Agenda - 04-29-2004-4a - Laserfiche WebLink

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The schools made the switch in March with the help of a $75,000 grant from the Triangle ]Council of Governments. The grant helps cover the cost of biodiesel, which can cast anywhere from 10 to Z5 cents more per gallon than traditional diesel. The state Department of Public Instruction is teaming up with the Durham Public Schools on the pilot program and is picking up the additional costs that the grant does not cover. "It's pour-and-go technology," said Anne Tazewell, coordinator of the Triangle Clean Cities Coalition, a group under the Triangle 7 organization formed to push for alternative fuels. The results are hoticeable. Cranking up the buses at the school system's main transportation hub at 2013 Hamlin Road used to produce a black cloud and a toxic odor, Kirby said. Now when an engine revs up, no smoke is visible and cupped hand in front of the exhaust pipe picks up no noticeable odor. Fred Rogers, a mechanic for the school system, said the benefits of biodiesel go beyond emissions. Engines he opens up are cleaner than before and fuel filters he used to replace every 6,000 miles are now lasting nearly twice that long, he said. More important, he said, fewer buses have stranded because of problems caused by clogged fuel systems. "We don't have as many breakdowns from fuel on the side of the road," he said, stahding in front of an engine block in the school system's garage.