LINKS AND AFFILIATES
The International Used Oil Research Institute is an organization devoted to the highest standards and best management practices, for the Used Oil Recycling Industry, both in the United States, and around the world. Learn more...
ICE - Industries Conserving Energy Program
Each year over 300 million gallons of used oil is generated by do-it-yourself (DIY) oil changers. Only 7% of this is recycled.
The used oil generated annually by do-it-yourselfers (DIY) is three times more than Saddam Hussein dumped into the Persian Gulf and thirty times more than the Exxon Valdez accident.
Collection centers like this will be conveniently placed throughout the area. Less than 10% of this used oil is properly recycled. The remainder ends up polluting our rivers, lakes, oceans and soils. Aaron Oil Company has worked for years with Project Rose and other community groups to help put a freeze on this type of pollution. For over ten years AOC has been establishing used oil collection centers throughout the community. If several industries will use small portions of the recycled oil; the ICE program will be a successful form of energy recovery. The major problem with the program at present is the lack of industrial facilities willing to use recycled oil for energy needs. In the past few years industrial facilities have started the permit process to open up new markets for used and recycled oil. Our hope is that with adequate markets, we can put an end to D.I.Y used oil pollution.
Project Marina R.O.S.E.
Aaron Oil Company has joined with the International Used Oil Research Institute and Legacy, a nonprofit organization based in Montgomery, Alabama, to launch a new collection program called Project Marina R.O.S.E. This program is actually an expansion of Project R.O.S.E. (Recycling Oil Saves Energy), the very successful automotive program. Alabama's numerous lakes, rivers and streams collectively represent one of the nation's most navigable waterway networks.
With more than 935 square miles of water area, the state offers anglers, skiers and pleasure boaters a variety of suitable venues for their activities of choice. The accompanying high boat traffic, however,presents a danger for these scenic state waters. In any quantity, used oil discharged from leaky boat motors or dumped overboard by careless do-it-yourselfers (DIYs) contaminates the water and jeopardizes its ecosystem. These recurring miniature oil spills harm or kill aquatic animals and plants on contact, and eventually pollute shorelines and infiltrate drinking water supplies. The pending threat to human welfare is obvious; used oil discharged by do-it-yourselfers already represents the nation's largest single source of petroleum pollution in rivers. Marina R.O.S.E., an extension of its proven land-based used oil collection and recycling program, was established to combat this pollution problem in Alabama's waterways. Marina R.O.S.E. Concentrates on increasing the boat owner's sense of environmental responsibility and collective ownership of state waters.
In addition, the program conducts ongoing information campaigns to increase public recognition of the dangerous consequences associated with discharging used oil into state waterways.The program sponsors drop-off points in marinas and refueling areas for used oil drained from vessel engines, and provides publicity and educational DIY handouts for these sites.
Marinas at Fairhope and Bayou la Batre, AL. will participate with 500 gallon collection tanks for the boaters and sportsman who change their own oil in boat motors. The oil will be collected by Aaron Oil Company, where it will be recycled at our state-of-the-art plant in Saraland, Alabama. Project Marina R.O.S.E. is a program of education and encouragement for voluntary action by recreational boat owners, marinas and various service facilities on waterways.
The International Used Oil Research Institute will conduct a study at the two Gulf Coast marina collection centers and make recommendations on proper management of future centers. Funding will come from Legacy, which promotes environmental education programs. The program is expected to expand out of Alabama just as the automotive program did.
Summarily, Marina R.O.S.E.'s success depends on the efforts of responsible, dedicated individuals throughout Alabama. Marina owners, vessel service facilities and boaters of all kinds must work together to reverse the waterway pollution trend.
