Dale Hunsucker with B&B transport pumps biodiesel into the Conover storage area.

Conover initially started using bio-diesel fuel in 31 of its off-road vehicles and 23 of its on-road vehicles on June 23, with fuel from Charlotte. However, when the city learned that Foothills Bio-Energies in Lenoir was going to begin making bio-diesel, it decided to make the switch.

“This is our first effort to have locally owned, locally grown and locally distributed bio-diesel,” said Conover Manager Donald Duncan. “You get more cooperation locally, because the company has a stake in the community.”

The 6,000 gallons of B-20, a blend of 20 percent bio-diesel and 80 percent ultra low sulfur diesel (ULSD) diesel, is the first shipment Foothills Bio-Energies has made, at Conover’s request.

“We wanted the first load. We really stretched our last load of bio-diesel (from Charlotte), waiting to get this,” Duncan said, adding that he’s really interested in bio-diesel and alternative energy. “It’s great that personal, private and public interests all lined up.”

Bio-diesel is much better for the environment than traditional diesel, which has carcinogens and sulfur in it. North Carolina is the fifth-largest use of bio-diesel, but until a few years ago, it primarily imported it, usually from California. Foothills owners Randy Dellinger and Don Barrier decided to change that, by building a facility in Lenoir to produce bio-diesel. By the end of 2006, there will be four facilities in North Carolina that produce it.

With Catawba County’s non-attainment status for air quality because of particulate matter, Conover is hoping the bio-diesel it uses will help lower it, as well.

Conover’s not the only city in Catawba County that uses bio-diesel. Duncan said that about a month after Conover began using it, Hickory switched, as well.

Beginning Friday, bio-diesel will be available to the general public in Catawba County: Bumgarner Oil. The bio-diesel it purchased will be sole at the Cubbard Express on N.C. 127 in Hickory.