VICTORIA — The provincial government will soon require fuel retailers to label the amount of bio content in fuel if it’s more than 5 percent (B5) biodiesel or 10 percent ethanol.

Long advocated by the B.C. Trucking Association, the labelling requirement comes into effect on January 1, 2011, with a six-month educational enforcement period.

Labels have to meet size, font, and other specifications including a pre-defined color scheme (black and blue for biodiesel, black and orange for ethanol).

The BCTA warns, though, that even though blends over B5 should be labeled in the New Year, it might not happen immediately.
During the soft enforcement period, carriers should continue to verify the biodiesel content with the retailer if there is any uncertainty about the biodiesel blend.

The BCTA is asking carriers to contact the BC Ministry of Energy at lcfrr@gov.bc.ca if the supplier does not provide documentation regarding blends.

Carriers should also contact their engine manufacturer or local dealership to verify the maximum recommended biodiesel blend for their equipment that can be used without compromising engine operability and engine warranty.

Recommended blend levels vary depending on the engine manufacturer and engine model year. Some manufacturers do not recommend the use of biodiesel blends above B5, while, for some newer engines, blends above B20 might not suitable.