Naval Air Station Whidbey Island is now the third installation in Navy Region Northwest to offer E-85 ethanol flexible fuel.

Naval Base Kitsap and Naval Station Everett also offer ethanol flexible fuel.

The contract for the project on NAS Whidbey Island was awarded to Weston Solutions, Inc. Sept. 23, 2009, and construction for the $442,333 project began Nov. 9, 2009.

Weston Solutions, Inc. worked jointly with the NAS Whidbey Island Public Works department.

“Our relationship with the Public Works personnel at NAS Whidbey Island was great. They were very interactive with Weston regarding the project, very attentive and very involved from start to finish,” said Justin Parks, the project site manager, field safety officer and quality control engineer for Weston Solutions. “A representative was out there on site observing the activities and verifying the site work each day, which also contributed to the early finish because it allowed us to answer any questions or concerns that they may have had as quickly as possible and enable us to find a solution before moving forward and prevented us from having to back-track.”

According to Ensign Eric Johnson, NAS Whidbey Island Public Works assistant resident officer-in-charge of construction, the project was initiated to facilitate the transition of all vehicles being compatible with E-85 in accordance with executive orders.

“All major car companies I know of have shifted more towards a greener environment. This is part of the initial culture shift from the old-school American bigger, better, faster way,” said Johnson. “It should be a good change, but this is going to be over the next 30 or 40 years, and we’re just seeing the beginnings of what this technology has to offer right now. So far it’s going well and the government’s leading the way.”

The fueling station consists of an above-ground, 6,000-gallon tank and one dispenser with two fuel stations.

Fuel usage at the facility averages between 50 to 100 gallons a day according to Jennifer Hirschey, NAS Whidbey Island NEX automotive manager.

“I think it’s fantastic having all government vehicles switch over. It’s a lower price point and better financially for the government,” said Hirschey. “It’s doing better than expected; it’s good to have. Hopefully it will grow.”

The fuel station will support NAS Whidbey Island’s fleet of 63 flexible fuel vehicles, as well as be available to all personnel with base access.

“The more that we can shift away from our dependency on importing oil and generate our own domestic sources the better,” said Gary Tobin, an engineering technician from NAS Whidbey Island Public Works.

“Plus, it supports the American economy with our surplus of corn,” added Johnson.