“We’ve used biodiesel blends consistently since 2006 and have had little to no problems. “This includes alternative fuels, electric vehicles and charging stations, photovoltaic systems, and greener building construction.”Īccording to Bergsma, biodiesel blends have served the park well for many years. “We constantly strive to demonstrate and incorporate technologies that will result in cleaner air,” said Bergsma. “As a result, park staff have an opportunity to educate and demonstrate to the public ways that their actions can help reduce emissions and improve air quality, both at the park and in their own communities.” "Because the southern Appalachians are downwind of many urban areas, industrial sites, and power plants in the eastern U.S., the Smokies’ air resources have been significantly degraded by nitrogen and sulfur air pollutants, impacting human health, visitor enjoyment, and ecosystems,” according to Jim Renfro, the park's air quality specialist. Additionally, Bioheat® is used to heat the park’s headquarters building. Today, numerous locations in the park use B20 to power 40 pieces of heavy equipment such as dump trucks, graders, front-end loaders, a bucket truck and more. The cleaner-burning fuel has been used park-wide since 2006. In keeping with its history of preservation, Great Smoky Mountains National Park first began using biodiesel blends to power park-owned diesel vehicles and equipment in 2003. In 2016, the park used 43,085 gallons of biodiesel (B20) resulting in the following estimated emissions reductions: 15 percent reduction in carbon dioxide 12 percent reduction in carbon monoxide 20 percent reduction in both hydrocarbon and sulfur dioxide and 12 percent reduction in particulate matter.* “Biodiesel and Bioheat® are front and center in that effort.” “At Great Smoky Mountains National Park we have implemented a comprehensive strategy to limit our environmental impact and reduce carbon emissions,” said Brian Bergsma, deputy chief of facility management. With more than 11 million visitors annually, Great Smoky Mountains National Park strives to maintain its pristine natural beauty by adopting practices that reduce the park’s environmental footprint. The last thing a hiker wants to encounter is a haze of smog that diminishes the view from atop a picturesque vista. Biodiesel and Bioheat® are helping to clear the air and reduce carbon emissions. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located in Eastern Tennessee and Western North Carolina, is a hikers™ paradise.
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