Biodiesel on the way

OREM — Using soybeans and a heavy press, a Lindon-based company is hoping to become the first producer of biodiesel fuel in Utah.

Although Indian Oil — a company that recycles used motor oil — still has a few more licensing hoops to jump through, they have applied to Utah's Division of Air Quality to start making the earth-friendly fuel.

"I guess we haven't really looked at it in terms of being the first," said John Taylor, a manager at Indian Oil. "We're more intrigued with that idea — alternative fuels. The field excites us."

Made from corn, soybeans or cotton seeds, the fuel has numerous benefits: It is biodegradable, nonflammable and nontoxic; it comes from American farmers, not foreign markets; and it produces cleaner emissions.

"We see the inversions — any place we can reduce that even by a few percentage points would be a good thing," Taylor said.

The company is still waiting on the Division of Solid and Hazardous Waste for the OK to start production and is in the process of finalizing applications and licenses with the city of Lindon.

The company would also need to apply for a conditional-use permit before operating, said Adam Cowie, director of planning and zoning for Lindon.

Taylor is hopeful they can begin production within 60 days. They'll start out slow but hopefully create around 300,000 gallons a year, working five days a week.

The production will be at the company's plant located at 1155 W. 135 South in Lindon, with few modifications needed to the current building or equipment.

The soybeans are run through a high-pressure press, which squeezes out the oil. The oil is then blended with a few chemicals to further break it down. Half of the oil is used for fuel; the other half is glycerine, which is used to make cosmetics and soaps, Taylor said.

The oil is filtered at various stages throughout the process to screen out free fatty acids that could clog an engine.

Selling the fuel is still being decided, but Taylor is leaning toward bulk sales over retail. The cost is comparable to diesel fuel.

Any biodiesel used in the state is brought in from Colorado or Nevada, said Utah Biodiesel Cooperative director Andre Shoumatoff.

The cooperative, dedicated to increasing awareness about the fuel source, said they are excited about the potential production here in the state.

"It will be a wonderful addition to the Utah community," Shoumatoff said. "I think it will help the local farmer and the local economy significantly."

Although the group has no direct connection to Indian Oil, the two work together in the sense that they both want to see the nation's dependence on foreign oil decrease.

Over the past year and a half, Shoumatoff said he has seen increase in the awareness and interest of biodiesel as a fuel source.

"We're not on the cutting edge," Shoumatoff said, "But I am proud to say that we are definitely a mature biodiesel community, both in terms of knowledge and our organization."

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