Snowmobile in the Park Bio-based Fuels Demonstration

The purpose of the Snowmobile in the Park project was to identify the effects of bio-based fuels and lubricants used in 2-stroke engines, and to field-demonstrate options for reducing pollution. In 1997, laboratory emissions tests were completed by DEQ at Southwest Research Institute in cooperation with the snowmobile manufacturers industry, the community of West Yellowstone, the National Park Service, and others. The draft technical report was distributed for review in September, 1997, and the residents of West Yellowstone used the results during the 1997/98 winter with 10 percent ethanol blend and low particulate lube oil. The project gained national, international (Germany, Sweden and Japan) and industrial recognition. The manufacturing and lube oil industries are investigating or promoting changes based on the work. The work has spawned a detailed research and demonstration program partly funded by the Pew Charitable Trusts to better define benefits, tradeoffs, risks, and options to reduce the impacts of winter transportation.

In Yellowstone National Park (NP), the Snowmobile in the Park project identified that ethanol blend reduced carbon monoxide emissions by 9 to 38 percent, unburned hydrocarbons by 16 percent, and particulate matter by 25 percent. Lubrication oils effected particulate emissions of snowmobiles. The a field demonstration using E-10, a blend of 10 percent ethanol with gasoline, and bio-based (biodegradable) lube oils in snowmobiles showed that these products increased energy efficiency, and reduces pollution and potential health problems. The Yellowstone NP staff has operated the Park’s fleet of 100 snowmobiles with E-10 and bio-based lube oil since 1997. The test persuaded the National Park Service (NPS) at Yellowstone NP to use E-10 year-round in all gasoline-powered vehicles.

Project findings caused West Yellowstone snowmobile and snowcoach rental agencies to voluntarily use E-10 and bio-based lube oils to reduce emissions and increase power. The fleet operators experienced a 60 percent reduction in required maintenance calls, avoided carburetor freezing, and had better power and fuel economy. Project results persuaded Outboard Motor Company to produce and supply a highly biodegradable lube oil for NPS to use in high-horsepower direct-injection marine engines on Yellowstone Lake. These engines are certified to meet EPA’s emission requirements for 2006. The bio-based lube oil improves fuel economy, reduces pollution, reduces the persistence of the emissions in the environment, and reduces cancer risk from emissions by 30%-60%.

This project received awards for environmental stewardship from EPA Region VIII (1996), the Conoco President's Award for the Environment (1997), and the DuPont President's Award for Safety and the Environment (1997) and a Department of Energy Outstanding Achievement Award (2000). It has fostered other environmental stewardship projects with Conoco in Montana.

For more information, please see the Reports and Information Section of this Program.