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Energy City Commission Minutes Page 2 <br /> March 21,2007 <br /> IIIBiodiesel has incredible lubricity and can be made from any fresh or used vegetable oil(i.e. from restaurants). <br /> The used oil is taken by rail to a biodiesel plant,filtered,heated,and treated with methanol and a catalyst <br /> (typically NOH)which breaks the glucose bond.The glycerin is washed out,the biodiesel is "dried"and it's <br /> ready for market. <br /> Vehicles using biodiesel(B20)have gotten more than 50 miles per gallon(same mpg or better than petroleum <br /> based diesel fuel). It gets a more thorough burn.Biodiesel is the first fuel to meet Health Effects and Clean <br /> Air Act regulations.B20 reduces emissions by 70%. <br /> Biodiesel gels just like regular#2 diesel fuel in cold weather.It is managed the same as #2 at 20% (B20). <br /> Commissioner Overholser and Bob Grawey arrived at 2:00 p.m. <br /> Commissioner Rohlf questioned whether there are any issues at the gas pump with UL dispensers,etc.Mr. <br /> Pavicic responded that blends of 5%have no impact on cold flow and there are no problems with dispensing <br /> biodiesel at gasoline pumps. <br /> Biodiesel will clean out engines so if it is used in an engine that has run petroleum based diesel fuel,it will <br /> need to have the fuel filter changed within 1 —2 months.The really high percentage blends may eat rubber. <br /> Biodiesel had no benzene or aromatics,reduces greenhouse gas emissions,reduces particulate emissions,is <br /> nearly sulfur free,has a higher flash point than petro-based diesel fuel (150 degrees vs. 70 degrees),will not <br /> burn from a match flame unless the flame is held to the fuel (remove the match flame and it goes out),is <br /> non-toxic and non-hazardous,produces 3—7 times more energy,and no modifications are necessary to the <br /> engine or delivery systems.Biodiesel also gives 30%or better gas mileage. <br /> 1111 <br /> Commissioner Bratlie entered at 2:10 <br /> To produce biodiesel,the glycerin is broken off the oil by a chemical reaction.Ethanol is produced by <br /> fermentation.There are three billion gallons of waste grease annually... for an estimated$50 billion per year <br /> potential. <br /> Chair Zehringer stated that this may cause a moral question of food versus fuel.Mr.Pavicic stated the oil is a <br /> by-product. <br /> Mr.Purtle stated that 2008 will be a"big diesel year"and listed companies that produce diesel vehicles.He <br /> added that diesel vehides are holding their value very well and wondered if the City of Elk River is thinking <br /> of changing its fleet.Discussion followed regarding where biodiesel is available.No one present knew <br /> whether biodiesel is available in the area.Mr.Purtle stated that Moritz (sp?) on Twin Lakes is the only <br /> supplier in the area.Mr.Pavicic stated that the owner has to go to Iowa for his fuel... and does about <br /> 300,000 gallons per year. <br /> Commissioner Rohlf stated that the ECC would like to promote all viable alternative fuels.Discussion <br /> followed regarding ethanol vs.biodiesel. <br /> 4. Library Update <br /> Jenny Tuttle gave an update on the status of the library. She stated that the payback period is less than 20 <br /> • <br /> years.The City of Rik River didn't feel it was worth the cost to go for platinum LEED certification.Gold <br />