Grayslake shows off its fuel of the future
It's Grayslake's fuel of the future. Bio-diesel.
In an effort to create new clean air initiatives for the community, village officials have announced a bio-diesel blend created from soybean oil, will replace the petroleum-based diesel fuel previously used by public works department vehicles.
Officials say the switch will help the community economically and environmentally.
The village receives its new bio-diesel blend from local supplier, Palatine Oil. The company installed a 1,000-gallon above-groud bio-diesel tank at the public works department for free.
"Using the bio-diesel will actually save us money, and at the same time it's better for the environment," said Assistant Village Manager Matt Formica.
Grayslake's bio-diesel, which costs about $4.40 per gallon, is called B20 and is a blend of 80 percent petroleum diesel and 20 percent bio diesel.
According to the American Institute of Biological Sciences, even vehicles using 2 percent bio-diesel fuel can be effective toward saving the environment. The eco-friendly fuel results in a reduction of pollutants carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide gases, which can contribute to acid rain and the depletion of the ozone layer. The fuel is also a renewable resource, biodegradable, non-toxic and essentially free of sulfur and aromatics.
The switch to bio-diesel also benefits the diesel engines of the public work's vehicles. The fuel can be used in the engines with little or no modifications.
"Bio-diesel burns cleaner and adds lubricity to a vehicle's engine," said Ron Cox, owner and president of Palatine Oil. "It also helps with fuel injectors. Depending upon the size of the vehicle and the engine, bio-diesel can even help with mileage."
Grayslake has been recognized as a Clean City by the Clean Air Counts Campaign. The village has already applied previous clean air initiative programs, such as it's Tree Reimbursement Program and Neighborhood Partnership Program.
These programs allow homeowners and subdivisions to be reimbursed half their money when they plant trees on their properties or in their neighborhoods. The village has expanded curbside recycling, designed a village recycling center, and purchased low emission and ultra low emission vehicles in 2004.
Officials also are discussing using hybrid vehicles for the police and public works departments in the future.
"We are in the initial stages of researching and analyzing this possible project," Formica said. "All of our clean air projects are very important to both the environment and to the people within our community."