommodation to any of Borrower's subsidiaries or
     affiliates.

     SUCCESSOR AND ASSIGNS. All covenants and agreements contained by or on
     behalf of Borrower shall bind Borrower's successors and assigns and shall
     inure to the benefit of Lender and its successors and assigns. Borrower
     shall not, however, have the right to assign Borrower's rights under this
     Agreement or any interest therein, without the prior written consent of
     Lender.

     SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. Borrower understands and agrees
     that in extending Loan Advances, Lender is relying on all representations,
     warranties, and covenants made by Borrower in this Agreement or in any
     certificate or other instrument delivered by Borrower to Lender under this
     Agreement or the Related Documents. Borrower further agrees that regardless
     of any investigation made by Lender, all such representations, warranties
     and covenants will survive the extension of Loan Advances and delivery to
     Lender of the Related Documents, shall be continuing in nature, shall be
     deemed made and redated by Borrower at the time each Loan Advance is made,
     and shall remain in full force and effect until such time as Borrower's
     Indebtedness shall be paid in full, or until this Agreement shall be
     terminated in the manner provided above, whichever is the last to occur.

     TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE. Time is of the essence in the performance of this
     Agreement.

     WAIVE JURY. ALL PARTIES TO THIS AGREEMENT HEREBY WAIVE THE RIGHT TO ANY
     JURY TRIAL IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING, OR COUNTERCLAIM BROUGHT BY ANY PARTY
     AGAINST ANY OTHER PARTY.

DEFINITIONS. The following capitalized words and terms shall have the following
meanings when used in this Agreement. Unless specifically stated to the
contrary, all references to dollar amounts shall mean amounts in lawful money
of the United States of America. Words and terms used in the singular shall
include the plural, and the plural shall include the singular, as the context
may require. Words and terms not otherwise defined in this Agreement shall
have the meanings attributed to such terms in the Uniform Commercial Code.
Accounting words and terms not otherwise defined in this Agreement shall have
the meanings assigned to them in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles as in effect on the date of this Agreement:

<PAGE>   7
                     BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT (ASSET BASED)
                                  (CONTINUED)                             Page 7
================================================================================

ACCOUNT. The word "Account" means a trade account, account receivable, other
receivable, or other right to payment for goods sold or services rendered owing
to Borrower (or to a third party grantor acceptable to Lender).

ADVANCE. The word "Advance" means a disbursement of Loan funds made, or to be
made, to Borrower or on Borrower's behalf under the terms and conditions of
this Agreement.

AGREEMENT. The word "Agreement" means this Business Loan Agreement (Asset
Based), as this Business Loan Agreement (Asset Based) may be amended or
modified from time to time, together with all exhibits and schedules attached
to this Business Loan Agreement (Asset Based) from time to time.

BORROWER. The word "Borrower" means EarthCare Resource Management of Florida,
Inc., and all other persons and entities signing the Note in whatever capacity.

BORROWING BASE. The words "Borrowing Base" mean, as determined by Lender from
time to time, the lesser of (1) $6,000,000.00 or (2) the sum of (a) 80.000% of
the aggregate amount of Eligible Accounts, plus (b) 50.000% of the aggregate
amount of Eligible Equipment.

BUSINESS DAY. The words "Business Day" mean a day on which commercial banks are
open in the State of Wisconsin.

COLLATERAL. The word "Collateral" means all property and assets granted as
collateral security for a Loan, whether real or personal property, whether
granted directly or indirectly, whether granted now or in the future, and
whether granted in the form of a security interest, mortgage, collateral
mortgage, deed of trust, assignment, pledge, chattel mortgage, crop pledge,
chattel mortgage, collateral chattel mortgage, chattel trust, factor's lien,
equipment trust, conditional sale, trust receipt, lien, charge, lien or title
retention contract, lease or consignment intended as a security device, or any
other security or lien interest whatsoever, whether created by law, contract,
or otherwise. The word Collateral also includes without limitations all
collateral described in the Collateral section of this Agreement.

ELIGIBLE ACCOUNTS. The words "Eligible Accounts" mean at any time, all of
Borrower's Accounts which contain selling terms and conditions acceptable to
Lender. The net amount of any Eligible Account against which Borrower may
borrow shall exclude all returns, discounts, credits, and offsets of any
nature, Unless otherwise agreed to by Lender in writing, Eligible Accounts do
not include:

     (1) Accounts with respect to which the Account Debtor is employee or agent
of Borrower.

     (2) Accounts with respect to which the Account Debtor is a subsidiary of,
or affiliated with Borrower or its shareholders, officers, or directors.

     (3) Accounts with respect to which goods are placed on consignment,
guaranteed sale, or other terms by reason of which the payment by the Account
Debtor may be conditional.

     (4) Accounts with respect to which Borrower is or may become liable to the
Account Debtor for goods sold or services rendered by the Account Debtor to
Borrower.

     (5) Accounts which are subject to dispute, counterclaim, or setoff.

     (6) Accounts with respect to which goods have not been shipped or
delivered, or the services have not been rendered, to the Account Debtor.

     (7) Accounts with respect to which Lender, in its sole discretion, deems
the creditworthiness or financial condition of the Account Debtor to be
unsatisfactory.

     (8) Accounts of any Account Debtor who has filed or has had filed against
it a petition in bankruptcy or an application for relief under any provision of
any state or federal bankruptcy, insolvency, or debtor-in-relief acts; or who
has had appointed a trustee, custodian, or receiver for the assets of such
Account Debtor; or who has made an assignment for the benefit of creditors or
has become insolvent or fails generally to pay its debts (including its
payrolls) as such debts become due.

     (9) Accounts which have not been paid in full within 90 from the invoice
date.

ELIGIBLE EQUIPMENT. The words "Eligible Equipment" mean, at any time, all of
Borrower's Equipment as defined below except:

     (1) Equipment which is not owned by Borrower free and clear of all
security interests, liens, encumbrances, and claims of third parties.

     (2) Equipment which Lender, in its sole discretion, deems to be obsolete,
unsalable, damaged, defective, or unfit for operation.

ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS. The words "Environmental Laws" mean any and all state,
federal and local statutes, regulations and ordinances relating to the
protection of human health or the environment, including without limitation the
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980,
as amended, 42 U.S.C. Section 9601, et seq. ("CERCLA"), the Superfund
Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986, Pub. L. No. 99-499 ("SARA"), the
Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, 49 U.S.C. Section 1801, et seq., the
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, 42 U.S.C. Section 6901, et seq., or
other applicable state or federal laws, rules, or regulations adopted pursuant
thereto.

EQUIPMENT. The word "Equipment" means all of Borrower's goods used or bought
for use primarily in Borrower's business and which are not included in
inventory, whether now or hereafter existing.

EVENT OF DEFAULT. The words "Event of Default" mean any of the events
of default set forth in this Agreement in the default section of this Agreement.

EXPIRATION DATE. The words "Expiration Date" mean the date of termination of
Lender's commitment to lend under this Agreement.

GAAP. The word "GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles.

GRANTOR. The word "Grantor" means each and all of the persons or entities
granting a Security Interest in any Collateral for the Loan, including without
limitation all Borrowers granting such a Security Interest.

GUARANTOR. The word "Guarantor" means any guarantor, surety, or accommodation
party of any or all of the Loan.

GUARANTY. The word "Guaranty" means the guaranty from Guarantor to Lender,
including without limitation a guaranty of all or part of the Note.

HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES. The words "Hazardous Substances" mean materials that,
because of their quantity, concentration or physical, chemical or infectious
characteristics, may cause or pose a present or potential hazard to human
health or the environment when improperly used, treated, stored, disposed of,
generated, manufactured, transported or otherwise handled. The words "Hazardous
Substances" are used in their very broadest sense and include without
limitation any and all hazardous or toxic substances, materials or waste as
defined by or listed under the Environmental Laws. The term "Hazardous
Substances" also includes, without limitation, petroleum and petroleum by-
products or any fraction thereof and asbestos.

INDEBTEDNESS. The word "Indebtedness" means the indebtedness evidenced by the
Note or Related Documents, including all principal and interest together with
all other indebtedness and costs and expenses for which Borrower is responsible
under this Agreement or under any of the Related Documents.
<PAGE>   8

                     BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT (ASSET BASED)
                                  (CONTINUED)                             PAGE 8
================================================================================

     LENDER. The word "Lender" means Marine Bank , its successors and assigns.

     LOAN. The word "Loan" means any and all loans and financial accommodations
     from Lender to Borrower whether now or hereafter existing, and however
     evidenced, including without limitation those loans and financial
     accommodations described herein or described on any exhibit or schedule
     attached to this Agreement from time to time.

     NOTE. The word "Note" means the Note executed by Borrower in the principal
     amount of $6,000,000.00 dated December 22, 2000, together with all renewals
     of, extensions of, modifications of, refinancings of, consolidations of,
     and substitutions for the note or credit agreement.

     PERMITTED LIENS. The words "Permitted Liens" means (1) liens and security
     interests securing indebtedness owed by Borrower to Lender; (2) liens for
     taxes, assessments, or similar charges either not yet due or being
     contested in good faith; (3) liens of materialmen, mechanics, warehousemen,
     or carriers, or other like liens arising in the ordinary course of business
     and securing obligations which are not yet delinquent; (4) purchase money
     liens or purchase money security interests upon or in any property acquired
     or held by Borrower in the ordinary course of business to secure
     indebtedness outstanding on the date of this Agreement or permitted to be
     incurred under the paragraph of this Agreement titled "Indebtedness and
     Liens"; (5) liens and security interests which, as of the date of this
     Agreement, have been disclosed to and approved by the Lender in writing;
     and (6) those liens and security interests which in the aggregate
     constitute an immaterial and insignificant monetary amount with respect to
     the net value of Borrower's assets.

     PRIMARY CREDIT FACILITY. The words "Primary Credit Facility" mean the
     credit facility described in the Line of Credit section of this Agreement.

     RELATED DOCUMENTS. The words "Related Documents" mean all promissory notes,
     credit agreements, loan agreements, environmental agreements, guaranties,
     security agreements, mortgages, deeds of trust, security deeds, collateral
     mortgages, and all other instruments, agreements and documents, whether now
     or hereafter existing, executed in connection with the Loan.

     SECURITY AGREEMENT. The words "Security Agreement" mean and include without
     limitation any agreements, promises, covenants, arrangements,
     understandings or other agreements, whether created by law, contract, or
     otherwise, evidencing, governing, representing, or creating a Security
     Interest.

     SECURITY INTEREST. The words "Security Interest" mean, without limitation,
     any and all types of collateral security, present and future, whether in
     the form of a lien, charge, encumbrance, mortgage, deed of trust, security
     deed, assignment, pledge, crop pledge, chattel mortgage, collateral chattel
     mortgage, chattel trust, factor's lien, equipment trust, conditional sale,
     trust receipt, lien or title retention contract, lease or consignment
     intended as a security device, or any other security or lien interest
     whatsoever whether created by law, contract, or otherwise.

BORROWER ACKNOWLEDGES HAVING READ ALL THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BUSINESS LOAN
AGREEMENT (ASSET BASED) AND BORROWER AGREES TO ITS TERMS. THIS BUSINESS LOAN
AGREEMENT (ASSET BASED) IS DATED DECEMBER 22, 2000.

BORROWER:

EARTHCARE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT OF FLORIDA, INC.

BY:
    ------------------------------------------------------
    WILLIAM W. SOLOMON, JR., CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER OF
    EARTHCARE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT OF FLORIDA, INC.

LENDER:

MARINE BANK

X
  --------------------------------------------------------
  AUTHORIZED SIGNER<PAGE>   1
                                                                EXHIBIT 10.38

                                 FIRST AMENDMENT

         THIS FIRST AMENDMENT dated as of April 14, 2000 (this "Amendment") is
to the Guaranty dated as of February 15, 2000 (the "Guaranty") made by Donald F.
Moorehead, Jr. and Raymond M. Cash in favor of Bank of America, N.A., as Agent,
and the Lender Parties referred to in the Guaranty. Unless otherwise defined
herein, terms defined in the Subordination Agreement are used herein as defined
in the Guaranty.

         WHEREAS, the parties hereto desire to amend the Guaranty in certain
respects;

         NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and for other good and
valuable consideration (the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby
acknowledged), the parties hereto agree as follows:

         SECTION 1 AMENDMENTS.

         1.1 The figure "$10,000,000" in the paragraph in the Guaranty that
begins "NOW, THEREFORE" is hereby deleted and the figure "$20,000,000" is hereby
inserted in lieu thereof.

         1.2 The fifth paragraph in the Guaranty following the paragraph that
begins "NOW, THEREFORE" is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows:

                  The undersigned jointly and severally agree that: (i) if the
         Company has not completed the Equity Offering on or before September
         30, 2000, the undersigned will deliver to the Agent cash collateral, or
         other collateral reasonably satisfactory to the Agent, in an amount
         (with the value of any non-cash collateral being determined by the
         Agent in its discretion) not less than $10,000,000; (ii) if the Company
         has not completed the Equity Offering on or before December 31, 2000,
         the undersigned will deliver to the Agent cash collateral, or other
         collateral reasonably satisfactory to the Agent, in an amount (with the
         value of any non-cash collateral being determined by the Agent in its
         discretion) not less than $10,000,000; and (iii) during the existence
         of any Event of Default, the undersigned will, within 30 days after
         demand therefor by the Agent or the Required Lenders, deliver to the
         Agent cash collateral, or other collateral reasonably satisfactory to
         the Agent, in an amount (with the value of any non-cash collateral
         being determined by the Agent in its discretion) not less than
         $10,000,000; provided that the aggregate amount of collateral delivered
         pursuant to this sentence (valued as aforesaid) shall not exceed
         $20,000,000. Such collateral shall be held by the Agent as security for
         the obligations of the undersigned hereunder pursuant to documentation
         reasonably satisfactory to the Agent. Upon any demand by the Agent
         hereunder, the Agent may immediately apply such collateral (or the
         proceeds thereof in the case of non-cash collateral) to the payment of
         the Liabilities.

<PAGE>   2

         SECTION 2 MISCELLANEOUS.

         2.1 Continuing Effectiveness, etc. As herein amended, the Guaranty
shall remain in full force and effect and is hereby ratified and confirmed in
all respects. After the date hereof, all references in any document to the
"Guaranty" or similar terms shall refer to the Guaranty, as amended hereby.

         2.2 Counterparts. This Amendment may be executed in any number of
counterparts and by the different parties on separate counterparts, and each
such counterpart shall be deemed to be an original but all such counterparts
shall together constitute one and the same Amendment.

         2.3 Governing Law. This Amendment shall be a contract made under and
governed by the laws of the State of Illinois applicable to contracts made and
to be wholly performed within the State of Illinois.

         Delivered as of the day and year first above written.

         -----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                 Donald F. Moorehead, Jr.

         -----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   Raymond M. Cash

Accepted:

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Agent

By:
   -----------------------------
Its:
    ----------------------------

                                      -2-

Source: [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00024-of-00352.parquet"}, [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00024-of-00352.parquet"}]]