Keene, New Hampshire’s public works department will be doing its heaving lifting without harming the environment now that it is switching to biodegradable hydraulic fluid.
The fluid, used in city plow trucks, street sweepers, lawn mowers and tractors, is made from canola oil. It costs about $3 more per gallon than petroleum-based fluid but because it is not harmful to the environment, it could save the city money if a hose breaks or a valve leaks. With conventional hydraulic fluid, the city has to call the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency if there’s a large spill, and can be fined.
The city is spending $17,000 to convert the vehicles to use the new fluid.
“In keeping with Keene’s theme of going green, this is another thing we can do to be more environmentally friend,” said Stephen Russell, superintendent of Keene Fleet Services.