Press Releases
Janesville, Oct 14 – Thirty-five students from NRHEG (New Richland, Hartland, Ellendale, Geneva) High School visited Guardian Energy yesterday to gain a better understanding of clean Minnesota-produced renewable energy.
The students, from the seventh and eight grade, toured the various processes of ethanol production at Guardian Energy’s 130-million gallon a year facility in Janesville.
“We were pleased to welcome NRHEG High School today. It’s important for students to learn about the ethanol production process and its role in creating jobs in rural Minnesota and reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” said Tracey Olson, chief operations officer at Guardian Energy.
During the tour, the students learned about several different components of ethanol production such as incoming grain grading, grain handling, grain storage, liquefaction, fermentation, distillation, distiller grain drying, corn oil separation, product storage and product shipment.
The tour was organized by the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association. Guardian Energy, which is one of Minnesota’s largest ethanol plants, is a member of the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association.
“This is the seventh tour we’ve organized this year. The ethanol industry is a very important economic driver in rural Minnesota. Tours like these highlight the career opportunities in the ethanol industry,” said Tim Rudnicki, executive director of the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association.
NRHEG High School Agricultural Educator, Dan Sorum, accompanied his students during today’s tour.
“Anytime students can see first-hand, how a process that touches their daily lives works, it is a win for education and the industry,” he said.
Sorum added it was important for his students to learn how ethanol is produced.
“So many ideas are out there about ethanol but like so many issues of our day, the best way to learn about them is actually see the processes and talk to the people doing the work,” he said.
St Paul, Oct 28 – The Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MBA) and KS95 FM teamed up Oct 27 to reward drivers who switched to Unleaded Plus (E15) during an hour-long promotion at Highland Service Minnoco.
During the promotion from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm, MBA and KS95 rewarded 12 drivers who chose Unleaded Plus instead of regular unleaded.
Among the prizes given included $25 in cash, Applebee’s gift cards, tickets to the Minnesota Zoo, tickets to the Crayola Experience at the Mall of America and KS95 merchandise.
KS95 personality, Rudy Pavich, and MBA staff were on site to educate drivers on the benefits of switching to Unleaded Plus.
“More and more drivers are choosing E15. They like the fact that it’s cheaper than regular gas, made in Minnesota and better for the environment,” said Tim Rudnicki, MBA’s executive director.
From January to August this year, a total of 3.22 million gallons of E15 was sold in Minnesota, surpassing the total volume sold in the whole of 2015 (3.09 million gallons).
Lamberton, Nov 8 – Twenty-three students from Sleepy Eye High School toured Highwater Ethanol today to get a closer look at clean renewable energy production.
During the tour, the students learned about the various processes of ethanol production at Highwater Ethanol, which delivered 59.42 million gallons of ethanol in 2015.
“The opportunity to host Sleepy High School for this tour was a great opportunity for the students as well as Highwater Ethanol employees. By sharing our knowledge of the ethanol and agriculture industry, we hope to have an impact on these students as they plan on furthering their education and identifying a career path,” said Brian Kletscher, CEO of Highwater Ethanol.
The students, from grades 10 to 12, toured the plant’s administrative office, water treatment process, incoming grain grading, and handling, ethanol loadout, ethanol process facility, energy center, dried distiller grain production and storage.
“We informed the students of the different job opportunities available in the ethanol industry and related agricultural industry as well as the importance of maintaining a positive attitude as you work with individuals throughout your life,” Kletscher said.
The tour was organized by the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association. Highwater Ethanol is a member of the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association.
“It’s important for students to learn about clean, Minnesota-produced, renewable energy and how it reduces harmful emissions and supports the local economy,” said Tim Rudnicki, executive director of the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association.
Mary Hoffmann, an agriculture education teacher from Sleepy Eye High School, accompanied her students on the tour.
“I think it is important to see what businesses are thriving in our nearby communities as well as see a renewable energy operation in place,” she said.
Hoffmann added the school’s syllabus for agricultural education includes a Natural Resources Class that discusses renewable and alternative energy sources.
Minneapolis, Dec 8 – Cellulosic and biorefining technology company, Edeniq Inc, has joined the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association as a vendor member.
“We are pleased to welcome Edeniq as our latest vendor member. Edeniq has developed new processes for producing cellulosic ethanol at existing corn ethanol plants at a low cost,” said Tim Rudnicki, executive director of the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association.
Edeniq’s Pathway Technology produces cellulosic ethanol from corn kernel fiber and utilizes existing fermenters at corn ethanol plants.
“Minnesota is one of the most forward-thinking states when it comes to supporting next generation biofuels.
“We are excited to join the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association to reach new customers by better understanding the needs of local ethanol producers interested in increasing ethanol yield by producing EPA-approved cellulosic ethanol,” said Cam Cast, chief operating officer of Edeniq.
The company’s Pathway Technology combines cellulase enzymes with its high-shear milling equipment, called the Cellunator, to produce up to 2.5 percent cellulosic ethanol, a 7 percent increase in overall ethanol yield and a 30 percent increase in corn oil recovery.
“Edeniq is helping customers generate D3 cellulosic ethanol RINs from corn kernel fiber today, and those same gallons are eligible for the Minnesota Advanced Biofuel Production Incentive.
“Our Pathway Technology utilizes existing corn ethanol plants’ fermentation and distillation and requires little or no capex. Additionally, Edeniq helps customers increase profits by quickly capturing the cellulosic ethanol value by having an EPA-approved protocol for the creation and quantification of cellulosic ethanol,” Cast said.
Picture caption : (From right to left) Brian Kletscher, President of the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association presents the 2016 Distinguished Retailer award to Abdalla Tobasi, owner of Tobasi Stop.
Minneapolis, Dec 15 – The Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association presented the 2016 Distinguished Retailer award yesterday to Tobasi Stop, which owns three E15 stations in the Twin Cities.
“This award recognizes Tobasi Stop’s commitment to offering its customers a clean and locally-produced fuel that is also cheaper than regular unleaded. E15 has been made available in all three Tobasi Stop stations in just 12 months,” said Brian Kletscher, President of the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association.
Tobasi Stop first began offering E15 at its station on Selby Avenue in St Paul in December 2015. It later began offering E15 at its other two stations which are located in New Brighton and on Minnehaha Avenue in St Paul respectively.
“We decided to offer E15 as it’s a fuel that provides customers a great product at a great price. It also helps our local economy and farmers who are the backbone of our country. Since we began offering E15, more than 60 percent of our sales have been E15,” said Abdalla Tobasi, owner of Tobasi Stop.
Tobasi received the award at the launch of Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association’s 2016 Annual Report in Bloomington yesterday.
The 2016 Annual Report details the efforts Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association undertook throughout the year to grow ethanol consumption in Minnesota.
“In 2016, the ethanol industry in Minnesota faced new opportunities and challenges. We were well positioned to seize those opportunities and defend the industry from new regulatory challenges.
“We also saw E15 acceptance grow exponentially this year. As at end-October, 4.09 million gallons of E15 has been sold, which is a million more gallons than the volume sold for the whole of 2015. This is a positive development and with more E15 stations coming on board in the coming months, we expect Minnesota's E15 consumption to continue increasing,” said Tim Rudnicki, executive director of the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association.
Picture caption : Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MBA) board of directors launch the MBA 2016 Annual Report. From left to right: Dodi Matti (CFO of Guardian Energy), Steve Christensen (MBA Vice President and CEO of Granite Falls Energy), Chad Friese (CEO of Chippewa Valley Ethanol Company), Steve Drew (MBA Secretary and CEO of Heartland Corn Products), Randall Doyal (CEO of Al-Corn Clean Products), Brian Kletscher (MBA President and CEO of Highwater Ethanol) and Tim Rudnicki (MBA executive director).
Minneapolis, Jan 10 - Global enzyme provider, CTE Global, has joined the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association as a vendor member.
“We are pleased to welcome CTE Global to our roster of vendor members. CTE Global shares our goal in growing Minnesota’s ethanol industry,” said Tim Rudnicki, executive director of the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association.
In the United States, CTE Global works closely with the ethanol industry to optimize ethanol production.
The company’s operations are based in Illinois and has a research and development lab in St Paul that provides analytical support to ethanol producers.
“CTE Global Inc is excited to join the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association to support its mission to develop renewable fuels and realize energy independence,” said Miriam Zaslavsky, CTE Global’s director of operations.
She said CTE Global provides effective enzymatic strategies for ethanol production.
"We aim to support the growth of the industry by providing high quality enzymes and tailored solutions for biofuel producers," Zaslavsky said
Picture Caption: CTE Global's R&D Lab In St Paul, MN
Minneapolis, Feb 27 – The ethanol industry continued to boost Minnesota's economy in 2016, contributing $1.84 billion to the state's gross domestic product (GDP).
A new study released by ABF Economics, which was commissioned by the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association, said Minnesota’s ethanol industry produced 1.18 billion gallons of ethanol last year.
This in turn generated $6.55 billion in gross sales for Minnesota businesses and supported nearly 17,000 jobs in 2016.
“Minnesota’s ethanol industry remains a significant contributor to the state’s economy and supports thousands of jobs in both rural and urban parts of the state,” said Tim Rudnicki, executive director of the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association.
ABF Economics said Minnesota’s ethanol industry generated nearly $1.37 billion in household income and paid $80 million to state and local taxes in 2016.
“Spending associated with renewable fuels production stimulates aggregate demand, supports the creation of new jobs, generates additional household income, and provides tax revenue for state and local governments.
“ABF estimated the impact of the ethanol industry on the Minnesota economy by applying expenditures by the relevant supplying industry to the appropriate final demand multipliers for value added output, earnings and employment,” said John Urbanchuk, managing partner at ABF Economics.
The ethanol industry’s GDP contribution was largely driven by the production of ethanol and its co-products, research and development, corn production as well as plant expansion / renovations and the installation of new E15 and E85 stations in 2016.
The study said the ethanol industry used 410 million bushels of corn (26 percent of Minnesota’s 2016 corn crop) to produce 1.18 billion gallons of ethanol, 3.5 million tons of dried distiller’s grains (DDGs) and 244 million pounds of corn oil.
It said the 3.5 million tons of DDGs produced was sufficient to meet the annual feed requirements of over 2.5 million beef and dairy cattle, or the entire inventory of cattle and calves in Minnesota.
As for corn oil, the study said the 244 million pounds produced could produce 33.5 million gallons of biodiesel, which is over 26 percent of Minnesota’s biodiesel capacity.
Apart from jobs at ethanol plants, the ethanol industry supported jobs in agriculture, construction as well as input and component suppliers in 2016. This, in turn, impacted jobs in industries such as healthcare, food and beverage, accounting, banking and finance and retail.
Read the full report here.
Minneapolis, Mar 9 – Minnesota railroad operator, Twin Cities & Western Railroad Company (TC&W), has joined the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association as a vendor member.
“We are pleased to welcome TC&W to our growing network of supporters. Ethanol produced in Minnesota is transported via rail to locations throughout the country,” said Tim Rudnicki, executive director of the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association.
TC&W operates with its affiliates, Minnesota Prairie Line and Sisseton Milbank Railroad Company, approximately 350 miles of railroad track in west central Minnesota and eastern South Dakota. The company’s shipments are primarily comprised of agricultural products as well as ethanol from two plants.
“We appreciate that the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association is dedicated to supporting and representing the renewable fuels industry in Minnesota and we are pleased to join the association in support of our ethanol shipping customers and the communities we serve,” said Mark Wegner, president of TC&W.
TC&W, headquartered in Glencoe, commenced operations in 1991 over the “Ortonville Line” between Minneapolis - St Paul and Milbank, S.D. The Ortonville Line was originally built in 1876 by the Hastings and Dakota Railroad.
Today, through its interchanges in the Twin Cities with BNSF Railway, Canadian Pacific Railway, CN Railway, Union Pacific Railroad Company and Minnesota Commercial Railway, TC&W is focused on providing its customers with safe, efficient and reliable transportation of agricultural products, ethanol and other commodities to and from local, national and international markets.
The Association of American Railroads, in a 2015 report, estimates 60 to 70 percent of ethanol transported in the country is via rail.
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Winthrop, March 24 – Eight students from Glencoe Silver Lake High School toured Heartland Corn Products today to understand how clean renewable Minnesota energy is produced.
The students, from grades 10 to 12, toured the various processes of ethanol production at Heartland Corn Products, which produces 100 million gallons of ethanol a year.
“We regularly welcome high school students to our facility to provide them with a deeper understanding of how Minnesota-grown ethanol is produced,” said Scott Blumhoefer, vice president of Heartland Corn Products.
The students were given a tour of incoming grain grading, grain handling, fermentation, grain storage, dried distiller grain production and storage, liquefaction, fermentation and ethanol storage and shipment.
The tour was organized by the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association. Heartland Corn Products is a member of the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association.
“We organized eight high school tours in 2016 and today’s visit by Glencoe Silver Lake High School is our first tour of 2017. These tours are part of our annual grant program to high schools in Minnesota,which gives them an opportunity to tour an ethanol plant and learn about renewable energy production.
“With these tours, high school students gain a better understanding of how a homegrown ingredient is converted into a clean fuel that has been reducing and continues to reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions, saves consumers at the pump and makes us more energy independent,” said Tim Rudnicki, executive director of the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association.
Heartland Corn Products is one of the largest plants in Minnesota and was built in 1995.
Rebekah Haddad, agriculture instructor at Glencoe Silver Lake High school, accompanied her students on the tour.
“I am hoping students will gain an awareness of career opportunities, ethanol production and see various tie-ins to other sectors,” she said.
Janesville, April 12 – Thirty-two high school students toured Guardian Energy’s ethanol plant today to get a closer look at how renewable energy is produced.
The students, from St Peter High School, toured the various processes of ethanol production at Guardian Energy, which produces 120 million gallons of ethanol a year.
“We believe it’s important for students to understand the important role science plays in ethanol production,” said Tracey Olson, chief operations officer at Guardian Energy.
The students, comprising 11th and 12th graders, toured several different components of ethanol production including incoming grain grading, grain handling, grain storage, liquefaction, fermentation, distillation, distiller grain drying, corn oil separation, product storage and product shipment.
The tour was organized by the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association. Guardian Energy is a member of the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association.
“This was the second school tour we’ve organized in 2017 and there will be many more throughout the year. With these tours, high school students gain a better understanding of how a homegrown ingredient is converted into a clean fuel that has been reducing and continues to reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions, saves consumers at the pump and makes America more energy independent,” said Tim Rudnicki, executive director of the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association.
Guardian Energy, which commenced operations in 2009, is one the largest ethanol plants in Minnesota. Gena Lilienthal, agriculture science instructor at St Peter High School, said her students were interested in plant science and needed more exposure on ethanol production.
“I am excited for the students to see first-hand how the science we have been studying in class is used in real life,” she said.
Lilienthal, who accompanied her students during the tour, added the visit also highlighted potential career opportunities for the students.
St Paul, April 13 – The Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MBA) and KS95 FM teamed up today to reward drivers who fueled up with E15 (Unleaded Plus) during an hour-long promotion at Highland Service Minnoco.
During the promotion from 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm, MBA and KS95 rewarded 20 drivers who switched to E15 from regular unleaded.
Among the prizes given included tickets to see the Minnesota Twins, $25 in cash and KS95 merchandise.
KS95 personality, Rudy Pavich, and MBA staff were at Highland Service Minnoco educating drivers on the benefits of using E15 during the promotion.
“Today’s event was a success as many consumers eagerly switched to E15, which is cheaper than regular gas, made in Minnesota and better for the environment,” said Tim Rudnicki, executive director of the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association.
E15 sales in Minnesota have been on the rise as more stations have begun offering E15.
In February this year, E15 sales totaled 855,593 gallons, the highest ever recorded. In February 2016, E15 sales was 519,598 gallons.
Plymouth, April 24 – The Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MBA) and KS95 FM teamed up today to reward drivers who chose E15 during an hour-long promotion at the Holiday station on County Road 24 in Plymouth.
From 12 pm – 1 pm, MBA and KS95 rewarded 25 drivers who switched to E15 from regular unleaded.
Among the prizes given included $20 in cash, tickets to the Minnesota Zoo and KS95 merchandise.
KS95 personality, Adam “Crisco” Zalusky and MBA staff were at the Holiday in Plymouth educating drivers on the benefits of using E15 during the promotion.
“More and more consumers are eagerly switching to E15. It’s cheaper than regular unleaded, has more octane, is better for the environment and made right here in Minnesota,” said Tim Rudnicki, MBA’s executive director.
Today's event is the second time both MBA and KS95 have teamed up this year to educate and reward drivers on the benefits of using E15. Earlier this month, MBA and KS95 were at Highland Service Minnoco in St Paul.
E15 sales have been rapidly increasing as more stations have begun offering the fuel, which is also branded as Unleaded Plus and has an octane rating of 88.
There are currently over 100 stations offering E15 in the state with over 30 in just the Twin Cities metro area.
In just the first two months of 2017, 1.68 million gallons of E15 have been sold in Minnesota, which is nearly a third of the volume sold in 2016.
Marshall, April 25 – Twenty-one students from Minneota High School visited the ADM Corn Processing ethanol plant here on April 19 to learn more on how Minnesota-grown renewable energy is produced.
The students, from grades nine to 12, toured the various production process areas at ADM Corn Processing. Apart from ethanol production, the students also visited the facility’s fructose plant, mill and feedhouse and maintenance shop.
“We are excited to welcome the Minneota School students on site because it provides us the opportunity for these young, bright minds to gain a better understanding of the vital needs we serve in our community. From the harvest to the home, our organization provides the world with products to feed and serve the growing world population,” said Kayla Uphus, Human Resource Manager at ADM Corn Processing.
The tour was organized by the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association. ADM Corn Processing is a member of the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association.
The ethanol plant at ADM Corn Processing is the only wet mill plant in Minnesota. Other plants in the state use a dry milling processes. In the wet mill process, corn is separated through soaking and then processed through grinders. In the dry mill process, the corn kernel is grinded and mixed with water and enzymes.
“These school tours provide students with the opportunity to gain a better understanding of how a homegrown ingredient is converted into a clean fuel that has been reducing and continues to reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions, saves consumers at the pump and makes America more energy independent,” said Tim Rudnicki, executive director of the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association.
During the tour, the students learned of the potential career opportunities at ADM Corn Processing.
“In southwestern Minnesota, our facility provides 250 careers and additional support in the surrounding communities. We want students to know that there are indeed opportunities for fulfilling careers here at home in southwestern Minnesota and that those opportunities are for individuals at every skill level,” Uphus said.
For example, she said specialized trade roles at the plant such as Maintenance Mechanics and Instrumental and Electrical Technicians would require candidates with a two-year degree or experience in mechanical or electrical-related positions.
In the case of Laboratory Technicians, candidates would be required to have a two or four-year science-related degree or two years of experience working in a quality assurance lab, she said.
Minneota High School Agriculture instructor, William Delaney, said it was important for his students to learn about ethanol production.
“It is important to know what goes on in their backyards as we are 12 miles from the plant. It also gives them an idea of the scope of the industry and the part a corn producer does play in the big picture,” he said.
Picture Caption : MBA & KS95 rewarding drivers who switched to E15 at Minnoco Brooklyn Park
Minneapolis, May 5 – For the first time ever, monthly E15 sales in Minnesota exceeded a million gallons.
According to data from the Minnesota Department of Commerce, E15 sales in March totaled 1.03 million gallons, more than double the amount sold in March 2016 (507,607 gallons).
In addition, the department also revised the volume of E15 sold in February to 904,944 gallons instead of the 855,593 gallons it had previously reported.
“This is a significant milestone in Minnesota and proof more and more consumers are switching to E15. It’s cheaper than regular unleaded, reduces emissions and is made right here in Minnesota,” said Tim Rudnicki, executive director of the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MBA).
With over a million gallons sold in March, E15 sales in the first quarter in Minnesota totaled 2.76 million gallons, nearly half the volume recorded for the whole of 2016 (5.68 million gallons).
As at end March, there were 94 stations in Minnesota that sold E15. At present, there are 143 stations that offer E15.
Meanwhile, MBA and KS95 teamed up today to reward drivers who switched to E15 during an hour-long promotion at Minnoco Brooklyn Park.
From 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm, MBA and KS95 rewarded 24 drivers who chose E15 over regular unleaded. Among the prizes given included $20 in cash, tickets to the Minnesota Zoo and KS95 merchandise.
KS95 personality, Rudy Pavich, and MBA staff were at Minnoco Brooklyn Park educating drivers on the benefits of using E15.
Today’s event is the third time both MBA and KS95 have teamed up this year to promote E15. In April, MBA and KS95 were at Highland Service Minnoco in St Paul and Holiday on County Road 24 in Plymouth to encourage drivers to switch to E15.
Winthrop, May 11 – Twenty-six students from Central High School in Norwood Young America visited Heartland Corn Products today to learn more about renewable energy production.
The students, from grades 10 to 12, toured the various processes of ethanol production at the 108 million gallon-a-year facility.
This is the second time students from Central High School have toured Heartland Corn Products. The first tour was in March 2016.
“We’re pleased to welcome a new group of students from Central High School to our plant. It’s important for students to get a first-hand look at how clean Minnesota-grown renewable energy is produced,” said Scott Blumhoeffer, Vice-President at Heartland Corn Products.
During the tour, the students learned about incoming grain grading, grain handling, fermentation, grain storage, dried distiller grain production and storage, liquefaction and ethanol storage and shipment.
The tour was organized by the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association. Heartland Corn Products is a member of the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association.
“These tours show students how a homegrown renewable ingredient is converted into a clean fuel that continues to reduce harmful greenhouse gases,” said Tim Rudnicki, executive director of the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association.
In 2016, 19 students from Central High School toured Heartland Corn Products and this year, 26 students participated in the visit.
The school’s agriculture teacher, Jim Mesik, who accompanied his students on both tours, said it was important for students to learn how the ethanol industry affects them.
“(Heartland Corn Products) put on a very informative presentation and what I consider to be a very complete tour. I learned a lot and I know the students did too,” he said.
May 19, St Louis Park - The Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MBA) and KS95 FM teamed up today to reward drivers who chose E15 during an hour-long promotion at Youngstedts Minnoco in St Louis Park.
From 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm, MBA and KS95 rewarded 15 drivers who switched to E15 from regular unleaded. Among the prizes given included $20 in cash, tickets to the Minnesota Zoo and KS95 merchandise.
KS95 personality, Adam “Crisco” Zalusky and MBA staff were at Youngstedts Minnoco educating drivers on the benefits of using E15 during the promotion.
“It isn't difficult for consumers to switch to E15. It’s cheaper than regular unleaded, has more octane, is better for the environment and made right here in Minnesota,” said Tim Rudnicki, MBA’s executive director.
E15 sales in Minnesota have been rapidly increasing as more stations have begun offering the fuel, which is also branded as Unleaded Plus and has an octane rating of 88.
There are currently over 100 stations offering E15 in the state with over 30 in just the Twin Cities metro area.
In March. for the first time ever, monthly E15 sales in Minnesota exceeded a million gallons.
According to data from the Minnesota Department of Commerce, E15 sales in March totaled 1.03 million gallons, more than double the amount sold in March 2016 (507,607 gallons).
With over a million gallons sold in March, E15 sales in the first quarter in Minnesota totaled 2.76 million gallons, nearly half the volume recorded for the whole of 2016 (5.68 million gallons).