CITY AND COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO

BIODIESEL MARINE COMMITTEE

REGULAR MEETING

 

APPROVED MINUTES

 TUESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2007, 11:00 A.M.

 

PORT OF SAN FRANCISCO, PIER ONE

CONFERENCE ROOM BAYSIDE 3

SAN FRANCISCO, CA

ORDER OF BUSINESS

 

1.      Call to Order and Roll Call.  The Biodiesel Marine Committee meeting convened at 11:05 a.m.  Present:  Chair Bowen, Members Berman, Burgard, Shore and Ving.    

 

2.      Approval of the June 12, 2007 Marine Committee Draft Regular Meeting Minutes (Discussion and Action). Upon Motion by Member Burgard and second by Member Ving, the June 12, 2007 Meeting Minutes were approved (AYES: Chair Bowen, Members Berman, Burgard, Shore, and Ving (Explanatory Document: June 12, 2007 Approved Meeting Minutes)

 

3.      Marine Committee Milestones and Goals.  The Marine Committee will discuss incremental steps, set future agenda items in order to achieve Marine Committee milestones and goals, and vote to approve an Outline for an Informational Report to the Board of Supervisors.  Continued from the June 12, 2007 Meeting) (Discussion and Possible Action) (Explanatory Document:  Marine Committee Outline.) 

 

Member Ving presented the Marine Sub-Committee Outline and assignments were made to oversee each section. It was stated that the draft outline was created in order for the Marine Committee to set goals and milestones that it would like to accomplish upon its sunset. The goal is to include the Marine Committee section of a report that the Task Force can submit to the Board of Supervisors as recommendations to act on prior to its sunset date.  The information would also be posted on the Department of the Environment’s website for marine biodiesel users to be able to access for their overall education. 

 

Chair Bowen explained that there are two objectives to this agenda item.  One is the outline of a report in order to produce a written document, and the second is to identify milestones and goals that would require action steps.  It was explained that the Task Force would be considering requesting that the Board of Supervisors extend its sunset date either with its current scope of activities or an expansion of activities.  The Task Force will also be discussing whether to change its monthly meeting schedule to bi-monthly, quarterly, or to retain the current monthly schedule.  If the Task Force is extended, then the Marine Committee could continue if there is a function to be fulfilled.

 

Biodiesel Access Task Force Marine Sub-Committee Outline Discussion and Assignments

 

·         Current Bay Area Marine Access to Biodiesel - Introduction:  Member Ving

Why the Biodiesel Task Force Marine Sub-Committee was formed:  Member Ving

      Provide public marine access to biodiesel

      Education and outreach program

 

·         About the Marine Sub-Committee:  Member Ving

Who we are and what work we performed

 

·         Potential Users of Marine Biodiesel and How They Fuel:

Recent maritime private commercial use of biodiesel

      -Red and White Fleet

      -Alcatraz Island and Alcatraz Cruises

Dock, truck, and barge fueling explained

 

Member Ving stated that private commercial use, various fleets, and access points to dock, truck and barge fueling were broken down in an earlier meeting.  This section would include (1) a discussion on who would be using biodiesel in the marine applications and explain why dock, truck, and barge fueling have been chosen, giving examples of each; (2) for recent maritime private commercial use of biodiesel, explain what Red and White Fleet and Alcatraz are doing:  Member Burgard would provide a summary. 

 

·         Dock Fueling:  Establishing a Fuel Dock within the SF Waterfront.  Member Berman would provide a user profile.

§         Option 1:  Along the SF Port piers.  Member Berman.

Opportunities and challenges to these proposals

§         Option 2:  Member Ving stated that the recreational vessel pump established at Gas House Cove; opportunities and challenges to this proposal.  It was stated that Gas House Cove will be doing structural reconfigurations and tearing up their docks and it could be an opportunity to establish a biodiesel fuel pump, but it would also mean it may not happen for another couple of years.  Member Ving would provide more information on this location.

§         Permit and Regulation Summary:  Member Berman would provide a written summary of the agencies that would be involved. 

 

·         Truck and barge fueling:  Chair Bowen requested that Member Burgard’s email listing suppliers should be provided to the Port and be placed on the website.

 

Member Ving asked if dock fueling is something that is achievable in a certain amount of time, what is achievable, what should be accomplished?  Do we need more Port people present at this meeting to discuss placing a biodiesel access point at the Pier? Member Burgard stated that dock fueling is a difficult thing to accomplish when it is dependent on so many other parties. The best that can be done is to identify all other parties, everything that has to happen, and work towards getting everybody together to execute it. 

 

Member Berman stated that an ideal role for this Committee would be to compile the critical information that decision makers would need about where and how to place dock fueling and prepare a user’s handbook. Chair Bowen asked if as part of the information gathering exercise, if it would be possible for the Port to request information from current dock suppliers as far as what their volume is on an annual basis and who their primary customers are.  It was stated that being able to identify the scope or magnitude of diesel fuel use that is moving through San Francisco would greatly inform what the commercial and environmental opportunities are.  Member Burgard stated that information may have already been collected by the Air Resources Board who has done surveys on fuel consumption. Member Berman stated that he would research this request.  Member Burgard stated that he could provide a list of users that take fuel on in San Francisco before the next meeting.  Member Shore suggested including an estimate of tank installation costs and permitting.

 

Member Ving asked if the Port would consider running a fueling station.  Member Berman stated that typically the Port would not but discussed the possibility of issuing a Request for Proposal for bids to operate a new dockside dispensing area.  Chair Bowen stated that information gathering would be an important first step, and then the Committee can decide whether they want to push the Port towards an RFP, approach private sector current providers, or do nothing. 

 

·         Education and Outreach Efforts:  Member Ving stated that she has written ideas as to what should be provided to various users (1) recreational boaters; (2) fleet managers; and (3) the Port (benefits of biodiesel). Member Ving indicated that she would be working with Mr. von Wedel on posting the Boater’s Handbook on the San Francisco websites so boaters that are interested in using biodiesel in the San Francisco Bay can learn about its application. 

 

Posting any press releases or information regarding the Sausalito fuel dock on the website.  Member Ving reported that the City of Sausalito is having issues with it being 50 feet from the water, and now they want it 100 feet from the water.  This is the third setback for the fuel dock.  There is no report on when it is going to open because of the setback.  Press releases and information should go up on a website dedicated to marine applications in San Francisco:  Member Ving would follow up with press releases.

 

Promote other biodiesel fuel docks in the Bay Area as well as the efforts of private companies to use biodiesel blends within a marine environment.  Member Ving stated that there are no other biodiesel-marine fueling docks for recreational boaters in the Bay Area at this time.  Chair Bowen requested that the title of this section be modified to say “private companies and public agencies to use biodiesel blends within a marine environment.”  Then do a footnote “the Golden Gate Transit Authority is still evaluating its whole ferry operations and whether or not to buy new ferries.” It was stated that the Golden Gate Transit Authority is still evaluating its ferry operations and whether or not to buy new ferries.  One of the Commission members is interested in bringing more biodiesel information to the Golden Gate Transit Authority and Member Burgard and Chair Bowen will be discussing how to best get the information to that particular Commission.  Member Shore stated that Mr. Tom Esher testified about biodiesel at a Bridge District public hearing on July 13, but the meeting was more focused on emission standards for engines; fuels wasn’t part of the big discussion.

 

Information Clearinghouse.  Chair Bowen asked that this heading be added under Education and Outreach because the information is valuable to someone starting.  Member Ving asked to have the information that Chair Bowen and Member Burgard will be compiling for the Golden Gate Transit Authority.  Member Ving stated that it would be beneficial to have documentation on the website about the benefits of biodiesel and in a marine application. Member Shore stated that she has fact sheets available and would update them if necessary.  Chair Bowen suggested that the language around particulate matter and sulphur be modified.

 

Upon establishing a biodiesel marine access point, sponsoring workshops on proper use and precautions.  Member Ving stated that this item would either be tabled or taken off the list.

 

Cruise ship outreach: possible SF Port issuance of environmental awards to cruise ships that reduce water and air pollutions while operating in San Francisco Bay:  Member Berman stated that the Port issues environmental awards that include alternative fuel use.  It was stated that there were internal coordination/communication issues in reaching out to the cruise ships and that these and other topics would be addressed in the new working group team.  Member Shore reported that there was a Cruise Ship Terminal Advisory Committee that met for a number of years that originated the awards program.  Member Shore reported on Royal Caribbean Cruise line’s biodiesel sales contract and stated that she believes it is for local palm biodiesel and discussed Friends of the Earth’s concerns with palm oil (Explanatory Document:  Cruise Line Signs Biodiesel Contract).  Member Shore asked that the Task Force, if it continues, review sustainability standards in the future.  Member Berman stated that he would review the criteria for cruise ship use of alternative fuel and report back.

 

·        Appendix

Presentations

“Ships Polluting San Francisco Bay Skies,” by Member Teri Shore: (on the Department of the Environment website)

 

 “Biodiesel on the Bay” presentation by Member Teri Shore (on the Department of the Environment website)

-“Environmental Protection Agency Biodiesel Activities as it Relates to Marine Applications,” by Olof Hansen, Region 9 EPA (Task Force Secretary will request that this presentation be added to the Department of the Environment website)

 

·         Supporting Documents

Biodiesel Boater’s Handbook by Dr, Randall von Wedel.  Member Ving would request an updated version from Mr. von Wedel.  Two versions would be presented to the Task Force and added to the website (1) the entire handbook; and (2) a short pamphlet.

 

Letter to the Red and White Fleet for pioneering B20 use within their fleets.

 

Member Shore recommended adding web links to applications outside of the Bay Area and California where there is marine biodiesel being used and would forward website recommendations to Member Ving.

 

Public Comment:  Mr. Bob Hayden suggested researching additional alternative fuel infrastructure websites and sharing information with them.   It was stated that anyone interested in this topic might not think about going to the Department of the Environment’s website and typing in Biodiesel Access Task Force in order to access information on biodiesel. 

 

Member Burgard stated that his impression was that the Marine Committee’s initial goals included establishing a marine fuel dock and conducting educational public meetings, and asked if those were still the expectations of the task force.  Member Ving stated that was the initial objective for the Task Force.  It was stated that members are volunteering their time and key players/agencies that make decisions are not here.  Member Ving stated that the Task Force is the clearinghouse that can provide information to encourage relevant agencies. It was explained that the outline will be used to create a written document that would relay what can be accomplished.  Chair Bowen stated that to the extent that the Port would be willing to engage in pushing forward an RFP, there could be an action item around that.  Core objectives/deliverables should be to compile and have all of this information and recommendations, which will be the Task Force’s work product.  To the extent that the Task Force thinks it can have an impact, such as an RFP and on cruise ships, those items could be taken on as sub-projects.

 

Member Ving would report to the Task Force that the Marine Committee held a discussion on the outline and is in the process of putting together a document to approve at their next meeting.  This agenda item was continued to the next meeting for discussion and approval of a revised outline.

 

4.      Update on the Potential Pilot Program for the Marine Fisherman Project (Continued from the June 12, 2007 Meeting) (Informational Report and Discussion). (Explanatory Document:  Email Correspondence)

SPEAKER:  Member Teri Shore

 

Member Shore discussed Mr. Hudson’s inquiry on doing a biodiesel demonstration pilot project on his fishing boat.  It was stated that Mr. von Wedel would be willing to work with Mr. Hudson, and Member Burgard would be willing to share information. Member Shore asked the Committee if anyone wanted to follow up with Mr. Hudson to provide support. Member Shore discussed her questions to Mr. Hudson and his answers as reflected in the email explanatory document above. Member Burgard stated that the benefit of the project would be to educate a certain industry on biodiesel use.  A discussion was held on whether Mr. Hudson would be running the pilot project on an old engine or after installation of his new engine and the benefits of emissions testing before and after conversion of the engine. Member Shore stated that Mr. Hudson is on the Board of the Pacific Coast Federation of Fisherman’s Associations, which is a very powerful commercial fishing group and can really get the message out to the fishing community.  It was explained that this is a case where someone is interested in doing a pilot project, needs a partner such as a biodiesel producer or supplier who wants to demo it, and have support from the Marine Committee and the community.  Chair Bowen and Member Burgard discussed possible problems and solutions of logistics, delivery of fuel and cost, and stated that the rest would be a matter of implementation. Chair Bowen recommended a follow-up on the logistics, getting a project definition, and then approaching suppliers.  Chair Bowen asked if the Air Resources Board (ARB) would want to be involved since there would be no emissions testing.  Member Burgard stated that he would contact an ARB representative to see if they may be interested in funding opportunities for the purpose of educating an industry on alternative fuels.  Member Shore stated that she or someone from her agency would follow-up with Mr. Hudson on this meeting’s discussion.  .    

 

Public Comment:  Mr. Bob Hayden explained that it would be valuable for the marine community to know that they could use biodiesel at one point and on the next fill-up use regular diesel.  

 

5.      Senators Boxer’s and Feinstein’s Senate Bill S1499 to Clean Up Air Pollution at America's Ports (Informational Report and Discussion) (Explanatory Documents: S1499 and Friends of the Earth Support Letter S1499 and Port Pollution Cleanup Article).

SPEAKER:  Member Teri Shore

 

Member Shore stated that there was a field hearing held in Los Angeles on Friday, August 10 and a number of officials attended to discuss an amendment to the Clean Air Act to reduce air pollution from marine vessels “Marine Vessel Emissions Reduction Act of 2007” (S.1499).

 

Chair Bowen asked if the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is being directed to regulate a currently non-regulated area, and if it is an issue of where international law stops and what we are able to do.  Is this perceived as a more viable legal regulatory approach than what the ARB has tried to do because it is Federal EPA, or is it expected that this would have the same challenge as previous efforts by ARB?  Member Shore stated those issues will be raised.  It was explained that under the regulatory process under President Bush, the EPA has argued that they won’t or can’t regulate Port functions.  This Bill states that yes they can and will.  It is a legislative effort to get EPA to act and for Congress to say they have the authority.  This Bill would also make sure that industry does not have an opportunity to sue California.  The other part of the bill is that it attempts to preserve California’s right to regulate air emissions under the Clean Air Act.

 

6.      New Business/Future Agenda Items (Information and Discussion).  Member Shore stated that she would be stepping down as Campaign Director for Friends of the Earth at the end of the month for a working leave of absence.  Member Shore officially resigned from the Marine Committee due to the upcoming leave and recommended Ms. Kate Horner, Campaigner on Biofuels, Friends of the Earth, as a potential member.  Ms. Horner reported that she has been working mostly at the state level on alternative fuel standards and AB1007.  It was reported that Friends of the Earth is an international network that has been active in looking at sustainability issues associated with biofuel production. Chair Bowen appointed Ms. Horner to the Committee after consensus from the Committee and Ms. Horner accepted the appointment.

 

7.      Public Comments:  Members of the public may address the Task Force on matters that are within the Task Force’s jurisdiction and are not on today’s agenda.  There was no public comment at this time.

 

8.      Adjournment.  The Marine Committee Meeting adjourned at 12:52 p.m.

 

Respectfully submitted by,

 

Monica Fish, Task Force Secretary

 

** Copies of explanatory documents are available at (1) the Task Force office, 11 Grove Street, San Francisco, California between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., (2) upon request to the Task Force Secretary, at telephone number 415-355-3709 or via e-mail at [email protected], or (3) on the meeting website as attachments to the agendas or meeting minutes.

 

Approved:  September 11, 2007