E85 & Biodiesel Regional Forecast

GLICCC Advancing the ChoicePresented by Rhea Courtney Bozic- CFC

And Frank McCabe- P.W. Grosser

What is biodiesel?

• Renewable biofuel that can be made from recycled or agricultural products- example, waste greases, fats and oils: soy, canola and other crop oils

• Runs in diesel engines- manufacturers set recommended blend/s

• ASTM for the fuel, and quality control program BQ-9000

What is E85?

E85: 85 percent ethanol/15 % gasoline Has ¾ BTU value of gasoline Runs in millions of vehicles NOW with no

change. Flexible fuel vehicles run on gasoline or E85

Higher octane- 105, Burns cleaner Benefits farmers & farm economy

What about using E85?

• Will it hurt my car?• Once I start using it, am

I stuck with it?• Can I use gasoline

again?• Stations switch to lower

blend E70 in winter or even lower based on new ASTM

Not if you have one of the 7 million FFV’s on the road

No! If you run out of E85, you can fill up with gasoline.

You can switch between E85 and gasoline as much as you want.

Production of ethanol and biodiesel in New York State

• Major effort in upstate region- example here is Western NY Energy ethanol plant in Medina

• Northern Biodiesel plant in Ontario, NY supplies numerous regions

• Upstate areas can become much more “energy independent”

What is a Flexible Fuel Vehicle?

• This is a normal car or truck like any other, that has slight fuel system modifications to run on any blend of ethanol/gasoline (up to 85% ethanol)

• Fuel line, tank and fuel sensor are modified

• No extra cost

Who Makes Flexible Fuel Vehicles?

Some of the past & present choices include:• General Motors- Yukon, Tahoe, Suburban,

Uplander, Silverado/Sierra, Impala, Equinox• Ford- F and E series, Escape, Crown Vic (end

2011)• Chrysler- 200, 300, Ram trucks, Jeep Commander,

Durango, Charger, Sebring, Town & Country• Nissan- Tundra, Titan, Armada• Mercedes- C300, C350, ML350

How can I recognize an FFV?

• Look in gas door for “this vehicle runs on gasoline/E85”

• Look for rear badge• New models have

yellow gas caps• Older Fords have Green

leaf symbol on rear• Vin # or owners

manual- website source

How about the biodiesel?

• Major Distributors- Sprague, Ultra Green, Metro

• Terminals in Oceanside, New Hyde Park, Port Chester, Calverton NY

• Rack injection blending- high quality product, every time

• Smaller suppliers out there- ask Carl!

New York- new programs for Biofuels Stations

• State Energy Research and Development Authority program to encourage biofuels infrastructure “Driving Biofuels”

• Original Internal benchmark of 300 stations set

Long Island Region- what we have now!• Approximately 40 E85 stations with help from

NYSERDA • Need more biodiesel stations- currently limited to 1• Sales of approximately 500,000 plus gallons per

month of E85- biodiesel is more prominent in heating oil

• Major fuel distribution via Northville and Sprague• Local governments are increasing their awareness.

New York City is a leader in biofuels use, LI needs to catch up

• Buy American attitude

Where do I get the fuel? Finding stations

• E85 is found all over Long Island; biodiesel is harder to track down

• Can Google the Alternative Fuel Data Center’s Station Locator and put in your address

• Growth Energy Market Development’s website

• National Biodiesel Board and Foundation

What’s the bad part?• E85 has less energy content than gasoline, so the mileage

goes down (10-28% depending on vehicle and driving habits)

• E85 likes to absorb water- make sure tank top piping and sump are tight; keep an eye on the dispenser filter

• Biodiesel gelling issue- cold weather performance• Originally, some majors didn’t want to let you put it under

the canopy, or on the same island as their products; idea was it was taking away from other product

• Misinformation- example takes away food from people, or uses more energy to make

• Price swings and ties to gasoline & diesel costs

Signage and Imaging for E85

• This is the most recognized pump image for E85, and was developed by the Minnesota Corn Growers and NEVC

• Growth Energy can supply Imaging Package for new stations, with pump toppers, nozzle covers, and marquis signs

• Don’t forget to get a banner!

National Biodiesel Board

• Has imaging supplies

• Case Studies

• Technical papers and data support

• Quality control/product assurance

• Regional assistance for events

Official Vehicles for E85

• Police/First Responder GM Tahoe/Caprice

• GM Impala Sedan police package

• GM Suburban, Yukon, Tahoe

• Dodge Avenger police package

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Biodiesel and E85 Code Requirements

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Regulatory Codes

National Fire Protection Association• NFPA 30: Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code

• NFPA 30A: Motor Fueling Dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages

• NFPA 70: National Electric Code

Local Codes• State / County / City Health Department Regulations

• Building Code / Fire Marshal

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Biodiesel/E85 Location of USTs – NFPA 30/30AThe distance from any part of an underground tank storing Class I, II, or III liquids:

• shall be not less than 1 ft. from any basement (Best Management Practice [BMP] – 15-20 feet)

• shall be not less than 3 ft. from any property line than can be built upon (BMP – 15-20 feet)

Dispensing devices shall be located:

• 10 feet or more from property lines

• 10 feet of more from buildings, other than canopies

• such that the nozzle will not reach within 5 feet of building openings

15 ft.

10 ft.

15 ft.

15 ft.

Dispensers

Pro

pert

y L

ine

Sidewalk

Building with basementUSTs

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Biodiesel/E85 Refueling Station Equipment

• Double Wall FRP Underground Storage Tank

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Biodiesel/E85 Refueling Station Equipment

• Underground Piping

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Biodiesel/E85 Refueling Station Equipment

• Biodiesel Dispenser

Contact Info

Rhea Courtney Bozic

Clean Fuels Consulting

www.greeningyourfleet.com

631-665-6513

Frank McCabe, PE

PW Grosser & Associates

631-589-6353

www.pwgrosser.com