HomeMy Public PortalAboutCOTI_PR20110204_Biodiesel.docPRESS RELEASE: CONTACT: Ed Hoffman, SES Biofuels
For immediate release (912) 313-0990
Joe Wilson, Tybee Island Public Works
(912) 786-4573, ext. 132
Biodiesel: It’s What’s Cooking on Tybee
Tybee Island, GA – (February 3, 2011) This spring there will be a pleasant new aroma of French Fries wafting across town, not just from the usual restaurants, but from Tybee’s own municipal
equipment. In an ongoing effort to improve air and water quality, the Public Works Department and Tybee restaurants are teaming up with SES Biofuels to convert waste vegetable oil (WVO)
into biodiesel for use in municipal equipment. WVO will be collected at participating Tybee restaurants, processed at SES Biofuels in Savannah, then brought right back for use on Tybee.
The resulting fuel will reduce harmful emissions by 75% per gallon consumed and cost $.10 less per gallon as compared with petrol-diesel. In addition to improving air quality and saving
money, the use of biodiesel on Tybee will also reduce the risk of water pollution due to the fact that the fuel is considered non-toxic by the EPA and accidental spills (such as around
pumps or due to storm events) would biodegrade naturally.
SES Biofuels is also helping create a public recycling area at Tybee Market IGA so that Tybee residents can recycle personal cooking oils instead of washing them down the drain. All
in all, the shift towards a renewable and sustainable fuel represents Tybee Islands’ commitment to being one of the “cleanest beaches in America,” according to Public Works Director
Joe Wilson.
Wilson is also interested in using biodiesel because his equipment can run on it without any conversion or alteration. And, according to the director of public works in the town of Perry,
GA, the use of biodiesel also reduces equipment maintenance and can eliminate the buildup of engine gunk and fuel line deposits (due to the fact that biodiesel is a cleaner burning
fuel with solvent properties).
Mayor Jason Buelterman is excited about the program as well, stating, "The City will save money on the cost of fuel and reduce maintenance costs while at the same time reinforcing our
commitment to the environment. This is a win-win for taxpayers and the environment."
So what can Tybee residents do to help “close the loop” and improve local air and water quality? Ask local restaurants where they recycle their waste vegetable oil and whether it will
be reused as clean fuel on Tybee. Talk to the Tybee Community Resource Committee (http://www.cityoftybee.org/CommunityResourcesCommittee.aspx) about oil recycling and other conservation
programs. If you have any additional questions about biodiesel or to schedule a plant visit, please feel free to visit SES Biofuels online at www.southernenviro.com.
About Tybee Island, GA.: The City of Tybee Island, Georgia is on the outermost barrier island off the Savannah area coast. With a wild bird sanctuary, over three miles of ocean beaches,
and salt marshes on the back river, outdoor recreation activities abound for visitors to the island. As a key defense point to the important Savannah port, Tybee’s Fort Screven, Tybee
Fort Theater, Fort Pulaski, and the Tybee Island and Cockspur Lighthouses combine with the unique architectures of the island’s raised cottages to form a rich backdrop for history buffs.
Attracting a strong artistic community, there are several local supporting art galleries. Keeping the island interesting year round are several arts festivals, the Annual Pirate Fest,
the Beach Bum Parade, St Patrick’s Day celebrations, the Hot Rod Run, the Beach Bash, and the Christmas Parade, as well as fireworks displays on Independence and New Year’s Days off
the Parker Pier and Pavilion. The Marine Science Center cooperates with Georgia’s DNR to protect threatened sea turtle species by searching for nests, protecting their eggs, and making
sure hatchlings make it to sea. For visitor information, stop by http://www.tybeevisit.com/, and to find more about the City of Tybee Island, visit our web site at http://www.cityoftybee.org/.
About SES Biofuels: SES Biofuels was established in accordance with the founding principles of the diesel engine: to supply an energy solution that will benefit society as a whole. Learn
more about SES Biofuels at www.southernenviro.com.
About the Tybee Community Resource Committee (CRC): The CRC is a Tybee Island City Council appointed committee. The mission of the CRC is to develop solutions for the most efficient
and sustainable use and protection of Tybee Island’s vital community resources: water, energy, green space, solid waste and transportation.
“The use of vegetable oils for engine fuels may seem insignificant today, but such oils may become in the course of time as important as the petroleum and coal tar products of the present
time." -Rudolph Diesel, 1912
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