A greenfield biodiesel facility in western Massachusetts began production this month using recycled vegetable oil from restaurants and caterers.
The worker- and consumer-owned cooperative,Northeast Biodiesel, will help replace petroleum-based fuels and oil heating systems.
Northeast Biodiesel closed on $1.3 million in start-up loans, allowing the factory to commence operation, according to Sam Bartlett, chair of the company’s board of directors.
该公司10月1日举行了隆重的开幕肿物brate the achievement, after years of extraordinary effort, fund raising and patience to get the plant operational.
Under the leadership of general manager Rick Durepo, a seasoned chemical plant manager, and Dale Bourbeau, a talented plant operator, every inch of tank, pipe, pump and sensor was combed through to get the processor up and running.
“This is a feel-good product for the environment,” said Durepo. “It’s sustainable; it’s the right thing to do.”
Lynn Benander, president of Northeast Biodiesel, said it plans to produce almost two million gallons of biodiesel a year in the near term and more beyond that.
“[The fuel] cuts down the particulate matter, so less air pollution and cuts down the carbon emissions by 75% to 80%," Benander said.
Launch financing included $500,000 from MassDevelopment, $650,000 fromThe Life Initiativecommunity investment fund, $75,000 from theFranklin County Community Development Corp., $75,000 from theLocal Enterprise Assistance Fund (LEAF), and $64,000 from theCooperative Fund of New England.
Common Good, a nonprofit non-bank financial institution for community empowerment; Rudolf Steiner Foundation, a donor-advised fund; and 104 local lenders and investors provided earlier contributions.
