MU powered by old tires
Published Sept. 11, 2001
Columbia streets aren't the only place to burn rubber. The MU Power Plant blends shredded tires with its coal to produce the university's energy supply.
Director of Campus Facilities Phil Shocklee said the "tire-derived fuel" program uses a 20 percent blend of discarded tires with coal in two of the plant's boilers.
Although most people just think about smoke stacks when they hear about the program, he said, tire-derived fuel actually burns cleaner and hotter than coal.
The program has been going on since its approval in 1997, but many students are still in the dark about-tire derived fuel.
Freshman Stephanie Thies said she has a "lovely view of the power plant" from her Mark Twain Hall room.
She said she was surprised when she first learned of tire-derived fuel.
"I didn't realize it would be such an advantage," she said.
In addition to environmental benefits, Shocklee said blending tires and coal also saves MU money.
Shocklee estimated around $100,000 in savings annually.
The program, which gained approval in 1997, works with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, the Missouri Department of Transportation and the Missouri Department of Corrections.
Many of the tires used are collected by inmates from various Missouri correctional institutions.
The inmates clean up illegal tire dumps, Shocklee said.
"The tire dumps," he said, "create various health and environmental issues."
Freshman Charley Farris said that although he was surprised to find out part of his electricity came from tires, he thought it was a good idea.
"It's good the prisoners are not just sitting around while our tax dollars are paying for it," he said.
Additionally, Shocklee said there is a time in April when people can bring old tires and rubber chips to correctional facilities.
The tires are then shredded and brought to MU.
Shocklee said the inmates have something to do that is better for the environment, and it saves the campus money.
"It's really a win-win situation," he said.