MUKILTEO – The biodiesel pump has been shut off, at least for the time being.
The city has told Eden Trenor, who runs the Mukilteo Farmers Market, not to allow the fuel to be sold again at the event until the city can determine whether the activity is allowed on city property.
Biodiesel was being sold every other week at the market as of June by Dr. Dan’s Alternative Fuel Werks, based in Seattle. The farmers market takes place Thursday afternoons from April to October in the playground and parking lot near the Rosehill Community Center, 304 Lincoln Ave.
As a result of the city order, the fuel was not available as scheduled at the market Thursday.
The action was triggered by an inquiry from a caller, said Sharon Freeman, city community development administrator.
“They just said, ‘Is that something they can be doing down there?’ ” Freeman said.
City staff are reviewing city code and the market’s permit to see whether the fuel can legally be sold, she said. When a determination is made, it will be given to Trenor in writing, Freeman said.
“I’m hoping I can get something out by the end of the week,” she said.
Trenor could not be reached for comment.
Dr. Dan’s had been sending a pickup to the event equipped with a 415-gallon plastic tank filled with the fuel, which can be used in any diesel engine.
The fuel was sold for $3.10 per gallon, and the company reported an increase in business with each visit.
Biodiesel is nontoxic and produces dramatically fewer harmful emissions than gasoline or regular diesel, according to the National Biodiesel Board, although some mechanics say it can damage rubber parts such as hoses and seals.
If the sale of the fuel is allowed under city rules, Dr. Dan’s will have to produce a Material Safety Data Sheet and show that the way the fuel is dispensed complies with the city’s fire code, Fire Chief Jack Colbath said.
“It’s just a matter of having their ducks in a row,” said Colbath, who doubles as the city’s fire marshal.
Dan Freeman, owner of Dr. Dan’s, said he has the required data sheet. “It’s not a hazardous material,” he said.
The fuel’s flash point, the temperature at which a substance emits flammable vapors, is comparable with that of wood, Freeman said.
At least one loyal biodiesel customer is disappointed by the latest development.
“To say that we’re frustrated by the lack of access to the fuel is even more true than before,” customer Ken Harris said.
Reporter Bill Sheets: 425-339-3439 or sheets@heraldnet.com.
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