Three more biodiesel companies achieve BQ-9000 status

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Two major biodiesel producers in Minnesota and a biodiesel marketer in New York are now accredited producers or certified marketers under the industry's BQ-9000 quality-control program.

FUMPA Biofuels in Redwood Falls and Minnesota Soybean Processors (MnSP) in Brewster joined SoyMor as BQ-9000 accredited producers, while Metro Fuel Oil Corp. in Brooklyn has adopted, and been voted into, the industry's voluntary program. BQ-9000 includes procedures for fuel storage, handling and management aimed at ensuring fuel quality throughout distribution.

"We are very pleased to join the ranks of BQ-9000 producers," said Charles Neece, FUMPA Biofuels director of research and development. "We encourage all producers and marketers to go through the process so they understand the procedures that will help all of us become more attuned to the quality required. The additional attention to detail that BQ-9000 requires is something that will strengthen our industry. We are proud that now the three biodiesel producers in Minnesota have achieved that status," Neece said.

MnSP expressed its gratitude toward the organization that created BQ-9000. "We applaud the National Biodiesel Accreditation Commission for taking a leadership position to ensure that all biodiesel producers deliver quality fuel to the system," MnSP CEO Rodney Christianson said. "To grow the biodiesel industry, it is critical that we have high-quality fuel that provides trouble-free use."

The three newly accredited or certified companies understand that although producing biodiesel to its ASTM D 6751 specification is critical, proper handling and blending of the fuel after it leaves the plant is equally important. Petroleum distributors are often the last to touch the fuel before it goes into vehicles.

"Metro has made a large commitment to renewable energy and has dedicated over 1 million gallons of storage capacity for biofuels," said Paul Pullo, president of Metro Fuel Oil Corp. "Quality and integrity are our utmost commitment, and the BQ-9000 program will help our industry grow and guarantee product integrity." Besides distributing transportation fuel, Metro also handles the trademarked Bioheat heating oil.

Having producers and marketers increasingly adhere to BQ-9000 parameters helps to ensure that a process is in place to prevent contamination, use additives properly and engage in good blending practices. Altogether, these factors equate to the consumer having a positive experience.

More than 40 percent of the biodiesel fuel on the U.S. market is from a BQ-9000 accredited producer, certified marketer or both. Biodiesel is the fastest-growing alternative fuel in America with 75 million gallons sold in 2005, triple the previous year's figures. The industry is on track to sell more than 200 million gallons of biodiesel this year.