New EPA regulations to lower emission standards will require that all trucks with diesel engines produced after January 1, 2007 use Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) fuel. In order to make sure there is a supply of ULSD available the EPA has mandated that 80% of the diesel fuel Refineries produce after June 1, 2006 must be ULSD. It must be at the terminals by September 1, 2006 and retail (truck stops) must have it by October 15, 2006. Although we are not yet required to use ULSD fuel in our older trucks and off-road equipment, the EPA mandating the 80% production rate is forcing us into it. Some Refineries are going to switch all of their production to ULSD rather than produce two different diesel fuels.

We have already received at least one tanker load of ULSD here in Brooklyn that we know of. I would guess that everything we get from here on would be ULSD.

Because ULSD has less lubricity, there is some concern that we will have problems with injection pumps on our off-road equipment and possibly on older (pre ’94) trucks. Using 2% biodiesel restores the lubricity of the fuel. This is probably our best option at this time. There are still a lot of unknowns until every thing gets completely switched over. Because biodiesel naturally has a cleaning effect on fuel tanks and fuel systems, I would not recommend using more than 2% for the first time you fill an existing or old storage tank. You may experience shortened life of fuel filters until the tank gets cleaned out.

Curt has been using biodiesel in the Metro area for a couple of seasons and is currently using up to 20% at some locations. We are using 10% at Brooklyn and at the Newton asphalt plant. We have not experienced any filter problems and have not noticed any loss of performance or MPG in any of our trucks. There is a possibility of fuel gelling at slightly higher temperatures in the winter when using more than 10% and some anti-gels are not as effective with biodiesel. Check with your supplier or talk to B.K. in Brooklyn parts.

Please check with your fuel supplier to see if they have biodiesel available or what options they have to offer. The cost of biodiesel is currently about the same as the cost of #2 diesel. By purchasing biodiesel we are helping support local industry as well as promoting cleaner air quality.

If you have any questions, feel free to call me.