The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) and Minnesota Biodiesel Council (MBC) presented an action plan to the Minnesota Department of Commerce to increase quality control measures and ensure that only high-grade biodiesel is released into the state's diesel fuel pool. The recommendations include calling for all biodiesel producers to become accredited under “BQ-9000,” the industry's quality assurance program.
Minnesota law mandates the state's diesel fuel supply contain a blend of 2% biodiesel (B2). In December 2005, it was confirmed that some biodiesel that did not meet the specification was delivered to some Minnesota terminals. At the same time, some incidents of filter plugging were reported. NBB and MBC worked aggressively with state agencies and petroleum companies to analyze the situation, and determined that out-of-spec biodiesel was responsible for at least some of the filter plugging.
NBB and MBC originally called for a temporary waiver from the B2 mandate December 22 to allow terminals to test their biodiesel and resupply if necessary. The Department of Commerce put a waiver in place, that was to have ended Jan 13, 2006.
The recommendations include procedures requiring biodiesel companies to provide a certificate of analysis for each batch of fuel. NBB already has in place the voluntary industry quality control program BQ-9000, which accredits companies that adopt quality assurance practices. NBB recommends all biodiesel producers become accredited under the existing BQ-9000 program.
Recommendations also call for strong enforcement procedures from the Minnesota Department of Commerce. This would include suspensions and fines for producers who sell out-of-spec biodiesel.
A Diesel Helpline has been established through the University of Minnesota Center for Diesel Research. Minnesota residents with a problem are urged to phone 800-929-3437.