BioTenn - A Partnership for Homegrown Energy

BIOTENN News Release

PANTHER CREEK STATE PARK FIRST IN THE TENNESSEE STATE PARKS SYSTEM TO USE BIODIESEL FUEL

Morristown, Tenn. – Panther Creek State Park is the first in the Tennessee State Parks system to buy biodiesel fuel for use in its diesel vehicles. Panther Creek currently operates six diesel vehicles, including mowers, a Bobcat, a tractor and a dump truck.

"The use of alternative fuels is one of the things we’re doing to be good stewards of our natural environment," said park manager John LeCroy. "We have taken other measures as well, such as installing timers on lights, to increase our energy efficiency for environmental and financial benefits."

Panther Creek State Park obtains its biodiesel from the Sevier Farmers Co-op. It is B20 with a low NOx additive, which means the fuel is a blend of 20 percent biodiesel with 80 percent petroleum diesel. In addition to reductions in carbon dioxide, particulate matter and sulfur dioxide emissions that result from using biodiesel fuel, the low NOx additive will help reduce nitrogen oxide emissions as well. Nitrogen oxide is an element in the formation of ground level ozone.

Panther Creek State Park covers approximately 1,435 acres, and is located on the shores of Cherokee Reservoir, an impoundment of the Holston River. In addition to boating, fishing and hiking, the park offers basketball, horseshoes, softball, volleyball, tennis and playgrounds.

For more information about Panther Creek State Park, you can visit the Web site at www.tnstateparks.com/parks/PantherCreek/ or call the park at (423) 587-7046.

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For more information contact:

Tisha Calabrese-Benton
(865) 594-5442 (Office)
(865) 599-3685 (Mobile)