The City is putting sustainability into action by reducing harmful vehicle emissions.  We are doing this with the use of biodiesel and diesel oxidation catalyst converters.  

Since 2001, the City has used alternative-fueled vehicles or hybrid-electric vehicles.  We currently have 10 vehicles in our fleet and in 2007 will purchase our 11th.
 
In 2007, Olympia adopted a Green Fleets policy. 

What is biodiesel?  Biodiesel is a clean burning, alternative fuel produced from domestic, renewable resources.  It is simple to use, biodegradable, nontoxic, and essentially free of sulfur and aromatics.  Biodiesel contains no petroleum, but it can be blended at any level with petroleum diesel to create a biodiesel blend.  

How does biodiesel help the environment?  Using biodiesel in a conventional diesel engine substantially reduces emissions, including unburned hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter. Sulfur oxides and sulfates (major components of acid rain), which are found in diesel fuel emissions, are virtually eliminated with the use of biodiesel and ultra low sulfur diesel.

How is the City using biodiesel to reduce vehicle emissions? 

• In January 2004, the City converted to B20 biodiesel, a blend of 20% bio and 80% petroleum diesel. Use of B20 reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 15%. Since converting to B20, the City has directly reduced carbon dioxide emissions by 448 tons. To put it into perspective, 448 tons is equal to the weight of approximately 81 elephants. 
• In August 2006, the City began using B40 biodiesel, a blend of 40% bio and 60% petroleum diesel. Use of B40 reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 31%.
• In March 2007, the City began using B50 biodiesel, a blend of 50% bio and 50% petroleum diesel. Use of B50 reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 39%.

What do diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) converters do?  When placed on vehicles and heavy machinery, these converters reduce diesel particulate matter by 50% without increasing nitrogen dioxide. They also reduce carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon emissions by more than 60%.

How is the City using DOC converters to help the environment? Since July 2005, the City has retrofitted 28 of our heavy-duty trucks and machines with DOC converters, significantly reducing the amount of harmful emissions.

Future strategies to reduce vehicle emissions include:

• Policy to ensure that the right vehicle is being used for the right job.
• Downsizing.
• Vehicle and equipment share agreements.
• Continuing to educate City staff on ways to conserve fuel and reduce emissions.
• Continuing to evaluate the technology and benefits of electric vehicles as more information and products become available.
• Learn more about what we are doing to reduce emissions.

Need More Information?   Contact the Public Works office.

Address:      924 7th Ave. SE, Suite A 
                   Download a printer friendly (PDF) copy of directions to our office Hours:         Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Phone:        (360) 753-8588 
Email:         click here