Convenience chain Kum & Go is opening its first compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling station in Springdale. This will be the first CNG station open to the public in Northwest Arkansas and one of 1,540 CNG fueling stations across the country.
The CNG station will be located at 1220 E. Robinson Ave., Springdale, and is an addition to the Kum & Go convenience store already operating at that location. An open house event is slated for June 4.
CNG is an alternative to gasoline that's made by compressing natural gas to less than 1% of its volume at standard atmospheric pressure. Consisting mostly of methane, CNG is odorless, colorless and tasteless. In addition, CNG costs about 50% less than gasoline or diesel and emits up to 90% fewer emissions than gasoline.
When Kum & Go first announced plans for the CNG station last year, the Springdale Sewer and Water Commission decided to purchase two vehicles that run on CNG for its fleet in hopes to save money on fuel costs.
“That demonstrates our enthusiasm for CNG and wanting Springdale Water to be at the forefront. I think the possibilities are great and others will follow our lead,” said Springdale Water Utility Executive Director Heath Ward.
“Kum & Go has a proud tradition of being an industry leader in sustainable practices,” said Kyle Krause, CEO of Kum & Go. “By providing CNG to our Northwest Arkansas communities, we are not only filling a need for our customers, we’re also staying true to our commitment to operating our business with a focus on being environmentally-friendly.”