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Summary
CCFC, in partnership with the Town of
Matthews and Gaston County landfill, conducted a biodiesel pilot program.
For several month both fleets used biodiesel to evaluate the fuel's costs,
benefits and to identify any potential issues. Both fleets considered
the program a success and continue to use biodiesel today. |
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Project Details
In June of 2006, both The Town of Matthews and the Gaston
County Landfill participated in a pilot program (sponsored by the Centralina
Clean Fuels Coalition and the NC Department of Energy) to gather data on fleets
fueled by biodiesel for the first time. The Town of Matthews fueled their entire
fleet of 35 on- and off-road diesel vehicles. Gaston County chose to fuel its
off-road heavy duty equipment. Thomas Petroleum Inc. and Monroe Oil, assisted
with logistics and provided the fuel for these programs. Funds were available
to pay for any incremental cost of B20 over that of traditional diesel, however,
during the pilot program’s duration, B20 was equal to or less expensive
than diesel.
The program lasted for two months. CCFC had the opportunity
to meet with drivers from both fleets to get their feedback on the program.
The overall impression of the 20 drivers surveyed was positive. In addition,
19 of 20 drivers reported no driver related problems associated with biodiesel
and 16 of 17 drivers said that there was no difference in the performance of
the vehicle (with 1 driver perceiving the performance to be “better”).
All of the drivers were interested in using biodiesel because it helped provide
domestic jobs, supported farmers, improved air quality and was a higher quality
fuel.
Both the Town of Matthews and the Gaston County Landfill continue to use biodiesel.
For a more detailed account of the pilot program, see Biodiesel
Pilot Program.
By the numbers:
| Vehicles: |
35 (Town of Matthews); 14 (Gaston County Landfill) |
| Fuel Type: |
B-20 (blend of 20% biodiesel and 80% traditional diesel
fuel) |
| Average Fuel Price: |
During program, cost of B-20 was the same
as traditional diesel fuel |
Contact Information:
Ralph Messera
Town of Matthews Public Works
rmessera@matthewsnc.com
Marcie Smtih
Gaston County Public Works
msmith@co.gaston.nc.us
If you have a success story you would like to submit please
contact Sarah
Niess at (sniess@centralina.org).
