From French Fries to Fuel

August 24, 2007

Nearly 200 gallons of used oil will be collected each night from fairground food vendors, converted to fuel, then used to power a portion of the tractors and equipment that service the fairgrounds. An estimated 50 gallons of this used oil will be converted on the fairgrounds daily, and several 15-20 minute demonstrations each day will show visitors how it is done. In addition, a tabletop crusher will demonstrate oil production from a pilot canola seed crop program the County originated in 2006. The canola was grown locally and dried at the County's Cathcart facility.

The first demonstration was held on Friday. County Executive Reardon was joined by Council member Dave Sommers, Bob McCall of Standard Biodiesel, Bruce Barbour of Biodiesel Works and Mark Campbell, Manager of the Evergreen State Fairgrounds.

"We are excited to show fairgoers how innovative ideas are being put into action when it comes to preserving our environment," says County Executive Aaron Reardon. "This is a great first-hand experience that will highlight the County's effort to expand the use of more environmentally friendly fuels and promote biodiesel as a cash crop for local farmers."

As part of the County's biodiesel pilot project, in 2006, the first of the County's fleet road maintenance and solid waste division trucks and diesel equipment vehicles began using a 20% blend of biodiesel fuel. More than 110 County vehicles have been using 120,000 gallons of B20 biodiesel fuel annually. In 2008, another 200 vehicles and equipment will begin using B20 biodiesel.

"The future of biodiesel shows promise for all of us to reduce dependence on foreign oil, encourage investment in our agriculture industry and sustain a clean environment," said Reardon.

For information about the Evergreen State Fair, visit www.evergreenfair.org.