City of St. Louis

With support funds from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Energy Center, Southeastern Regional Biomass Energy Program, and assistance from the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council, the City of St. Louis Equipment Services Division (ESD) initiated a short-term biodiesel pilot program in October, 1999.  The purpose of the program was to 1) prove that the use of biodiesel blends could seamlessly be implemented in a quick and efficient manner, 2) document that operational issues were not a problem with its use, and 3) determine if the use of biodiesel blends was an economically viable strategy for the ESD fleet and for the economy.

Conclusions from the program:

• Biodiesel is an excellent alternative fuel that can help fleet operators comply with legislation such as EPACT.

• Vehicle operators in the St. Louis fleet were extremely pleased with the testing of B20 blends that occurred during October and November, 1999.

• The production and use of 450 gallons of biodiesel in a fleet results in one credit, similar to the purchase of one alternative fueled vehicle which also results in one credit.

• Based on study results, B20 is the least cost compliance method for the City of St. Louis to comply with EPACT.

• The use of biodiesel would help reduce pollution, as intended by the Clean Air Act Amendments.  However, the purchase of an alternative fueled vehicle with continued use of gasoline would comply with the EPACT mandate, but would not reduce pollution levels.

• Biodiesel could be domestically produced in Missouri, which would reduce petroleum imports into the state and thus, improve energy security.

• In addition to the environmental benefits of producing and using biodiesel in Missouri, there would also be economic benefits.