E85 pumps in Ohio to remain in use

11/3/2006

REYNOLDSBURG, Ohio Ohio Fire Marshal Stephen Woltz said yesterday that a

modifi cation to state fire code will allow gasoline stations to continue dispensing E85 vehicle fuel, a safety issue in question for a month.

Underwriters Laboratories last month pulled its safety rating seal from pumps that

dispense E85, putting use of the pumps in jeopardy of violating state fire codes that require all pumps to carry a safety seal.

E85 is a mix of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline and is available at fewer than 10 stations in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan. None had stopped selling the fuel.

Yesterday s ruling permits operators to use pumps without UL approval until July 1, 2009.

By then, UL is expected to have retested pumps and either approved their use or made recommendations to ensure their safety.