Web exclusive posted Feb. 25, 2009, at 11:42 a.m. CST
The Bureau of Development Services for the city of Portland, Ore., has awarded Gorge Analytical LLC, a biodiesel testing laboratory in Hood River, Ore., the contract to sample and test B100 produced within the state or imported for blending with petroleum diesel to ensure the fuel meets applicable ASTM standards.
According to the Bureau of Development Services, the fuel inspections are being conducted in accordance with Portland’s renewable fuels standard, which requires all transportation fuel sold within city limits to contain a blend of renewable fuel. Petroleum diesel is required to contain a B5 blend or greater and petroleum gasoline is required to contain an E10 blend or greater. The requirement for petroleum diesel will increase to B10 in 2010. The renewable fuel standard was enacted July 12, 2006, and went into effect July 1, 2007.
Gorge Analytical’s $40,000 fuel inspection contract began Jan. 6 and will expire June 30, 2011. The company will test and inspect Oregon-based facilities producing or bringing B100 into the state for use as blendstock. Gorge Analytical is a registered service provider through the Northwest Biofuels Association and the National Biodiesel Board and is a member of the American Society for Testing and Materials International.
The Bureau of Development Services has been charged with enforcing the renewable fuels standard. Violators could face fines of up to $5,000 for the first violation and up to $10,000 for subsequent violations. To date, no fines have been assessed, the bureau said.