New Search
This event provides an important opportunity for city leaders to meet with the staff and board members of Centro as well <br /> as leaders in the Latino community. It's also a great time to recognize and support the work of one of Oregon's most <br /> innovative and energetic social service agencies. <br /> le City Manager's Office plans to have a table at the event. For more information, please contact Greg Rikhoff, Human <br /> Rights Program Manager at 682-5177. To make a reservation at the City Manager's Office table, contact Karen Hyatt in <br /> the Human Rights Office at 682-5177. <br /> Wastewater Division Tests Use of Bio-Diesel to Meet Environmental Goals <br /> The region's wastewater treatment plant, operated by Eugene's Public Works Wastewater Division, continues to make <br /> progress on environmental goals, according to a recently completed audit of the plant's environmental management <br /> system (EMS). External audits are done periodically to ensure that the plant's operations remain in compliance with ISO <br /> 14001 EMS goals and objectives. <br /> One of the targets in the Wastewater Division's EMS plan is a reduction in the use of natural resources, including the use <br /> of fossil fuels. In 2002, the division cut its fossil fuel use by 12.4%, according to internal performance measurements. To <br /> further reduce the use of nonrenewable petroleum-based fuels, the Wastewater Division has initiated a pilot project to use <br /> bio-diesel as an alternative to regular diesel fuel for its fleet equipment. Bio-diesel is a blend of regular petrochemical <br /> diesel fuel and a biologically derived fuel component, typically in an 80% to 20% mixture. The biologically derived <br /> component is a vegetable oil generated from soybeans or other renewable agricultural products. The switch to bio-diesel <br /> at the wastewater plant will not require any modification of the engines or operating components of the equipment in which <br /> it is used, and will result in less harmful air emissions and reduced consumption of nonrenewable petroleum products. <br /> Regional wastewater funds are being used to pay for the bio-diesel pilot project at the Wastewater Division. At the current <br /> time, bio-diesel costs about 16 cents per gallon more than regular diesel fuel, although this cost differential is expected to <br /> decrease as the market for the alternative fuel grows in the local area. <br /> The pilot project at Wastewater Division follows a limited test of bio-diesel on 15 various pieces of City-owned equipment <br /> st winter. The City's Fleet Section initiated the test to determine if there would be any adverse effects from using bio- <br /> uiesel. The equipment tested ranged from vans, dump trucks, fire trucks, sweepers, sewer trucks and backhoes. Except <br /> for the need to replace some fuel filters (bio-diesel dissolves dirt or carbon deposits in the fuel tank, lines and engine), no <br /> significant issues were found during the test period. The City's Fleet Section will continue to monitor the performance of <br /> fleet equipment using bio-diesel fuel. For more information about the Wastewater pilot project, contact Wastewater <br /> Division Director Peter Ruffier at 682-8606. For more information about the use of bio-diesel in other City equipment, call <br /> Maintenance Director Jeff Lankston at 682-4800. <br /> City Departments Represented at Earth Day this Saturday <br /> This Saturday, several city departments will have displays and staff on hand at the Earth Day Event to provide <br /> environmentally friendly tips for local residents. Representatives will be available from Public Works Transportation, <br /> Planning and Development and the Stormwater Management Program. This year's event is on the plaza at the corner of <br /> W. Broadway and Willamette. <br /> Sign-ups for the popular People Powered Fridays event will be offered by the City's bicycle/alternative modes program. <br /> Now in its third year, the program encourages residents to use an alternative transportation method, such as biking or <br /> walking to work, at least one day a week throughout the summer. People signing up for the program are eligible for prizes <br /> donated by local businesses. People who register at the Earth Day event will receive a free t-shirt. Staff will also offer free <br /> bike stamping of a personalized registration number. <br /> People looking for ways to save money and spruce up the soils in their yard can get their questions answered or learn <br /> more about the benefits of composting at the compost information booth. Staff from the Solid Waste and Recycling <br /> program will have a wealth of information to share and will give away a worm bin. They will also be donating three Earth <br /> "lachine compost bins to be given out on Saturday. <br /> EUGENE CITY COUNCIL NEWSLETTER PAGE 2 <br /> April 17,2003 cc0417031.wpd <br />