Web exclusive posted Dec. 10, 2008 at 10:48 a.m. CST

Beginning Dec. 15, biodiesel producers in Manitoba must be licensed, keep records and produce fuel that meets ASTM International specifications, or they will face penalties up to $75,000 for failure to comply, according to Jim Rondeau, the province's Minister of Science, Technology, Energy and Mines. Rondeau said the standards were established as part of the Manitoba Biofuels Act and will assist the province in establishing a biodiesel mandate.

Under the regulation, biodiesel producers intending to sell their product in Manitoba or that intend to produce more than 15,000 liters (approximately 4,000 gallons) of biodiesel in the province annually must have a commercial license from Science, Technology, Energy and Mines to do so. Small-scale producers who produce less biodiesel for their own use must have a non-commercial license. There is no fee to license as a biodiesel manufacturer in the province.

According to the Science, Technology, Energy and Mines Ministry, biodiesel that is sold or offered for sale in Manitoba must meet the ASTM International Standard D6751 or the European Committee for Standardization EN 14214 standard for B100. The Ministry said Manitoba Hydro Laboratories in Selkirk, Manitoba, is an accredited laboratory that's available to test the fuel. . Biodiesel produced in Manitoba that meets the standards is eligible for an 11.5-cents-per-liter fuel tax exemption under the Motive Fuel Tax Act, the Ministry said. The exemption expires March 31, 2011.

Also under the regulation, biodiesel producers are required to keep records and submit reports to Science, Technology, Energy and Mines Ministry. Commercially licensed biodiesel producers must keep monthly records of biodiesel quantities manufactured, sold, and blended with petroleum diesel. Commercial producers must also submit annual reports to the government.

Biodiesel producers with non-commercial licenses must keep similar records and submit similar reports.