McCHORD AFB, WA BIODIESEL APPLICATIONS

1
BIODIESEL CASE STUDY
McCHORD AFB, WA BIODIESEL APPLICATIONS
Feb 2003
McChord AFB, home of the 62 Airlift Wing, is a
valuable Puget Sound round table partner who
successfully initiated sustainable fuel
applications on its military base. Low sulfur
diesel is blended with 20 soybean-based
biodiesel (B20) and made available for base
personnel at all GOV service stations. B20 is
used in all non-tactical vehicles at McChord AFB.
B20 blended with ultra low sulfur diesel will be
used as a heating fuel commencing during Spring
of 2003.
Where McChord AFB, WA When Initiated Dec 2002
Who Kevin Shupe, Environmental Program Manager,
[phone] (kevin.shupe_at_mcchord.af.mil)
McCHORD AFB Logo
Environmental, Safety Emissions Reductions
Significant air emissions reductions in sulfur
dioxide (SO2), sulfates, Particulate Matter
(PM), total unburned hydrocarbons, carbon
monoxide and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
will be achieved using B20 blended with ultra low
sulfur diesel. Because of major sulfur dioxide
and particulate matter emissions reduction, Title
V permitting will not be required which
translates into major permit cost avoidance and
correlated annual savings. Promotes Synthetic
Minor status B20 emission exposure reduce
cancer risks B20 has currently passed all Tier
2 testing Approved proportional EPACT credits
for B20 applications Increased performance and
gas mileage No vehicle retrofits required
Improved health benefits Stable and
predictable fuel supply Competitive pricing
through DESC-DLA, Defense Fuels (DESC)
Descriptive Use The current blend consists of
20 (by volume) of soy based biodiesel blended
with low sulfur diesel fuel supplied by DESC.
Projected blends will consist of 20 (by volume)
of soybean-based biodiesel blended with ultra low
sulfur DESC supplied diesel fuel. The current
was implemented in 100 of GSA road vehicles,
road maintenance vehicles, cranes, forklifts,
emergency vehicles, military buses, and heavy
machinery. Projected use will include emergency
generators and miscellaneous heating boilers.
The above applications are in compliance with
numerous executive orders and with sustainable
alternate fuel requirements. All biodiesel to
support the above uses acquired from DESC has
cost effective pricing.
Equipment Compatibility The current biodiesel
blend is equipment user friendly and equipment
compatible. Maintenance procedures include
additional fuel filter checks. To date, no
problems and no issues with equipment
compatibility have been observed.
Future Applications The base is categorized as
a synthetic minor with the local Puget Sound air
authority for PM and SO2. Replacing the current
heating fuel and diesel fuel used in emergency
generators with ultra low sulfur diesel and a 20
soybean-based blend of biodiesel supports the
synthetic minor status. Currently heating fuel
usage is 160,000 gal/yr. and it is projected that
SO2 emissions will be reduced from 60 tons to 12
tons annually with the proposed fuel blend.
Implementation is contingent upon DESC approval,
which is anticipated to commence during Spring
2003 timeframe. McChord AFB also intends to
provide a B20 pump at the MWR filling station for
public use.
Thanks to McChord AFB for all excellent
roundtable cooperative efforts. For additional
copies or comment about this case study sheet,
please contact Greg Levcun, Navy Region NW
Pollution Prevention Mgr, [phone] or Carol
MacKenzie, SUBASE Bangor Pollution Prevention
Mgr., [phone].
POLLUTION PREVENTION THROUGH PARTNERSHIPS