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PROPOSAL:

Amend Contract to Cosponsor Evaluation of the Effects of Biodiesel and Other Clean Fuel Blends on Exhaust Emission Rates and Reactivity – Phase 2

SYNOPSIS:

Biodiesel blends and other types of low-sulfur diesel fuels may have the potential to reduce exhaust emissions from diesel-burning engines significantly. Staff recommends amending contract #99120 with CE-CERT in an amount not to exceed $90,531 which would add two additional fuels comprised of a low-sulfur diesel fuel called EC-diesel and a biodiesel produced from recycled cooking oil called OXyG B60 to the existing test matrix. Southern States Power Inc. will co-fund $25,000 of this additional effort.

COMMITTEE:

Technology, December 17, 1999, fewer than three members were present and therefore, pursuant to the Procedures for Standing Committees of the Governing Board, the Committee forwards this letter without recommendation.

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Authorize the Chairman to amend contract #99120 with the University of California, Riverside, College of Engineering-Center for Environmental Research and Technology (CE-CERT) to evaluate effects of biodiesel and other clean fuel blends on exhaust emission rates and reactivity, in an amount not to exceed $90,531 from the Clean Fuels Fund.

Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer

Background

Biodiesel blends and other types of low-sulfur cleaner burning diesel fuels have received considerable attention as potential alternatives to replace conventional diesel fuel. CE-CERT is currently under contract (#99120) with the AQMD for the amount of $210,000, to evaluate the effects of different blends of biodiesel fuels on exhaust emissions. The current project also has co-funding participation of $23,000 from the City of San Bernardino and AG Processors , for a total funding of $233,000. Under the current contract, seven light heavy-duty pick-up trucks are being tested on three fuel combinations. Additional funds are requested for this amendment to expand the fuel test matrix for this project.

Proposal

The scope of the proposed augmentation to the fuel test matrix includes a low-sulfur diesel fuel produced by ARCO called EC-diesel, and an additional biodiesel fuel called OXyG B-60. The EC-diesel is being developed as a new generation of cleaner burning diesel fuel. The low sulfur content of this fuel could allow for the more widespread use of catalytic aftertreatment. The OXyG B-60 is manufactured from recycled cooking and other oils, and it is known as yellow grease biodiesel. It is currently being used by one of the largest school districts in Arizona. The addition of these fuels to the existing test matrix would mean that they will be tested and analyzed on seven light heavy-duty pick-up trucks in combination with the other fuels, in a very cost-effective manner. Project funding will be supplemented by an additional $25,000 from Southern States Power, Inc. for a total project amount of $348,531.

Benefits to AQMD

The proposed project is included in the November 1998 update of the Technology Advancement Plan under Project 98M1-2, "Demonstration of Alternative Fueled, Heavy-Duty Trucks for Over-the Road Applications." The AQMP relies on the expedited implementation of advanced technologies and clean-burning fuels in Southern California to achieve air quality standards.

This project will enable better understanding and evaluation of the potential impact of diesel alternative formulations such as biodiesel blends and other new formulations on exhaust emission rates from on-road diesel vehicles. The low sulfur content of some of these new formulations could increase the potential for the more widespread use of catalytic aftertreatment, which can in turn help reduce emissions of criteria pollutants from on-road diesel fueled vehicles significantly. 

Sole Source Justification

Section VIII.B.2 of the Procurement Policy and Procedure identifies four major provisions under which a sole source award may be justified. This request for a sole source award is made under provision B.2.d.: Other circumstances exist which in the determination of the Executive Officer require such waiver in the best interest of the AQMD. Specifically, these circumstances are: B.2.d.(8) research and development efforts with educational institutions or nonprofit organizations.

The University of California, Riverside’s CE-CERT brings together a critical mass of experience from academia, industry, and government agencies to accomplish the stated objectives of the proposed project. CE-CERT serves a unique role in the Basin as an independent and objective scientific body capable of providing in-depth and valid evaluations on new environmental regulations and technologies. It has established a broad-based research agenda with unique facilities, capabilities, and resources that are requisite and directly applicable for completion of the proposed scope of work. CE-CERT’s established areas of expertise and available resources that directly relate to the proposed work include: vehicle emissions research and testing, renewable fuels and energy engineering, transportation systems research, and environmental modeling. Staff believes that these broad-based capabilities and resources, uniquely offered by an in-Basin university having a long history of academic excellence in the field of air pollution control, justify AQMD funding for the specified contract with CE-CERT.

CE-CERT encourages the participation of, and uses as subcontractors, small businesses, and minority-, disabled veteran-, and women-owned business enterprises in its programs to the maximum extent possible to ensure efficient performance and compliance with contract requirements and applicable laws.

Resource Impacts

The total amount of AQMD funding for this amendment shall not exceed $90,531. In addition, Southern States Power, Inc. will contribute $25,000 to this project.

Sufficient funds are available from the Clean Fuels Fund, established as a special revenue fund resulting from the state-mandated Clean Fuels Program. The Clean Fuels Program, under Health and Safety Code Sections 40448.5 and 40512 and Vehicle Code Section 9250.11, establishes mechanisms to collect revenues from mobile sources to support projects to increase the utilization of clean fuels, including the development of the necessary advanced enabling technologies. Funds collected from motor vehicles are restricted, by statute, to be used for projects and program activities related to mobile sources that support the objectives of the Clean Fuels Program.

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