Rules on generators and gas tanks

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iamready123123
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Rules on generators and gas tanks

Post by iamready123123 » Mon Jul 11, 2022 4:54 pm

Sorry if this has been asked before. It is my first time going to Burning Man. I am trying to find out the rules and regs surrounding generators and gas tanks for my camp. I have seen the info on the burning man website (like not burying the generator) but what kind of power/other details must be considered? Thanks! 8)

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some seeing eye
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Re: Rules on generators and gas tanks

Post by some seeing eye » Mon Jul 11, 2022 5:03 pm

1. Fire lanes as agreed with Placement
2. Fuel storage https://journal.burningman.org/2019/07/ ... age-right/
3. Check Burningman.org for updates. They may reduce fuel quantities in camp for instance.
4. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1627137627565692 Burning Man Generators and Electrical Systems
increasing the signal to noise ratio with compassion

VicW
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Re: Rules on generators and gas tanks

Post by VicW » Sun Jul 17, 2022 2:10 pm

I want to follow this thread as I have questions too. I've been going since 2011 and the current fuel storage rules are either clear as mud or ridiculously hard to live with in a large camp. BLM loves muddy rules, they can ticket both sides of them.

I've read several pages about this year's fuel program, some black and white download, HELL rules, proper containers and containment handout, etc etc. Camps are limited to a single depot, containing up to 110 gallons of fuel, right? This isn't very much. Or is each person limited to 110 gallons? This suddenly seems like a huge amount of fuel.

Camp gennies hold <30 gallons, so HELL won't deliver, but they still go through several fill-ups per day at ~13 gallons each per generator. The camp gennies will mow through 110 gallons or more throughout the week, plus set up and camp strike.

So, is the entire camp expected to operate on 110 gallons of stored fuel or are there separate rules for individuals to bring and store fuel as well? Should we reduce our gifts so we can conserve fuel? Or limit how many people we have in order to achieve this fuel storage reduction program? Limiting our labor force seems like an odd, bean counter approach to the creation of "Utopia".

Lastly, wait, firstly, I appreciate all the volunteers who give their time to make things work, even if those things seem silly, so don't take this as an attack on the folks who make it happen and might get stuck playing by a less-than-crystal-clear rulebook. Okay. Now, lastly, at $10 a gallon and 10 reasons you won't get filled up there, is HELL really the shining example of decommodification and reduced fuel transport on Playa?

Thanks in advance. Tip your waitstaff. I'll be back!

HarryN
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Re: Rules on generators and gas tanks

Post by HarryN » Sat Jul 23, 2022 9:13 am

Maybe they are trying to encourage use of solar power?

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BBadger
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Re: Rules on generators and gas tanks

Post by BBadger » Sat Jul 23, 2022 1:57 pm

Is it really clear as mud?
Fuel Drums

If your generator has a tank capacity of 30 gallons or less, 50 gallon drums of gasoline or clear diesel may be available. As per BLM safety regulations, a maximum of 2 drums or 110 gallons may be stored within your camp. Secondary containment systems are required and will be the responsibility of the camp. Further information will be supplied to those who make drum reservations These reservations must be made within the registration window.
(emphasis mine; from here)

Not understanding your logic about decommodification related to Hell Station? They're not subsidizing fuel costs for the event or your "gifts" -- even though transporting and storing huge quantities of fuel in a temporary desert depot to be delivered to camps is not cheap. If it's too much, maybe you'll just have to make some compromises.
"The essence of tyranny is not iron law. It is capricious law." -- Christopher Hitchens

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Token
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Re: Rules on generators and gas tanks

Post by Token » Sat Jul 23, 2022 2:32 pm

I find irony in the maths…

You can rent a 25KW diesel trailer generator for ~ $1K per month and it has the magic > 30 gallon tank, so the fueling happens like butter. Heck, it’s got a 100 gallon tank …

But, nah, we gonna bring our Generacs to everyone’s delight.

I’m pretty sure storage for whatever po-dank genies y’all have costs more than a rental.

VicW
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Re: Rules on generators and gas tanks

Post by VicW » Sat Jul 23, 2022 3:41 pm

I wanted to fire back my best mid Saturday, build meeting snark, but all I can come up with is this:

Where does one find 25kw gennies for $1000/month or during the event or whatever. Any info?

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some seeing eye
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Re: Rules on generators and gas tanks

Post by some seeing eye » Sat Jul 23, 2022 4:12 pm

I'm seeing the local construction equipment company at $520/week for a 25K 8hr/day run rate.

Just check all the equipment rental places. Might they be sold out in Reno? Likely.
HarryN wrote:
Sat Jul 23, 2022 9:13 am
Maybe they are trying to encourage use of solar power?
This year there is a new project beyond the AEZ Village of camps of more camp solar setups. It is the Green Theme Camp Community project. I would expect tours and lectures. Search your WWW for solar, sustainability, and the like, and check Playa Info.
increasing the signal to noise ratio with compassion

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Token
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Re: Rules on generators and gas tanks

Post by Token » Sun Jul 24, 2022 3:29 pm

VicW wrote:
Sat Jul 23, 2022 3:41 pm
I wanted to fire back my best mid Saturday, build meeting snark, but all I can come up with is this:

Where does one find 25kw gennies for $1000/month or during the event or whatever. Any info?
United Rentals has this price for gerlach-empire location

Generator, 15.0 kW-17.9 kW, Diesel Powered

56 gallon tank

$388/week or $1,164/month

Google it.

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