As part of his mission to support cleaner air, better health, farmers and sustainability, Albert Postema has been using biodiesel in his fleet of backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, dump trucks, crawler loaders, wheel loaders and other equipment for more than a year. 

Earthwise Excavation is the first construction company in Washington State to make the switch to biodiesel. And the company has done so in a big way, using approximately 15,000 gallons of biodiesel last year.

"The best way to teach is by example and that is exactly what we intend to do," says Postema.

This philosophy appears to be having an impact. Of all of its sustainability programs, Earthwise has found that biodiesel makes the strongest impression on its customers. And new customers have been attracted to the company based on its use of biodiesel. Postema has also fielded inquiries on the biodiesel program from other companies and the media. Earthwise will also begin to use biodegradable hydraulic oil made from vegetable oil, as well as a high-quality food grade grease in cartridges for their grease guns.

Earthwise has experienced no cold weather issues, even during a cold spell with temperatures in the low twenties, and there has been no loss of power nor any other operational problems. The use of biodiesel has produced only two minor maintenance issues, both of which are common with the use of biodiesel in high percentage blends or in its pure form in older equipment: the natural rubber hoses on older equipment had to be replaced and the fuel filters on several pieces of equipment had to be changed or cleaned during the early stage of biodiesel use. These issues are caused because biodiesel will soften natural rubber and will clean out the particles in fuel tanks that typically result through the use of petroleum diesel.  

Says Postema, "the noticeable things have been all positive." 

Employees of Earthwise have noted that the vehicles and equipment smoke less and the smoke does not have that acrid smell nor cause eye irritation. Many of the older vehicles actually run better due to the scouring or cleaning and lubricity capabilities of biodiesel. Employees have also commented regarding a noticeable absence of the dull headache at the end of the day that typically afflicts heavy equipment operators. Employees have always considered the headache to be the result of machinery vibrations and jarring, but the Earthwise experience indicates that the diesel fumes were having a more significant impact on the health of its employees.

Using biodiesel has also benefit the company, and the environment, in other ways. Earlier this year, one of the company's dump trucks fell into a ditch, breaking the vehicle's fuel line and causing about 200 gallons of pure biodiesel to spill. The local fire department and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency responded to the incident. The officials determined that because biodiesel is biodegradable and essentially non-toxic, the spill in this situation was not a concern. The clean-up of a petroleum spill could have cost Earthwise several thousand dollars and caused significant environmental damage.

The Earthwise on- and off-road vehicles and equipment are currently using 100% biodiesel, known as B100, during the warmer summer months. Postema hopes to keep the fleet on a minimum 50% blend of biodiesel with 50% petroleum diesel (B50) throughout the winter, probably starting in early November, depending on the weather. Last winter, the construction vehicles ran on B30 with no problems. Postema has a strategy should the temperatures drop dramatically. Fuel tanks will be filled no more than 70% during the colder months to allow for additional diesel fuel to be added should the forecast indicated a temperature drop. The company will also keep extra fuel heaters on hand, just in case they misjudge the weather. 

Earthwise Excavation provides a full range of excavation services and septic system servicing. In addition to using biodiesel, the company also purchases green power, uses Forest Stewardship Certified wood products, and has an aggressive recycling program.

For more information, contact Albert Postema, owner of Earthwise Excavation, at (360) 668-2452 or visit Earthwise on the internet.