From Deseret News archives:
Biodiesel on the way
Lindon firm hoping to be first to manufacture the 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.
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."
E-mail: sisraelsen@desnews.com
Comments
- Animal-rights protest issues resolved 6:12 p.m.
- Ex-legislators call for ethics reform 6:06 p.m.
- S.L. will light up for the holidays 6:00 p.m.
- Getting serious about seat belts 5:55 p.m.
- Driver who died in accident identified 5:47 p.m.
- Woman describes stabbing, killing 5:43 p.m.
- Ogden postmaster retires 5:41 p.m.
- Football fans get discount on pets 5:40 p.m.
- Utah celebrates Real Salt Lake Day 5:33 p.m.
- Roadster highlights Festival of Trees 5:15 p.m.
- Utah, BYU are top choices for bowls
- BYU would like friendlier rivalry
- Protests against Phoenix LDS temple
- Best prep football games of 2009
- KSL: Prostitution in Utah County
- Man trapped in own body for 23 yrs
- Kirilenko climbing blocks list
- 'Dancing' will fill out finale
- Boys basketball rankings
- Utes' Wynn in for awakening
- Glenn Beck to enter politics?
221 - BYU would like friendlier rivalry
214 - RSL wins MLS Cup on penalty kicks
202 - Palin plans tour stop in Utah
179 - Protests against Phoenix LDS temple
177 - Bronco, Kyle rubber match
137 - Palin's book shows she's unqualified
135 - BYU records with win
132 - Letters: Rushing to judge Palin
106 - Officer cleared in Cardall Taser case
104
Mr. Booth is correct. It would be bad to replace one celebrity president...
Not that my arguments will convince Brother Chucky and his cronie,s but this...
GREAT JOB REAL SALT LAKE. THIS TEAM PLAYS SO HARD. Though I am not a huge...
"...what none of them have been able to prove is that it didn't happen."...
GREAT JOB REAL SALT LAKE. THIS TEAM PLAYS SO HARD. Though I am not a huge...
GREAT JOB REAL SALT LAKE. THIS TEAM PLAYS SO HARD. Though I am not a huge...
I like how Clearfield wants to require 3 churches in this proposal. Isn't it...
GREAT JOB REAL SALT LAKE. THIS TEAM PLAYS SO HARD. Though I am not a huge...
Flash Forward went downhill after the premier. Yet it kept pulling me back...
"You are theologically correct, but we do not need to focus on those things"...



You can be the first to comment on this story.