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The Pauma Band of Mission Indians in Pauma Valley, Calif., will soon utilize waste cooking oil to produce biodiesel for use within the tribal community.
Pacific Natural Energy is providing the federally recognized tribe with a modular Bio-box biodiesel unit, to process approximately 1 MMgy of biodiesel. PNE President Eric McCloud said the company has been working with the tribe, who live just outside of San Diego, Calif., for more than a year, to develop a four-phase project plan. Were currently in the first stage, which is setting up the oil collection systems, McCloud said. Were placing collection bins and setting up their vacuum truck, waste oil processing and filtration [systems].
McCloud said the next stages involve setting up the reactor, system optimization and beta testing.
At its maximum, the PNE 50 SS Bio-box system can generate more than 2 MMgy of biodiesel. The company also provides smaller and larger units for users intending to produce from 100,000 gallons per year up to 5 MMgy. System footprints range from 2,000 square feet to 10,000 square feet, which includes space for truck access, with tank capacities of 650 to 2,600 gallons.
Tribal members will be able to purchase the biodiesel at a discount, McCloud said. The tribe also plans to power its casino tour bus fleet with the fuel, absorbing what they need, after which they will market to local customers.