Posted March 1, 2010

Biodiesel blending is now available at the BP fuel terminal in Ottumwa, Iowa, the only one of six BP terminals to offer biodiesel in the state. With an $80,000 grant from the U.S. DOE, Renewable Energy Group Inc. helped fund the construction of CW Terminals' 30,000-gallon heated biodiesel storage tank at BP's Ottumwa terminal, from which distributors can splash blends from B5 to B20 and higher, depending on customer needs.


"BP's Ottumwa terminal is a busy facility," said Alicia Clancy, communication specialist for REG. "Some of the region's largest diesel distributors pull fuel from that location. We hope that by having biodiesel available at this facility, it will help supply biodiesel throughout the supply chain from the distributor level to retail locations, truck stops and on-farm fuel delivery."

Biodiesel purchasers are always recommended to secure certificates of analysis (CofA) showing that the fuel passed all the necessary quality parameters in ASTM D6751. REG noted that every load of biodiesel purchased from the Ottumwa terminal comes with CofA documentation.


Jon Scharingson, REG's director of marketing, said, "This new infrastructure immediately offers renewable fuel statewide as the BP diesel fuel terminal currently serves customers from the Carroll, Dubuque, and Des Moines areas, among others."


Scharingson noted a recent study released by the Iowa Biodiesel Board that showed nearly seven out of 10 Iowa voters say they want legislation to ensure the state's diesel fuel supply includes five percent biodiesel (B5). "Iowans want to use biodiesel and believe in its role in reducing our dependence on foreign oil and supporting green jobs," he said.