border 2012 project final report

BORDER 2012 PROJECT
FINAL REPORT
Sub-Grantee/Contractor Name:
Rio Rico Fire District
Title of Project:
Biodiesel Capacity Building and
Demonstration Project in Ambos Nogales
TAA No. TAA06-031
Starting Date: December 1, 2006
Total Project Duration: October 30, 2009
(Amendment No. 3)
Date of Final Report: (Draft) July 26, 2010
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Introduction/Background/Problem:
Page 1
2. Objectives:
Page 1
3. Project’s Strategy:
Page 2
4. Methods or Work Description:
Page 12
5. Results:
Page 19
6. Discussion:
Page 21
7. Recommendations:
Page 23
References:
Page 24
Appendices:
Page 25
Appendix A. Script from the Nogales High students play, The Biodiesel Heroes.
Appendix B. Article from Santa Cruz Valley Unified School District #35 newspaper.
Appendix C. The Biodiesel Project Contact List.
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2
Introduction/Background/Problem
The municipality of Nogales, Sonora is served by a Bi-National wastewater conveyance system
that forwards waste to the Nogales International Wastewater Treatment Plant in Rio Rico,
Arizona. Water quality sampling at both the primary Bi-National outfall as well as within the
Nogales (Sonora) collection system indicates waste vegetable oil and grease is a problem for
plant maintenance and leads to sewer clogs and overflows. At times, the overflows have
contributed to untreated wastewater flows within Nogales Wash – a perennial surface water
feature running through both communities and easily accessible by the public – and to the
listing (303-d) of the Wash as impaired for e-Coli. Past studies conducted at Instituto
Tecnológico de Nogales (ITN) and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ)
suggest that improper disposal of waste vegetable oil and grease by commercial users of the
conveyance contributes to the problem within the municipality; proper maintenance/disposal of
oil and grease (i.e. prevention of disposal in the conveyance) will diminish frequency of
overflow events which contaminate the wash.
Ambos Nogales is also negatively impacted by poor air quality. Both Nogales, Arizona and
Nogales, Sonora regularly violate the national ambient air quality standards of their respective
countries. Particulate matter is the primary cause of those violations, and diesel vehicle
emissions are a major source in region. Particulate matter has been identified as a key factor in
respiratory illness and an asthma trigger in both communities. The use of biodiesel in diesel
offsets emissions of particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbons. Biodiesel is an
EPA approved alternative fuel, which carries an ASTM standard and may be blended with
petroleum-based diesels and used directly in diesel engines with little or no retrofitting.
Objectives
The goal of this project was to address significant air, water, and environmental health
problems in Ambos Nogales (Nogales, Sonora and Nogales and Rio Rico, AZ) by developing
the capacity for the production and use of biodiesel in these border communities. This main
objective of this capacity-building and demonstration project intended to reclaim waste
vegetable oil and grease, convert it into biodiesel, and demonstrate the use of the fuel in School
and Public Sector Safety Vehicles.
This project is a Bi-National, collaborative effort of public and private sector institutions in
northern Sonora (municipality of Nogales) and southern Arizona (Santa Cruz and Pima
counties). Original Project Partners included the Rio Rico Fire District (RRFD), Bomberos de
Nogales (BN), Privados Portatiles S.A. de C.V. (PP), Rio Rico Rentals (RRRI), the Southeast
Arizona Area Health Education Center (SEAHEC), Instituto Tecnológico de Nogales (ITN),
and the University of Arizona (UA), with support from the Arizona Department of
Environmental Quality (ADEQ), Public Safety Association of Santa Cruz County (PSA-SCC),
Pima County Associations of Government Clean Cities Coalition (PAG-CCC), and Asociación
de Profesionales en Seguridad y Ambiente (APSA).
The project called for the establishment of operational facilities for small-scale biodiesel
production and testing on both sides of the Arizona-Sonora border; the creation of a map of
local producers of waste vegetable oil and grease linked to data about the quality and quantity
of the waste; demonstration of successful use of biodiesel in vehicles operated by the fire
departments and production of performance data on use of the biodiesel in those vehicles; and
education and outreach about the production of biodiesel as an alternative disposal mechanism
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for waste oil and grease producers; and present a strategy for expanding production and use of
biodiesel within Ambos Nogales.
The project was designed to address two priority goals through five objectives (described
below) and ten tasks (addressed in following section titled “Project’s Strategy”).
Reduce Water Contamination
 Determine the amount of waste vegetable oil and grease produced in Ambos Nogales
and the amount that can be diverted from the waste stream for use in the production of
biodiesel.
 Evaluate local capacity to convert waste vegetable oil and grease to biodiesel of a
quality high enough for use in diesel engines.
 Promote recycling of waste vegetable oil and grease through production of biodiesel as
a positive alternative to other forms of waste disposal.
Reduce Air Pollution
 Produce and use biodiesel in Ambos Nogales and measure change in emissions in the
vehicles in which it is used.
 Identify and support existing biodiesel users and, based on the results, promote
biodiesel as a clean-burning, alternative fuel.
Project’s Strategy
The following tasks/activities of the project work plan were developed prior to the start of the
project at the start, along with a timeline. Although several changes were made that will be
discussed further, the following represents the original strategic plan.
(1) Establish and operate facilities for small-scale Biodiesel production and testing on
each side of the Arizona-Sonora border.
Nogales, Sonora: Production by Privados Portatiles S.A. de C.V. (PP); Testing by the Instituto
Tecnológico de Nogales (ITN), and final verification by submission of samples for ASTM
testing.
Nogales, Arizona: Production by Rio Rico Rentals (RRR); Testing by the Instituto Tecnológico
de Nogales (ITN), and final verification by submission of samples for ASTM testing.
The Nogales, Sonora facility will be established within six months of project startup. The ITN
laboratory will be established and operational within six months of project startup. The
Nogales, Arizona facility will be established within 12 months of project startup. Results of
this task, including photos and a description of the facilities, will be documented in quarterly
reports in months 6 and 12.
(2) Gather and map data on local producers of waste cooking oil and grease, including
regular measurements of both quantity and quality of material, in Nogales, Sonora,
focusing in the first six months on Maquiladoras that produce large quantities of oil and
grease and in the second six months on restaurants.
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Data on sources of waste vegetable oil will be gathered through a survey of all Maquiladoras in
Nogales, Sonora. Information about the Maquilas will be gathered from the Asociación de
Profesionales en Seguridad y Ambiente (APSA) and the Environment Committee of the
Maquiladora Association. The survey will include information about the quantity of waste
vegetable oil and grease produced, and variation in production throughout the year and across
years. The pilot Maquiladora survey will be developed within one month of project startup.
The survey will be tested by the end of the second month and completed by the end of the
fourth month. The map of Maquiladora producers will be completed by the end of the fifth
month.
Data will be gathered through a survey of restaurants in Nogales, Sonora and Nogales,
Arizona. Information about the restaurants will be gathered from local chambers of commerce
and city health departments. The survey will include information about the number of meals
served per day, the quantity of waste vegetable oil and grease produced, and variation in
production throughout the year. The pilot restaurant survey will be developed within seven
months of project startup. The survey will be tested by the end of the eighth month and
completed by the end of the 10th month. The map of restaurant producers will be completed by
the end of the 12th month.
Results of this task, including maps and an estimate of the quantity of waste produced, will be
reported in quarterly reports in months 6 and 12.
(3) Estimate the amount of waste vegetable oil entering the waste stream that can be
offset through recycling.
Based on data from Task 2, estimates of the amount of waste vegetable oil entering the waste
stream from Maquiladoras will be completed by the sixth month.
Based on data from Task 2, estimates of the amount of waste vegetable oil entering the waste
stream from restaurants will be completed by the 12th month.
Results of this task will be reported in quarterly reports in the quarterly reports in months 6 and
12.
(4) Identify local users of Biodiesel, waste vegetable oil, and glycerin.
Local users will be identified through the surveys of Maquiladoras and restaurants and through
interviews with public officials and local business leaders. This task will be completed by the
end of the 12th month.
Results of this task will be reported in the quarterly report in month 12.
(5) Submit samples of locally produced Biodiesel for ASTM testing.
Preliminary testing of Biodiesel will take place at the ITN lab. When preliminary tests indicate
that the Biodiesel is within the ASTM standards, project staff will submit one sample from
each side of the border for such testing.
Results of this task will be reported in the quarterly report in month 21.
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(6) Use locally produced Biodiesel in diesel engines operated by public entities such as the
Instituto Tecnológico de Nogales (ITN) and the fire departments.
The project will produce at least 500 gallons of Biodiesel in each facility, for blending with
Number 2 diesel and use in the vehicles of the participating fire departments. At least one
emergency vehicle from the fire departments on each side of the border will be used for testing
the Biodiesel in a B-20 blend. Biodiesel will be introduced into a RRFD vehicle (estimated
1,000 miles per week of use) in a staged approach, first in a B-5 blend for one week, then a B10 blend for a second week, then a B-15 blend for a third week, and finally in a B-20 blend.
Biodiesel from the Maquiladoras will be in use by the end of the ninth project month. Biodiesel
from restaurants will be in use by the end of the 16th project month.
Results of this task will be documented in quarterly reports in months 9 and 18.
(7) Conduct baseline and post-Biodiesel use performance assessments and emissions tests
of vehicles.
ADEQ will supply equipment to test vehicle emissions before and after Biodiesel is used in the
vehicles. Testing will take place in accordance with 2006 diesel-emission standards for the
State of Arizona using Red Mountain SAE J1667 Snap Acceleration Meters that measure
opacity at the tailpipe or stack of diesel vehicles. Testing will occur prior to biodiesel use, after
one month of use, and after three months of use.
Results of this task will be documented in quarterly reports in months 9 and 12 and in months
18 and 21.
(8) Conduct education and outreach to waste cooking oil and grease producers about
Biodiesel and its potential for use in the Ambos Nogales.
Information about Biodiesel and its potential use in Ambos Nogales will be shared with the
producers of waste vegetable oil and grease through presentations at meetings of the local
Chambers of Commerce, Maquiladora Association, Asociación de Profesionales en Seguridad
y Ambiente (APSA), and Restaurant Association. Additional education and outreach efforts,
including at least one community workshop on each side of the border, will be designed and
conducted by faculty and students from ITN, UA, and SEAHEC Health Careers Clubs.
Results of this task, including copies of education and outreach materials, will be documented
in the quarterly report in month 21.
(9) Develop a strategy for expanding production and use of Biodiesel within Ambos
Nogales.
Based on results of the project, project partners will develop a strategy for expanding
production of Biodiesel within Ambos Nogales. The plan will address both supply and demand
and include specific activities for addressing those.
Results of this task will be provided in the final project report.
(10) Maintain communication among project partners via regular phone and email
contact, quarterly meetings, and the preparation and submission of quarterly reports.
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Project partners will remain in contact via phone and email throughout the project period. UA
and SEAHEC staff will help facilitate communication among the project partners.
Quarterly team meetings will be held in months 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, and 24. Information
gathered at the team meetings will be incorporated into the quarterly reports to be submitted to
the EPA/BECC at the end of each of those months.
Project Timeline
The following graph shows the timeline for each of the ten objectives/tasks described
above:
Month:
Objective/
Tasks:
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
24
1------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1
2----------------------------------------------2
3----------------------------------3
4-----------------------4
5-----------5
6-----------------6
6----------------6
7-----------------------7
7----------------------7
8--------------------------------8
9---------------------9
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
The first obstacle that we faced in accomplishing the tasks involved in the strategy plan as
outlined came about as a result of the closure of the Privados Portatiles, S. A., which left us
without a plan for the collection of the waste vegetable oil and actual production of biodiesel
on the Sonora side of the border. Shortly thereafter, Rio Rico Rentals underwent several
changes at their Rio Rico facility which also resulted in their abandonment of the project on the
US side of the border as well. At this point many of the initial tasks assigned to the University
of Arizona, SEAHEC, and the Instituto Tecnologico de Nogales were well underway but with
no one to handle the major task of collection , constructing the processing facility and actually
producing the biodiesel product.
Realizing that the end result would ultimately be of financial benefit, the Rio Rico Fire District
did commit to the tasks originally placed in the hands of Privados Portatiles and Rio Rico
Rentals. The Bomberos immediately followed suit. Unfortunately, however, a lot of time was
lost and the project fell short of meeting the time line goals as outlined in the original plan.
Although both RRFD and the Bomberos were excited to be involved in the actual production
of the Biodiesel, new challenges arose to keep the project on its course. With both facilities
being in the business of offering emergency services, often times deadlines were not met
simply due to the fact that personnel was not available to spend dedicated time to the project.
Once approval was received from the BECC to proceed with relocating the processor sites,
monies budgeted for Privados Portatiles and Rio Rico Rentals were then moved into the
budgets for both the Rio Rico Fire District and Bomberos, with Rio Rico Fire District to
continue to operate as the sub-grantee/contractor as well.
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In our role as the sub-grantee/contractor, all monies were filtered through the RRFD Fire
District grant office. Procedures were established by BECC and communicated to the partners.
Minor challenges were initially encountered … APSA’s role was not very clear at the start,
and communications were difficult simply based on the fact that not every one of the principals
involved were bilingual. However, once the system was in place, after just a few months the
flow of expenses/reimbursement was working well. Detailed expense receipts/reimbursements
remain on file at the Rio Rico Fire District grant office and are a part of our annual audit.
Quarterly meetings kept the group informed throughout the project timeline as well as serving
to keep the momentum high and all parties working together toward the achievement of the
goals that were set forth. Initially communications were challenged however; here again
surrounding the fact that not everyone involved was bi-lingual and finding an interpreter to
work within the parameters of our budget was not an easy task. We were fortunate, however,
to garner the services of Hans Huth with ADEQ/Tucson who was a huge supporter of the
project and Hans volunteered to cover that role without any remuneration; and a University of
Arizona student assigned to the project took over the role of interpreting the meeting minutes
and forwarding them to RRFD for distribution.
Sadly, one of our biggest challenges was presented toward the end of the project, as travelling
across the border became potentially unsafe. ADEQ staff that was so instrumental in assisting
with the project was directed to cease travel across the border, as were University Staff. Rio
Rico Fire District personnel were reluctant to cross into Mexico and some of the tour groups
that we (RRFD) hosted had to cancel their proposed visits to visit the Bomberos facility as they
too were restricted by their respective schools.
In summary, the four largest challenges were:
(1) Re-locating the processing facilities
(2) Overcoming the language barrier
(3) Meeting deadlines and communications simply due to the ongoing emergency response
nature of our business (RRFD and Bomberos)
(4) Crossing the border
Despite the challenges encountered as outlined above, there were many achievements and
milestones to celebrate just some of which are outlined below.

The Instituto Tecnologico de Nogales (ITN) was most successful in establishing
themselves as a point of contact for the collection of waste vegetable oil. Many
restaurants and Maquila plant cafeterias that were identified as producers were now
dropping off gallons of oil and so much of it was received that they were able to
provide RRFD with a huge initial supply. With their success in collecting such a vast
amount of raw product they were also inspired to build their own small processor with
grant monies received from another source.

The student involvement in the project was exceptional from all of the agencies
directing their efforts … UofA, SEAHEC and ITN. Following Dr. Diana Austin’s
presentation to the Nogales and Rio Rico Health Career Clubs, under the guidance of
SEAHEC, their enthusiasm was so high that they immediately went to work in
launching their participation in the project and successfully completed the following:
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o A survey tool was developed to meet the needs of surveying potential providers
for waste vegetable oil.
o Poster boards were designed for educational events that included the Santa Cruz
County Health and Safety Fair, and the Tumacacori Mission Festival. They also
presented their work at the Undergraduate Biology Research Program at the U
of A and at the Arizona Adolescent Health Conference, the U.S./Mexico Binational Center Inaugural Ceremony and at the Ambos Nogales Border 2012
Air Quality Task Force Meeting.
o They developed a skit titled “The Biodiesel Heroes” complete with puppets to
disseminate information on the benefits of clean air to children (See Appendix).

University of Arizona students provided the much needed assistance at quarterly
meetings – taking minutes of the meetings and translating them into Spanish;
conducting interviews in Sonora and more.

Classroom presentations were done at several Rio Rico middle schools and community
service groups by Chief Foster and/or Patricia Hilton, serving to promote the use of
biodiesel fuel in the community.

Certainly one of the most significant milestones was the publication created by Diane
Austin, Associate Research Anthropologist at the University of Arizona, The Biodiesel
Capacity Building and Demonstration Project in Ambos Nogales: An Assessment of
the Potential for Biodiesel Production to Alter Present Use and Disposition of Waste
Vegetable Oil and Grease. [1] This comprehensive report, published in both English
and Spanish, summarizes the results of Tasks 2, 3 and 4 (as outlined in the project
strategy) of the work plan for the Biodiesel Capacity Building and Demonstration
Project in Ambos Nogales. Dr. Austin’s report includes contributions from SEAHEC,
ITN, and the student researchers who conducted the Small Scale Burning Study in
Nogales, Sonora. In addition to the complete narratives covering the introduction of the
project, and the work performed, the report also covers topics that include Biodiesel as
a potential solution to locally-specific problems, environmental concerns and potential
or Biodiesel to reduce them, health concerns and a chapter addressing biodiesel and
biofuels – a broader context for the Amos Nogales Project. The tables and figures
alone provide invaluable resources for the ongoing success of biodiesel production and
utilization on both sides of the Nogales border as well as to provide an important tool
for similar projects to model.

RRFD Biodiesel Grand Opening/Earth Day 2010. The grand opening of the Biodiesel
facility was celebrated in conjunction with “Earth Day”. Members of the community,
along with several members of the Biodiesel partners were in attendance to participate
in the festivities that included a welcome by Chief Mike Foster, a tour of the facilities,
and educational presentation of the project and finally the ceremonious filling the tanks
with the biodiesel fuel.
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Chief Foster displays a sample of the biodiesel
product floating atop the by-product, glycerin.
The Bomberos representatives had many
questions to ask about the facility. Jose
Rodriguez, ADEQ representative who
was involved in the project from the
beginning, was on hand to answer
questions as well.
Maestro Irma Fragoso (far right)
and Edna Mendoza of ADEQ look
on at the RRFD Biodiesel
processor.
The ITN staff who were so
instrumental in our success, were
there to support our grand
opening/Earth Day celebration
One of the biodiesel partners, SEAHEC’s Program Director,
Suzanne David. SEAHEC student participation in the
project was exceptional and contributed greatly to awareness
building and the promotion of the project in the community.
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The U.S. Customs & Border Patrol was on hand to help
celebrate the Earth Day ribbon cutting ceremony and
participate in the grand opening of our facility.
And then the filling of the tanks!
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TOURS:
Whenever requested, RRFD was happy to participate in tours/educational presentations,
some of which included.
(1) Cochise College classes: Led by Earth Science teacher, Ben Lomelei. Mr. Lomelei
brought two tours out to the biodiesel processor facility.
The students first gathered outside the
facility for a welcome and presentation
of the history of the project.
Inside the facility, Chief Foster describes the
transesterification process. In the foreground
(right) is instructor Ben Lomelei, Cochise
College
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After the tour, students had many questions. Chief
Foster, with extensive background in Hazmat and
environmental science, is happy to provide answers.
(2) Good Neighbor Environment Board. This tour was organized by Diane Austin, PhD,
University of Arizona, pictured above in front of the RRFD Biodiesel facility with
RRFD’s Fire Chief, Mike Foster.
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Diane’s experience and knowledge was so critical to the success of this project. In addition
to the biodiesel facilities at RRFD, the group also visited the DeConcini Port of Entry,
downtown Nogales to include the Nogales Wash, the International Wastewater Treatment
plant, several of the produce warehouses, Tumacacori National Park to include Friends of
the Santa Cruz River and the Desert Shadows Middle School to see their rainwater
harvesting and schoolyard habitat site.

Nogales, Sonora, Mexico Bomberos Grand Opening. Although most assuredly a
milestone reached, RRFD did not receive an invitation prior to the event and was not
aware of the date of the grand opening festivities, until it was past. Along the way,
RRFD provided assistance in obtaining much of the large equipment that they required
and were available and on hand to answer any technical questions and provide whatever
support that we could.
Methods or Work Description
The Physical Processor:
(1) Construction of the processor at RRFD Station #1 derived a site plan similar to this:
RRFD Firefighter Mark Gerbert puts the
finishing touches on the facility’s roof.
Mark took point in construction of the
facility and leads the production efforts.
Mark’s motivated to help this project –
he drives a Big Red Ford diesel truck!
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The walls go up on the RRFD
biodiesel processor facility. The
facility is co-located with existing fuel
distribution resources at Station 1
Oops! Mistakes were made along the way. On receiving a 500-gallon poly cone-nosed tank
for Waste Vegetable Oil storage, we discovered we had not left enough overhead space under
the existing roof when placed on its metal stand; adjustments to the roof-line were required.
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Inside the facility, note the hard plumbing runs with dedicated pumps which add to the
aesthetics and cleanliness of the facility.
(Photo by Hans Huth, ADEQ)
There are two 80-gallon electric heating/mixing vessels (top elements removed) with
circulation pumps and methoxide injection ports isolated by brass ball valves. Note the clear
tubes used for observing the liquid levels in the vessels.
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RRFD’s completed Biodiesel Processor Facility
Similar to how we had originally envisioned the layout at RRFD #1, the recommended layout
of a processor for the Bomberos was transmitted as such:
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The Bomberos facility at the most recent visit, prior to their grand opening:
The Bomberos facility was built
to take advantage of issues called
“Lessons Learned” when RRFD
constructed a processor structure.
The largest example is the height
of the Bombero structure (see the
above photo) is significantly able
to accommodate the large tank
without roofline interruption.
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Maquiladora Cafeterias in Sonora Mexico
are a significant supply of Waste Vegetable
Oil and were the source of the original
feedstock for the first batch of biodiesel
processed in the U.S. at RRFD Station #1.
(Photo by Hans Huth, ADEQ)
The following outlines processor/processes/costs of the facility located at RRFD Station #1:
1. The Description of System/Actions to produce Biodiesel at Rio Rico FD:
a. WVO Collection – local and planned international pick-up.
i. 5-gallon containers are set outside to be heated and to stratify.
ii. 2 – 250-gallon poly totes to be trailer mounted in the near future.
b. WVO Containers – solar heated – pour/pump off WVO - leave oily H20.
c. Pour/pump WVO through pre-filter (20 micron sieves over 55-gallon drums).
d. Pump to WVO Storage – 500-gallon poly cone-nose tank:
i. Drain any settled water that separates out after bulking.
e. Pump to heater/mixing vessel(s): 2 – 80-gallon Electric water heaters:
(Note: the upper elements were removed and ports plugged.)
i. Mix methoxide and add to mixing vessel(s) – carboy feeder.
ii. Mix and heat to 125°F for 3 hours.
f. Pump to settling vessel – 250-gallon poly cone-nose tank:
i. Drain by-product glycerin after settling.
g. Pump to washing vessel – 250-gallon poly cone-nose tank:
i. Drain water wash 3 to 5 times.
h. Pump through goldenrod filter (5 micron) to 500-gallon steel fuel tank:
i. 100 gallons B100
ii. 400 gallons Diesel
iii. 500 gallons B20 fuel for diesel fleet (19 vehicles)
The RRFD 19 vehicle diesel fleet consumes about 35,000 gallons/year of diesel fuel. RRFD
plans to implement a conservation strategy and reduce usage to around 30,000 gallons/year
while producing 500-600 gallons per week to meet the current demand for diesel fuel.
2. Cost of Chemicals/Equipment/Supplies/Utilities – The cost of chemicals varies depending
on the vendor and the volume procured. For safety reasons, we have limited the volume of
chemical stored at RRFD. In the demonstration phase of processing, the RRFD processor
averaged 90-gallon batches of WVO. The volume of methoxide added varies based on the
titration values, but a good average for this processor batch is about 19.5 gallons. The cost
of the chemicals per 90-gallon WVO batch has been about $73.50 per batch, which equates
to about $0.81/gallon of WVO or $0.98/gallon of produced Biodiesel. In the future, we
may be able to take advantage of savings offered by volume purchasing, especially as we
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try to increase our processing capacity. The maximum capacity of a RRFD batch with our
configuration is 120 gallons of WVO, which adds approximately 26 gallons of methoxide
mixture. The RRFD goal will be to collect and process at least 125 gallons of WVO each
week. With this volume, prices of chemicals would decrease to about $85.50 per 120gallon WVO batch, equating to $0.71/gallon of WVO or $0.85/gallon of produced
Biodiesel. This would yield approximately 500 gallons of B20 /week.
a. Methanol
b. Potassium Hydroxide
c. Other – Titrant reagents
3. Cost of Labor – approximately $660/month to $700/month for one batch per week:
a. Collection – estimated 5 hours per week at $10/hour ($50/week, $200/month)
b. Preparation – estimated 1 hour per week at $10/hour ($10/week, $40/monh)
c. Processing – estimated 2 hours per week at $12/hour ($24/week, $96/month)
d. Washing – estimated 4 hours per week at $10/hour ($40/week, $160 /month)
e. Blending – estimated ½ hour per week at $10/hour ($5/week, $20/month)
f. Cleaning – estimated 1 ½ hours per week at $10/hour ($15/week, $60/month).
g. Recycling/Disposal – 2 hours per week at $10/hour ($20/week, $80/month).
h. Administration – Internalized: 2 hours per week at prevailing admin rate.
i. Education/Outreach – Internalized: 1 hour per month at prevailing admin rate.
4. Other Cost of Equipment/Supplies/Utilities – approximately $40/month:
a. Lab equipment - $10/month.
b. Safety equipment - $10/month.
c. Utilities - $20/month:
i. Electricity – usage only when pumping liquids/lights at night.
ii. Water – minimal usage, for cleanup.
5. Cost of Waste – only a small fraction of the RRFD $98/month solid waste dumpster cost:
a. Disposal – currently there has been none, or negligible cost:
i. Glycerin – is used by the local wastewater treatment facility.
ii. Water – is evaporated on-site currently.
iii. Oily water – is disposed of in closed containers in the solid waste dumpster.
iv. Refuse – has been disposed of in the solid waste dumpster.
v. Oily rags – are placed in specialized metal containers with spring-loaded
lids to avoid spontaneous combustion. Rags are stored in small stacks and
burned in live burn training scenarios at the RRFD training center.
b. Recycle/Reclaim/Reuse – is already an employed strategy:
i. Glycerin use at IBWC IWTF – in their active process as a feedstock; RRFD
has arranged to pump by-product glycerin from drums to their bulk tank.
ii. Wash-water use in a RRFD garden is anticipated, another reason for KOH.
iii. Future methanol recovery system – in plan only, to recapture as much as
possible to offset costs of methanol, if a safe cost-effective design is found.
c. By-Product development – will take some dedicated focus in the future:
i. Liquid Soap for truck wash – we wash a lot of trucks, and pay for the liquid
soaps and waxes we use.
ii. Organic tomato/vegetable garden on-site – to demonstrate that the KOH
wastewater is a soil augmentation for alkaline soils and adds essential
nutrients to soils that produce consumable vegetables.
iii. Other uses for glycerin may be explored.
- 18 -
Results
Generally, the project is considered a success. The research, survey, education and outreach
components were a complete success. The initial obstacles that were identified regarding
losing key stakeholders created unexpected administrative challenges that remain opportunities
for both the Bomberos of Nogales, Sonora, Mexico and for Rio Rico Fire District. The ability
and capacity to operate fuel facilities in this manner is unique to both organizations, and our
struggle to make the time to dedicate resources to collect WVO, process and manage an
effective WVO to Biodiesel processor deserves greater attention.
The first phase of the project that involved the efforts of the University of Arizona and students
at ITN and local Arizona High Schools created great awareness, education and motivation to
explore the economic viability of rendering quality Biodiesel fuel from Waste Vegetable Oil.
The total volume of waste oil and grease on the Arizona side is considerably less than that on
the Sonoran side, due primarily to the presence of the maquiladora cafeterias on the Sonoran
side but also due to the greater number of restaurants on the Sonoran side.
On the Sonoran side, the maquiladoras and restaurants produce large quantities of waste oil and
grease, and they have fewer options for managing it. A few companies collect the waste
material and then either dispose of it themselves in the landfill or transport it to places like
Hermosillo for use in hog feed, but the participants who were using these options at the time of
the study said they would be willing to donate their waste oil and grease to a local project for
conversion to biodiesel. Because many restaurants and cafeterias are currently disposing of
their waste oil and grease in the garbage, the potential to get large volumes out of the waste
stream is great. [1.]
Main objectives of the project are met on the U.S. side. Unfortunately, economics resulting in
the loss of two stakeholders and the political boundary itself became an obstacle during the
timeline of this project, due largely to the tensions associated with increased violence related to
smuggling efforts. It is now not as easy to cross the border for on-site visits; the result - some
hands on oversight was lost related to the Bomberos’ new Biodiesel processor. In fact some
stakeholders currently are prohibited from crossing the U.S./Mexico at this time.
The construction of the processor facility on the Mexico side has been confirmed, but the
ability to perform cross-border site visits to provide technical assistance has not occurred. The
current status of the Bomberos processor is not certain, but two large 250-gallon poly conenose tanks with stands remain at RRRD Station #1 in storage awaiting pick-up for crossing into
Nogales, Sonora, Mexico. RRFD continues to support the Bomberos as they work toward
completion of their processor and develop their processes, as best possible.
The processor at RRFD continues to process with batches of biodiesel to meet the 500 gallons
of biodiesel as outlined in the scope of the grant. The batches were as follows:
11/12/08
11/17/08
2/20/09
6/08/09
45 gallons
90 gallons
90 gallons
90 gallons
8/28/09
9/02/09
7/20/10
7/21/10
90 gallons
180 gallons
90 gallons
90 gallons
The 765 gallons of WVO have yielded over 610 gallons of pure B100 biodiesel which is
blended with petroleum based diesel fuel to blend a B20 biodiesel fuel (20% biodiesel).
- 19 -
An item not comprehensively completed is the testing. Air quality samples were anticipated
and performed with support from ADEQ. There was not extensive capacity to test and analyze
for emission improvements and equipment issues became a challenge. Vehicle lubricity and
emission system improvements are expected and visual and olfactory indication supports this
improvement, but no conclusive data has been collected or presented in this project. There is
information from ADEQ in Table 2 to support this expectation.
The following table summarizes the air sampling performed by Jose Rodriguez of ADEQ:
Table 1
ADEQ’s Jose Rodriguez signals to push the accelerator to high idle as part of opacity testing.
- 20 -
ADEQ provided other emissions reduction related information as shown here in Table 2:
VEHICLE
NUMBER
BLEND
PM
CO
NOx
HC
FUEL ECONOMY
(%)
(%)
(%)
(%)
(%)
CHANGE (%)
5
2
2
1
5
0.2 to 0.5
10
4
5
1
11
0.5 to 1.1
15
6
7
2
16
0.7 to 1.6
520
20
9
10
2
21
0.9 to 2.1
50
21
23
4
44
3.5 to 5.3
75
29
32
6
58
3.5 to 8
99
37
40
8
69
4.6 to 10.5
5
2
2
1
5
0.2 to 0.5
10
4
5
1
11
0.5 to 1.1
15
6
7
1
16
0.7 to 1.6
530
20
9
10
2
21
0.9 to 2.1
50
21
23
4
44
3.5 to 5.3
75
29
33
6
58
3.5 to 8
99
37
41
7
69
4.6 to 10.5
NOTE: a + sign means there is an increase (not a reduction) on the estimated emissions
Table 2
Additionally, fuel samples for biodiesel processed on both sides of the border have yet to be
delivered to ITN for ASTM testing. We anticipate this to be accomplished by August 2010 for
processed fuel from the U.S. side biodiesel processor. It is unclear whether the Bomberos have
made biodiesel or have submitted a processed fuel sample to ITN
The only commercial biodiesel facility properly operating in Arizona, Arizona Biodiesel in
Gilbert, AZ has graciously offered to analyze biodiesel samples for RRFD as well.
Discussion
The lessons learned in a small Fire District taking on this type of project have been numerous.
The bi-national element was a challenge in various fronts as well. The language barrier
became obvious early on. The simultaneous translation challenge is difficult to broach, or is an
expensive obstacle to overcome – the skill of bilingual communication is a great benefit.
The “Emergency” in Emergency Services was a priority drain and ended up placing biodiesel
processor facilities and activities as a lower priority on numerous occasions. Administration of
the project was a challenge alone, but the change to accommodate the design, construction,
processing and affiliated responsibilities became a larger than bargained for effort.
Resources were available to us that we had not imagined existed, on both sides of the border.
The community is very supportive – from the schools to the general public, all had interest and
were desiring more education and outreach than was easily provided by us.
- 21 -
Other organizations stepped in with resources to assist where some elements in the original
plan did not accommodate. The greatest example is that of the Friends of the Santa Cruz, an
organization not envisioned in the original grant, stepped forward to provide ITN, a grant
stakeholder, with resources to build a small processor on site at the school. This proved to be
very beneficial to this grant project, as many lessons were learned prior to construction.
We learned that it would have been more efficient if we had someone in the role (if we could
have afforded it) of project manager for the technical aspects of construction, design and
process development and management.
Communication among stakeholders started strong and waned over time, making it more
difficult to accomplish joint activities. This might have been due in part to differing periods of
performance, which had differing stakeholders focused on the project in varying degrees at
different points along the project timeline. The language barrier and deteriorated conditions
along the border may have also hindered our communication coupled with the loss of focus.
As discussed, the International Boundary became an obstacle that was not envisioned. The
dynamic changed during the course of the project’s period of performance. Some of the
stakeholders were not allowed to cross the border near the end of the period of performance
closing, due to political concerns within their organizations. Communications across the
border became more difficult over time.
More experience in the technical side is better. Much of what was learned through trial and
error might be avoided with access to more and better technical expertise, even if it is paid
consultant time that is considered. Expertise saves time, effort, energy and money.
Safety is of primary importance to RRFD; both in our own processing as a model facility and
for others biodiesel processors in the community. We are looking to provide common sense
safety information related to our own processes and anticipate that our facility will allow us to
become a leader in biodiesel safety for residential and small business biodiesel processing in
Santa Cruz County and our surrounding region.
A question of sustainability remains. RRFD has committed to make biodiesel processing a
significant element of our support services program. ADEQ border coordinator Hans Huth has
provided a foundation of oil collection that RRFD will build on.
The Customs and Border Patrol Commercial Port of Entry Supervisor spoke to Mr. Huth about
importing containers of waste vegetable oil (WVO) from Nogales, Sonora for use in making
fuel by the Rio Rico Fire District. The query indicated that as long as we don’t cross a tanker
truck full of WVO, we can pursue collection from Nogales, Sonora and import into Arizona
through the Mariposa Port of Entry.
The RRFD driver will ask for an “informal entry” request. The request would suffice for
bringing across a reasonable quantity of containers of WVO in the back of a pickup (30 or so)
which costs $10-$12 per entry. Specify on the form the classification code of 1518004000.
ITN is ready and willing to donate oil as needed. As it now stands, they’ve halted active
collection since they can’t process it quickly enough themselves. This leads the Nogales,
Sonora sources of WVO to consider their previous disposal methodology, which challenges
sanitary sewer systems with overflows and landfills with WVO disposal.
- 22 -
Recommendations
Organizational recommendations – Planning would be a key. It is hard to envision everything
ahead of time, but a focused and comprehensive strategic planning process pays big dividends.
Having the facility move to the site of the emergency responder organizations was a blessing
and a curse. The ability to produce fuel from waste is a great advantage to the emergency
responders, but the ability to focus time, effort and resources on something not “mission
related” is difficult for small organizations at the same time. Having a dedicated bilingual
project manager with related technical experience is a great resource for this type of project.
Safety issues must remain a focus of any effort related to flammable and combustible liquids.
Personnel recommendations – providing additional resources for a bilingual project manager
and technical consultant is something to consider. Avoiding having to learn from trial and
error would be the goal. As awareness and facilities increase, it should be easier to draw upon
experienced individuals to help plan, steer, manage and administer this type of project. First
responders are duty bound and must respond when they are dispatched – establishing work
schedules for a project like this that do not correspond to or rely upon scheduled time as a first
responder should maximize focus and minimize interruptions.
Political recommendations – Engage and involve executive leadership at all levels of
government on both sides of the border to the greatest degree possible. The reality of the
dynamics of an International Border cannot be ignored, but involvement of political leaders at
the highest levels is key to maximizing collaborative efforts, that may well have been missed in
this project. Sustainability of this type of project could be influenced greatly by involving key
leaders on both sides of the political boundary.
- 23 -
References:
1.
The Biodiesel Capacity Building and Demonstration Project in Ambos Nogales: An
Assessment of the Potential for Biodiesel Production to Alter Present Use and Disposition of
Waste Vegetable Oil and Grease – May 2008 (Diane Austin)
2.
EPA Border 2012 Ambos Nogales Grant Proposal Background and Objectives – May
2006 (Hans Huth)
- 24 -
Appendices
A.
Script from the Nogales High students play The Biodiesel Heroes.
- 25 -
B.
Article from the Santa Cruz Valley Unified School District #35 newspaper:
- 26 -
C.
The Biodiesel Project Contact List:
COMPANY/GROUP
CONTACT
PHONE/FAX/EMAIL
Alcoa Fastening Systems (Donor)
3724 E. Columbia
Street
Tucson, AZ 85714
Cari A. Cunningham
Phone 520-519-7554
EHS & Processing Supervisor
Fax 520-519-7581
Cari.Cunningham@Alcoa.com
Arizona Department of Environmental
Quality (ADEQ)
1110 West Washington Street
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Edna Mendoza
Border Programs Air Coordinator
Phone 520-628-6710
Fax
Mendoza.Edna@azdeq.gov
Asociacion de Profesionales en
Seguridad y Ambiente (APSA)
Bomberos de Nogales
Av. Obregon No. 327
Nogales, Sonora, Mex.
Border Environmental
Cooperation
Commission (BECC)
P. O. Box 221648
El Paso, TX 79913
Hans Huth
Border Programs Water
Coordinator
(Technical Advisor)
Joel Gastellum
President
Pima Association of
Governments
Joel_Gastelum@acco.com
Thomas Valdez
Treasurer
(Project Point of Contact)
Ramon Velez Rios/Hernandez
Cmdte. Y Jefe
Thomas.Valdez@redsumex.com
ThomasValdez@xerox.com
Jose A. Arreola
Technical Assistance Manager
(Grants Project
Officer)
Phone 877-277-1703 (Ex 4624)
jarreola@cocef.org
Alberto Ramirez
Special Project
Officer
(Project Manager)
Instituto Tecnologico de Nogales
Phone 520-628-6711
Fax
hjh@azdeq.gov
(Cell) 520-609-6424
(631) 312-0836, 312-0004
Cell:044 631 317 1115
Phone 877-277-1703 (Ex
4639)
aramirez@cocef.org
Abril Quiroz
Contract Officer
(Contract Administrator)
Phone 877-277-1703 (Ex4602)
aquiroz@cocef.org
Irma Fragoso (Teaches the
sustainable development course/
will supervise students working
on the surveys of maquilas &
restaurants
ifragoso@prodigy.net.mx
Martha Chairez (Teaches
chemistry and will supervise
students in the lab)
martha_chairez@yahoo.com
Colleen
Crowninshield
- 27 -
Phone 520-792-1093 (Ex426)
177 N. Church Ave., Suite 405
Tucson, AZ 85701
Clean Cities Manager
Fax 520-620-6981
ccrowninshield@pagnet.org
Privados Portatiles S. A. de C.V.
c/o Rio Rico Rentals
1105 Circulo Mercado
Rio Rico, AZ 85648
Gilbert Romero
Phone 520-281-7368
Public Safety Association of
Santa Cruz County
Mike Foster
President
Phone 520-281-8421
Fax 520-281-7670
mfoster@rioricofire.org
Louis Chaboya
Treasurer
Phone 520-375-8000
Fax 520-375-8001
lchaboya@co.santa-cruz.az.us
Suzanne David
(See SEAHEC)
Mike Foster
Fire Chief
(Station 1)
Phone 520-281-8421
Fax 520-281-7670
mfoster@rioricofire.org
Patricia Hilton
Grant & Special Projects
Administrator
(Station 2)
Phone 520-281-8194
Fax 520-281-8143
philton@rioricofire.org
Rio Rico Fire District
Station 1
1194 North Pendleton Drive
Rio Rico, AZ 85648
Station 2
957 Calle Calabasas
Rio Rico, AZ 85648
Station 1
Mark Gerbert
Primary Contact For
Biodiesel Project
Phone 520-281-8421
Fax 520-281-8143
mgerbert@rioricofire.org
Rio Rico Rentals
1105 Circulo Mercado
Rio Rico, AZ 85648
Gilbert Romero
Southeast Arizona Area Health Education
Center (SEAHEC)
1171 W. Target Range Road
Nogales, AZ 85621
Lisa Halverson,Director
Suzanne David, Acting Director
Phone 520-287-4722
adavid@ahsc.arizona.edu
University of Arizona
Bureau of Applied Research in Anthropology
Anthropology Bldg., Rm. 316
P. O. Box 210030
Tucson, AZ 857210030
Diane E. Austin, Ph.d.
Associate Research
Anthropoloist
Phone 520-626-3879
520-621-6282
Fax 520-621-9608
daustin@u.arizona.edu
University of Arizona
Sherry L. Esham
Director of
Sponsored
P.O. Box 3308
- 28 -
Phone 520-281-7368
Cell 520-604-2806
Cell 520-980-0177
Tucson, AZ 857223308
University of Arizona
BARA
The University of
Arizona
Emil Haury/Anthropology Bldg, Rm 316
Tucson, AZ 857210030
Projects
Armando Vargas
BARA Admin Office
Maria Rodriguez
Business Manager,
Sr.
- 29 -
Phone 520-621-6285
Fax 520-621-9608
mariarod@u.arizona.edu