E-POD™ Reduces NOx Emissions on Wyoming Drill Rigs

CleanAIR Systems installs new technology on seven drill rigs to dramatically reduce NOx, PM, HC, and CO emissions

Santa Fe, NM – February 19, 2008 - CleanAIR Systems is pleased to announce the introduction of their new emissions control technology, the E-POD™, with the successful installation of seven units on drill rigs operating in Wyoming’s oil-rich Pinedale Anticline Project Area (PAPA).

The proprietary technology combines CleanAIR’s non-toxic zeolite-based selective catalytic reduction catalyst (SCR), diesel particulate filters or diesel oxidation converters and unique reductant mixing system all within a single fully insulated, stainless steel, critical-grade silencer package. Unlike other SCR systems that only reduce NOx, CleanAIR’s E-POD™ with DPFs enables Tier 4 final compliance for most diesel stationary engines and New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) compliance for lean-burn natural gas engines by dramatically reducing NOx, PM, HC and CO.

Working in conjunction with Caterpillar dealer Wyoming Machinery, custom-engineered E-PODs™ were installed on seven diesel generators between September 2008 and January 2009 in the PAPA oil fields.

An innovative drop-in design was developed for several of the E-PODs™ as a trouble-free solution to moving the system when relocating to a new drill site. A typical SCR system is bulky and difficult to move. Most systems require dismantling, placement on a flatbed and hauling to the next drill location, where they are then reassembled and once again lifted into place. CleanAIR engineers solved this time-consuming and costly moving process by fully integrating the E-POD™ within the tight space constraints of the generator trailer. Designed to be lowered into place through an opening at the top of the trailer, the E-POD™ is installed above the generator, becoming part of the trailer’s roof. This unusual approach allows the emissions control unit to “disappear” from view. It also enables the E-POD™ to be transported along with the generator, without the added expense or hassle of dismantling, hauling or lifting a separate unit.

Another state-of-the-art E-POD™ feature is the CleanAIR all-in-one Dosing Cabinet, combining an electronic control system and injection system into one easy-to-install unit. Using real-time display, automatic data-logging, programmable set-points and basic internal diagnostics, the CleanAIR Dosing Cabinet offers end-users simple, uncomplicated operational control and monitoring of the E-POD™ system.

Caterpillar Emissions Solutions Product Manager, Michael J. Readey states in a recent dealer newsletter: “We enthusiastically anticipate the 2009 release of the E-POD™, requested by dealers and developed by CleanAIR. The E-POD™ consists of a compact, ‘all-in-one’ retrofit aftertreatment system that combines greater than 90% NOx and 85% particulate reduction in a single package.”

On-site emissions monitoring at the Wyoming installation shows NOx emission readings are consistently averaging 95% reduction.

The E-POD™ is designed to fit and operate on any diesel or natural gas engine, making it easy for dealers to retrofit and service customer’s mixed-fleets without brand conflicts.

With NSPS for lean-burn natural gas engines right around the corner and EPA Tier 4 final compliance on everyone’s mind, CleanAIR’s new E-POD™ technology offers a compact, all-emissions solution to meet both federal regulations. Customers with Tier 1 through Tier 3 existing or new engines can now meet regulations today by installing the E-POD™.

For more information, visit CleanAIR Systems at http://www.cleanairsys.com/.

About CleanAIR Systems:
Established in 1993, CleanAIR Systems is a technology-based corporation manufacturing emissions control systems with worldwide distribution. CleanAIR’s products are designed to control air pollution such as diesel particulate matter and NOx, for internal combustion engines and gas turbines. The company is a preferred vendor of Caterpillar. Visit CleanAIR Systems online at http://www.cleanairsys.com/.

Diesel Retrofits Funded in Economic Stimulus Bills

Clean Diesel Technology Brings Economic and Environmental Benefits; Webinar Scheduled February 12, 2009

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As Congress crafts the final text of its economic stimulus package, diesel vehicle and equipment owners are anticipating the benefits of upgraded equipment and cleaner air thanks to the inclusion of $300 million in funding for the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) in both the House and Senate versions of the bill.

“This funding will bring immediate benefits to the economy by supporting jobs while simultaneously improving air quality – a winning solution for all Americans,” said Allen Schaeffer, executive director of the Diesel Technology Forum. “Modernizing and upgrading existing diesel engines and equipment is one of the most proven and cost-effective uses of public funds,” Schaeffer added. “From manufacturers to equipment dealers and service technicians, the diesel industry is gearing up to produce and install this equipment to make older equipment run cleaner.”

In anticipation of the passage of the economic stimulus package, the Diesel Technology Forum is offering a webinar on the DERA program Thursday, February 12 on “How to Prepare a Competitive Application”. EPA representatives will discuss how proposals are evaluated and two previous award winners will provide case studies of their experiences. A recorded version of the webinar and all presentations will be posted on the DTF website for those unable to participate. Visit http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dieselforum.org%2Fwebinars&esheet=5894095&lan=en_US&anchor=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dieselforum.org%2Fwebinars&index=1 to register, and for more information.

According to independent research done by Keybridge Associates, DERA is likely to generate approximately $6 of increased economic output for every $1 of federal funding. This economic impact is likely to be greatest in the auto parts manufacturing and heavy-duty truck manufacturing sectors, which have sustained job losses at nearly 9 and 7 times the national rate respectively.

Last month more than 300 industry, environmental and governmental organizations signed a letter to congressional leaders requesting funding for DERA, citing more than $116 million in unfunded projects after the program’s first year. The program also enjoys support from both Republicans and Democrats, as evidenced by its original passage by a vote of 92 to 1 as part of the Energy Policy Act of 2005.

To date only $49.2 million has been provided for the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act. This additional $300 million will substantially help reduce emissions from the nation’s estimated 11 million diesel engines. DERA was originally enacted as part of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, and authorized for $1 billion over five years.

DERA funds can be awarded for any one of the five options available to reduce emissions, also known as the 5 Rs: refuel (using cleaner diesel fuel); rebuild (engine upgrades); repower (new engine); replace (new equipment); and retrofit (emission filters/catalysts). These solutions can be applied to both on-road and off-road diesel vehicles and equipment.

“From California to Connecticut, from school buses to skid steer loaders, our members have national experience with retrofitting a wide variety of engines, vehicles and equipment,” said Schaeffer. “Clean diesel technology provides efficient, clean power affecting virtually all sectors of the economy and all communities across the country.”

North Texas, TCEQ Awarded $2 Million for Clean Diesel Projects

The North Central Texas Council of Governments has been awarded $1.5 million, and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality will receive $500,000 from the Environmental Protection Agency to help reduce diesel emissions.

EPA and the Blue Skyways Collaborative awarded the grants as part of the National Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program.

“Blue Skyways and the EPA clean diesel program are delivering cleaner engines and cleaner air for America’s heartland,” said EPA Regional Administrator Richard E. Greene. “This program gives communities another effective tool to improve air quality and public health.”

Communities will use the grants for clean diesel projects that significantly reduce emissions through the use of retrofit technologies, engine replacements, and idle reduction technologies.

Reducing emissions from diesel engines is one of the most important air quality challenges facing the country. Even with EPA's more stringent heavy-duty highway and non-road engine standards set to take effect over the next decade, millions of diesel engines already in use will continue to emit large amounts of nitrogen oxides, particulate matter and air toxics, which contribute to serious public health problems. EPA and the Blue Skyways Collaborative provide funding for projects to help reduce these heavy-duty diesel emissions.

The Blue Skyways Collaborative is a group of businesses, communities and government agencies spanning 10 states that work together voluntarily to reduce air pollution in North America's central corridor. With its 183 partners, the collaborative is implementing about $1.1 billion in projects that use innovations in diesel engines, alternative fuels and renewable energy technologies to reduce air emissions along major transportation corridors. These innovations save 76 million gallons of fuel per year, cut 1.6 million tons per year in greenhouse gases and reduce toxic air pollutants by 51,626 tons per year.

For additional information on the National Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program, click here.

For information the Blue Skyways Collaborative, click here.

For activities and information on EPA Region 6, click here.

An EPA audio file is also available, click here.

Find diesel particulate filters at CleanAIR Systems.

In Califorinia, Even Heavy Equipment Goes Green

The Puente Hills Landfill hosted a rare group of federal and state environmental officials on Monday. They met at the waste disposal site to view tractors, bulldozers and refuse compactors that are ahead of schedule in meeting California's new, stringent diesel emissions standards for heavy equipment.

The roughly 180,000 pieces of off road equipment in California spew nearly as much smog-forming emissions and fine particle pollution as the one million diesel trucks that have just come under regulation by the California Air Resources Board.

Board Chairman Mary Nichols said, "ARB's first-in-the nation standards are driving businesses to invest in advanced technologies to clean our air and save the planet. Even heavy duty off road equipment can be part of the solution."

The Air Resources Board adopted a precedent-setting regulation in July 2007 that Nichols says will reduce toxic and cancer-causing diesel emissions from off road vehicles used in construction, mining, airport ground support, and other industries.

The regulation requires the installation of diesel soot filters and encourages the replacement of older, dirtier engines with newer emission-controlled models.

Because many diesel engines lack emission controls and can remain in use for 30 years or longer, they could become long-term contributors to air pollution.

But Nichols estimates that under the regulation, by 2020, diesel particulate matter will be reduced by 74 percent and smog forming oxides of nitrogen by 32 percent, compared to what emissions would be without the rule.

Diesel particulate matter, or diesel soot, was identified as a toxic air contaminant in 1998.
The ARB estimates that the off-road diesel rule will prevent at least 4,000 premature deaths statewide and avoid $18 to 26 billion in premature death and health costs.

"It cannot be overstated how this new regulation will help us in preventing air pollution-related health problems for residents of our region," said Barry Wallerstein, executive officer of the South Coast Air Quality Management District.

"Speeding up the transition to cleaner off-road equipment is key in our efforts to protect public health," he said.

ARB performed a comprehensive economic analysis of the rule's impact on business, which concluded that the regulation will cost industry up to $3.5 billion over its lifetime.
The requirements and deadlines vary depending on fleet size.

For small fleets, which include small businesses or municipalities with a combined horsepower of 2500 or less, implementation does not begin until 2015.

Medium fleets, with 2501 to 5000 horsepower, have until 2013, while large fleets, with over 5000 horsepower, must begin complying in 2010.

Bulldozers, loaders, backhoes and forklifts, as well as many other self-propelled off-road diesel vehicles must meet the new standard.

"This equipment is no longer just moving earth - it's moving California toward better air quality," said Wayne Nastri, administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Pacific Southwest region, viewing the heavy equipment at Puente Hills.

"And with the $1 million we're giving to the South Coast Air Quality Management District to clean up 700 heavy duty trucks, more and more vehicles will be driving toward a future of cleaner air," Nastri said.

The funding for the greener heavy equipment resulted from enforcement actions that the U.S. EPA took against Chevron, Valero, Cosmed and ARCO for violations at their California facilities.

As part of their settlements, these companies agreed to use funds that otherwise would have been paid as penalties to conduct environmental projects that directly benefit the community where the violations occurred.

New Regulations Will Clean Up NYS Owned and Operated Diesel Engines

Regulations will Improve Public Health, Create Economic Opportunities and Help Reduce Health Care Costs

A coalition of environmental, public health and business groups testified this week in support of regulations drafted by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) which implement aspects of the New York State (DERA). Public hearings on the regulations are taking place from Nov. 24-26, 2008, in Albany, Long Island City and Avon.

As specified in regulations, which were published in the New York State Register on October 8, on-road and off-road heavy duty diesel vehicles which are owned or under contract with New York State must use ultra low sulfur diesel (ULSD) fuel, and be fitted with best available retrofit technologies by December 31, 2010.

"Year after year, and day after day, New Yorkers are exposed to some of the dirtiest air in the nation," said Louise Vetter, Chief Executive Officer for the American Lung Association of New York. "These regulations will ensure that technology, which is available today and can be installed immediately, will be required on the state owned and operated fleet of diesel powered on-road and off-road vehicles."

"Implementation of comprehensive NY DERA regulations will support the jobs and economic development investment Corning has made in upstate New York," said G. Thomas Tranter, Jr., President, Corning Enterprises.

The Diesel Emission Reduction Act of 2006 required the Commissioner of DEC to enact rules governing which technologies shall be considered best available retrofit technologies. The law also established the following schedule for installing the retrofit technologies: not less than 33 percent of vehicles by December 31, 2008; not less than 66 percent of vehicles by December 31, 2009; and, not less than 100% of vehicles by December 31, 2010.

"Environmental Advocates of New York applauds Governor Paterson and Commissioner Grannis for taking this monumental step to clean-up our air. Dirty diesel emissions account for a major portion of the pollution endangering our environment and the health of our families. We urge the Department of Environmental Conservation to finalize the proposed rule without delay, as every day that passes without curbing diesel emissions is another day of increased rates of asthma in children and the further degradation of our natural resources," said Jackson Morris, Environmental Advocates of new York.

Air pollution problems and their attendant health threats have become serious statewide issues. Millions of New Yorkers are at-risk. In fact, according to the EPA, 89 percent of the state's population lives in a county where air quality does not attain federal health standards. In addition, the EPA has declared the counties of Suffolk, Nassau, Queens, Kings, Richmond, New York, Bronx, Westchester, Rockland and Orange in "non-attainment" for fine particles.

"The health and environmental impacts of diesel emissions are staggering," said Laura Haight, senior environmental associate of the New York Public Interest Research Group. "We urge New York State to adopt and implement these regulations as soon as possible. This is an investment in cleaner air, healthier communities, safer workplaces, and green jobs. Most importantly, it will save lives."

The high air pollution levels in New York State make people sick and even cut lives short. Diesel pollution has been shown by a wealth of science to trigger asthma attacks; is linked to heart attacks, cancer and even premature death; and is associated with ambient levels of both ozone and fine particles.

"These regulations will ensure that all New Yorkers breathe healthier air," said Isabelle Silverman, an attorney with Environmental Defense Fund. "We owe it to our children to retrofit diesel vehicles with filters that trap more than 85 percent of the toxic pollution that can impair their lung and brain development."

According to the New York State Department of Health, the typical hospital bill for a person on Medicaid who is hospitalized for an asthma attack is $9,500, which is more than a diesel particulate filter (DPF) would cost. Thus, if each DPF installed provides enough clean air to avoid just one asthma-related hospital admission, then the legislation pays for itself. Furthermore, this law will increase economic opportunities for companies in New York State who currently make diesel emission reduction technologies.

"Diesel pollution is a very serious public health problem in New York, but we can solve it," said Richard Kassel, Director of the Clean Fuels and Vehicles Project at the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). "Given that two years have passed since a law was signed to clean up the state's diesel vehicles, it's time to get these regulations in place and clean up New York's dirty diesels."

"In the case of dirty diesel, the scientific link to lung cancer is a solid one," said Peter Slocum, vice president of advocacy, American Cancer Society of NY & NJ. "Swift implementation of these regulations will result in fewer diesel emissions by state vehicles, cleaner air and less cancer risk for New Yorkers."

"Dirty diesel emissions are a threat to public health and the environment. Requiring cleaner systems, that use affordable, available technology, is a logical, protective measure that should be swiftly implemented. Running diesel engines in the 21st century, requiring 21st century technology, just makes sense." stated Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director, Citizens Campaign for the Environment.

The American Lung Association's State of the Air 2008 report found that from Buffalo to Bayport, and from Staten Island to Saratoga millions of New Yorkers are being forced to breathe unhealthy air. For most of the state, there truly is no escape for New Yorkers whose health is impacted by air pollution.

Investing in diesel reduction is good for New York's economy. There will be increased economic opportunity for companies in New York that manufacture diesel emission reduction technology. Many cost-effective and affordable retrofit technologies are currently available reducing particulate matter (soot) pollution by over 85 percent.

Diesel emissions contribute to climate change and smog. Diesel engines release a wide array of harmful substances directly into our air -- including particulate matter (soot), nitrogen oxides that act as a precursor to ozone, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. It is estimated that diesel emissions include a staggering 40 hazardous air pollutants that are listed under the Clean Air Act.

Diesel emissions remain a particularly troublesome health threat. They are a contributing factor to the ozone problems facing so many New York communities and are a big reason why the New York City metro area has such a problem with fine particles. Diesel particulate filters trap fine particles. In fact, New York State has the highest number of deaths and the greatest rate of disease associated with diesel exhaust particles. The New York City metropolitan area leads the nation in total deaths, cancer deaths, and heart attacks associated with diesel emissions. Unlike many areas of the country, the health effects associated with diesel pollution in New York are even greater than those associated with power plant fine particle pollution.

An interactive map showing air quality findings in New York, by county, is available at http://www.alany.org/.

See the Source:

American Lung Association

ARB Unveils Proposed Rules to Reduce Big Rig Pollution

Regulations expected to prevent 9,400 premature deaths, improve air quality, reduce greenhouse gases; more than $1 billion in funding assistance available for business owners

SACRAMENTO - The Air Resources Board today made available today for public comment its latest draft version of two landmark regulations that, if adopted at the Board's December hearing, will clean up emissions from the estimated one million heavy-duty diesel trucks that operate in California beginning in 2010.

The first proposed regulation will require truck owners to install diesel exhaust filters on their rigs starting in 2010, with nearly all vehicles upgraded by 2014. Owners must also turn over engines older than the 2010 equivalent according to a staggered implementation schedule between 2012 and 2022.

Further, long haul truckers must install fuel efficient tires and aerodynamic devices on their trailers that lower greenhouse gas emissions and improve fuel economy.

The state is offering truck owners more than a billion dollars in funding opportunities to help with the cost of the proposed diesel rule. Funding options include Carl Moyer grants, which are designated for early or surplus compliance with diesel regulations; Proposition 1B funds, for air quality improvements related to goods movement; and AB 118, which establishes a low-cost truck loan program to help pay for early compliance with the truck rule.

Diesel emissions are toxic, associated with cancer, and can also exacerbate cardiovascular and respiratory ailments. The truck regulation is expected to save 9,400 lives between 2010 and 2025, and greatly reduce health care costs. These benefits have a value of $48 to $69 billion. The cost of installing the trailer greenhouse-gas-reducing technologies will be quickly paid back through lower fuel use.

"This diesel regulation is absolutely vital to the well-being of all Californians, but we know there are financial challenges," said ARB Chairman Mary D. Nichols. "The Governor, legislature and voters have approved more than a billion dollars in loans and grants to truckers and business owners to help them comply with this crucial public health measure. If passed, these regulations will ultimately help improve both public health and the economy, especially when you account for the reduced health care costs we will see thanks to fewer hospital visits, mortalities and work days lost caused by exposure to big rig diesel exhaust."

ARB staff held dozens of workshops and met with hundreds of business owners and other stakeholders over the last 18 months.

Flexible funding options exist and the ARB is working to create more so that this regulation can be fully implemented at the lowest cost and we can all benefit from vastly improved air quality.
Without this regulation, California will not be able to meet U.S. EPA-mandated air quality standards and deadlines, and could subsequently lose billions of dollars in federal highway funding.

To provide flexibility, the diesel regulation is structured so that owners can choose from among three compliance options to meet regulation requirements. There are exceptions to the regulation, including low-use vehicles, emergency and military tactical vehicles, and personal use motor homes. School buses would be subject only to requirements for reducing diesel particulate matter and not for engine replacement.

To better assist truckers, ARB is evaluating ways to integrate these programs so that truckers can get a grant and a loan at the same time, minimizing paperwork and significantly reducing the monthly payments for a new truck loan.

Heavy-duty big rigs are the largest remaining source of unregulated diesel emissions, responsible for 32 percent of the smog-forming emissions and nearly 40 percent of the cancer-causing emissions from diesel mobile sources (other diesel emitters include trains, off-road vehicles and marine engines). The rules are expected to impact more than 400,000 trucks registered in the state, as well as about 500,000 out-of-state vehicles that do business in California, and over a half million trailers.

To reduce diesel emissions and improve air quality and public health, the ARB adopted a Diesel Risk Reduction Plan in 2000 and has already passed regulations addressing urban buses, garbage trucks, school bus and truck idling, stationary engines, transport refrigeration units, cargo handling equipment at ports and rail yards, off-road vehicles, port trucks and other sources.

The Air Resources Board is a department of the California Environmental Protection Agency. ARB's mission is to promote and protect public health, welfare, and ecological resources through effective reduction of air pollutants while recognizing and considering effects on the economy. The ARB oversees all air pollution control efforts in California to attain and maintain health based air quality standards.

The CleanAIR PERMIT™ Filter Receives Verification for Level 3 Plus from California Air Resources Board

Santa Fe, NM – October 21, 2008 – CleanAIR Systems, Inc., manufacturer of emissions control technology for diesel and natural gas engines, was granted Level 3 Plus Verification on October 7th by the California Air Resource Board (ARB) for the company’s PERMIT™ Filter. The designation of “Plus” added to the original product verification certifies that the PERMIT™ Filter does not increase nitrogen dioxide (NO2) emissions beyond the 2009 limit of 20% over the baseline for stationary engines.

Originally verified five years ago, the PERMIT™ Filter reduces emissions of diesel particulate matter by greater than 85 percent for prime and emergency generators. According to dated ARB Executive Orders, CleanAIR’s PERMIT™ Filter was the first diesel particulate filter to comply with stringent Air Resources Board requirements, receiving Level 3 Verification on June 6th of 2003 and becoming the earliest technology to ensure real emission reductions by ARB standards and guarantee a durable emissions control system, compatible with various engines and applications.

The newly awarded “Plus” extends CleanAIR’s verification to meet the following ARB amendment:
“As of January 1, 2009, all verified diesel retrofits sold and installed must comply with the 2009 nitrogen dioxide (NO2) emissions limit as defined in the Verification Procedure. Warranty and In-Use Compliance Requirements for In-Use Strategies to Control Emissions from Diesel Engines, title 13, California Code of Regulations, sections 2700-2710.”

Exposure to nitrogen dioxide can cause serious health issues such as acute lung injury. Unfortunately, many diesel particulate filters on the market today actually increase NO2 while in use. With this in mind, ARB is attempting to limit NO2 emissions with the current ruling and will withdraw verification at the beginning of 2009 if a technology does not meet the specified limit.

For complete verification information on the PERMIT™ diesel particulate filter and engine operating criteria, Executive Orders and Attachments can be found on the CleanAIR website at: http://www.cleanairsys.com/about/carb-verification.htm.

Founded in 1993, CleanAIR Systems has developed and brought to market eleven new technologies to the field of air pollution control, including the company’s proprietary PERMIT™ diesel particulate filter characterized by a non-washcoat catalyst. CleanAIR has sales representatives in the United States, Sweden, Chile, Mexico, Taiwan and Puerto Rico. This past June, Caterpillar, the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, selected CleanAIR Systems as CAT’s strategic alliance partner of choice for emissions control products, supplying retrofit technology for Caterpillar prime and back-up generators.

To read more about CleanAIR Systems, visit http://www.cleanairsys.com/.

Ships Off California's Coast Must Adhere to World's Strictest Diesel Emission Regulation

Requirement will prevent hundreds of premature deaths annually

Today the California Air Resources Board adopted a regulation that eliminates 15 tons of diesel exhaust daily from ocean-going vessels, substantially reducing the cancer rates and premature deaths associated with living near seaports and trade corridors along California's coast.

The new measure requires ocean-going vessels within 24 nautical miles of California's coastline to use lower-sulfur marine distillates in their main and auxiliary engines and auxiliary boilers, rather than the dirtier heavy-fuel oil called bunker fuel. About 2,000 ocean-going vessels visiting California ports annually are subject to this restriction.

"This regulation will save lives," said Air Resources Board Chairman Mary Nichols. "At ports and all along the California coast we will see cleaner air and better health."

The regulation will be implemented in two steps, each requiring lower sulfur content in the fuel- first in 2009 and final in 2012. Both U.S.-flagged and foreign-flagged vessels are subject to the regulation which is the most stringent and comprehensive requirement for marine fuel-use in the world.

Using the cleaner fuels required in 2009 will result in immediate and significant reductions in the emissions from ocean-going vessels. Reductions will increase as the fuel sulfur content is progressively lowered through the regulation's phase-in. In 2009 about a 75% percent of the diesel PM, over 80% of the sulfur oxides and 6 percent of the nitrogen oxides will be eliminated. In 2012, when the very low sulfur fuel requirement is implemented, reductions of diesel particulate matter will be 15 tons daily, an 83 percent reduction compared to uncontrolled emissions. Sulfur oxides will be reduced by 140 tons daily, a 95 percent reduction and nitrogen oxides will be reduced by 11 tons per day, a 6 percent reduction.

An estimated 3,600 premature deaths between 2009 and 2015 will be avoided, and the cancer risk associated with the emissions from these vessels would be reduced by over 80 percent. In addition, the measure will aid the South Coast Air Quality Management District meet its federal clean air requirements for fine particulate matter by 2014 and move California closer to its goal of reducing diesel particulate matter 85 percent by 2020.

Diesel exhaust contains a variety of harmful gases and over 40 other known cancer-causing compounds. Currently in California, diesel PM emissions from ocean-going vessels expose more than twenty-seven million people or 80% of California's total population, to cancer risk levels at or above 10 chances in a million.

This fall the ARB will consider further measures to reduce emissions from heavy-duty diesel trucks. Over the past 10 years ARB has adopted regulations affecting cargo-handling equipment, transport refrigeration units, truck idling, off-road equipment, harbor craft, port drayage trucks, onboard incineration, and ships at-berth. ARB's cleaner fuel requirements for on-road diesel trucks, railroad and ship engines have reduced pollution around rail yards and ports.

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Map of current ship emission impacts on California
New regulation covering vessels
Information on ARB's efforts to address diesel emissions

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More about diesel particulate filters

California Presents First Bond 1B Check to San Joaquin Valley to Clean Up Air Quality

$5.6 million to be used to retrofit, replace hundreds of dirty truck engines

During a ceremony on July 9th at a Technology Forum held at UC Merced, California EPA Undersecretary Cindy Tuck presented a $5.6 million check to the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District to clean up hundreds of older, dirty diesel truck engines currently polluting Valley air.

The air district will use the funding to retrofit somewhere between 100 to 300 trucks with diesel particulate filters and completely replace the engines of an additional 70 to 100 trucks. Diesel pollution from trucks transiting major roadways, such as Interstate 5 and Highway 99, accounts for 80 percent of the Valley's smog forming and particulate matter emissions.

The truck fleet cleanups precede a draft regulation that the Air Resources Board will vote on in October that, if passed, will require truckers to retrofit pre-2007 model year trucks with soot filters and then requires a gradual modernization of trucks beginning in 2012, so that ultimately all trucks are the cleanest, 2010 or newer models. Over the past decade, ARB has also passed a series of landmark regulations aimed at slashing diesel emissions from ships, off-road construction equipment and other sources.

"This first check under Proposition 1B is going exactly where it's needed most -- to fund the retrofits and replacements of older, dirty diesel trucks that pollute Valley air," Tuck said."This funding, combined with the opportunities that will grow out of today's technololgy forum, will continue our momentum in improving air quality in California."

"The Valley faces tremendous air quality challenges, and we appreciate this unprecedented support from the state which will result in a real reduction in emissions and a better quality of life for valley residents," said Seyed Sadredin, San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control Officer.
ARB will allocate an additional $40.5 million to the San Joaquin air district for other diesel emissions reduction projects in the coming year.

ARB and California EPA also signed a memorandum of agreement today with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and San Joaquin and South Coast air districts, committing to work together on identifying and promoting emerging technologies to improve air quality throughout the state.

Southern California and the Central Valley continue to suffer from some of the worst air quality in the nation. Emissions from diesel particulate matter are associated with causing a variety of health effects including premature death and a number of heart and lung diseases.

The check constitutes the first funding handed out using Proposition 1B funds, which was the transportation bond put on the ballot by the Legislature and before the voters in November 2006. The 2007-08 Budget, signed by Governor Schwarzenegger in August, funds the initial $250 million of the $1 billion set aside for air quality improvement projects in Proposition 1B.

The Board is focused on funding projects that reduce emissions and health risk, incorporate simplicity and efficiency, ensure cost-effectiveness, and leverage other funding source. Go to www.arb.ca.gov/diesel/diesel.htm/ for application criteria.

The Air Resources Board is a department of the California Environmental Protection Agency. ARB's mission is to promote and protect public health, welfare, and ecological resources through effective reduction of air pollutants while recognizing and considering effects on the economy. The ARB oversees all air pollution control efforts in California to attain and maintain health based air quality standards.

The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy cost, see our web site at http://www.arb.ca.gov/

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ARB

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diesel pollution

ARB Receives Additional Funding to Clean Up State Trucks and Buses

Diesel emissions from freeway trucks are major contributors to poor air quality

The Governor's revised May budget has allocated an additional $48 million to the Air Resources Board to help low-income truckers comply with regulations aimed at cleaning up diesel emissions from trucks and buses.

The funds from AB118 will combine with previously allocated Proposition 1B funding to help truckers pay for the engine retrofits and replacements that will be required beginning in 2010 after ARB approves in October the country's first regulation aimed at cleaning an estimated 420,000 trucks and buses registered in California as well as those coming in from other states. ARB will work with the Treasurers Office to use the 118 funds to facilitate low interest loans to help truckers install soot filtration devices or completely replace older, dirtier engines.

Funds will also be used to help truckers add devices such as side skirts and wider tires that reduce aerodynamic drag and rolling resistance of trailers, which save fuel and thus lessen greenhouse gas emissions.

"This money will help truckers in the state, many of whom are struggling financially, to retrofit and replace engines to help all of us breathe easier," said ARB Chairman Mary Nichols. "We appreciate the Governor's and Legislature's support on this crucial public health issue."

"Sierra Club California supports the administration's proposal to use $50 million in available air-quality funds for loans to help low-income truckers achieve early compliance with upcoming requirements to reduce toxic diesel emissions," said Bill Magavern, director of Sierra Club California. "This proposal provides a creative solution that will benefit Californians' health and our economy."

"The American Lung Association of California is extremely concerned about the serious health risks posed by diesel trucks and buses and supports the Administration's proposal to allocate existing air quality funds for grants and loans to assist in modernizing these vehicles to reduce toxic emissions," said Bonnie Holmes-Gen, senior policy director for the American Lung Association of California. "Diesel trucks and buses are the largest source of cancer causing soot in the state and we strongly support investing state funds to achieve early compliance with state pollution control regulations."

ARB's draft regulation addresses the largest unregulated source of diesel emissions in the state. In the absence of the regulation, ARB staff currently estimates 11,000 premature deaths from diesel truck emissions between 2010 and 2020. The total economic value of eliminating this impact is $70 to 89 billion.

The regulation is projected to cost the trucking industry somewhere between $3.6 to $5.5 billion from 2010 to 2021, which ARB staff estimates will add less than a penny apiece to products hauled by these trucks that people buy, ranging from athletic shoes to television sets.

Staff re-worked an earlier version of the draft regulation to eliminate the need for truckers to replace trucks twice, instead relying more heavily on retrofits for the first two years of the regulation. The revised proposal has a lower cost while preserving important public health benefits. The proposed regulation now calls for truckers to retrofit pre-2007 model year trucks with soot filters and then requires a gradual modernization of trucks beginning in 2012, so that ultimately all trucks are the cleanest, 2010 or newer models.

Emissions from diesel particulate matter are associated with causing a variety of health effects including premature death and a number of heart and lung diseases.

See the Source:

ARB

air pollution
diesel emissions

ARB Proposes New Rule to Clean Up State Trucks and Buses

Diesel emissions from freeway trucks are major contributors to poor air quality

The Air Resources Board unveiled a revised draft regulation this week that will require retrofits and engine replacements for the estimated privately owned 300,000 diesel trucks and buses transiting California roadways beginning in 2012.

Staff re-worked an earlier version of the draft regulation to eliminate the need for truckers to replace two trucks in a nine-year span, instead relying more heavily on retrofits for the first two years of the regulation. The revised proposal has a lower cost while preserving important public health benefits.

The proposed regulation now calls for truckers to retrofit pre-2007 model year trucks with soot filters and then requires a gradual modernization of trucks beginning in 2012, so that ultimately all trucks are the cleanest, 2010 or newer models.

This draft regulation addresses the largest unregulated source of diesel emissions in the state. Between 2010 and 2020, ARB estimates that the regulation will prevent 11,000 premature deaths associated with exposure to diesel exhaust, and save roughly $500 million in health care costs during that same period.

"If passed by the Board later this year, this regulation will save thousands of lives and help the hundreds of thousands more who suffer from asthma and other respiratory ailments," said ARB Chairman Mary Nichols. "While we are sensitive to the economic impacts this measure poses to truckers, the public health benefits are far too great not to move forward."

This regulation is projected to cost the trucking industry somewhere between $3.6 to $5.5 billion from 2010 to 2021, which ARB staff estimates will add less than a penny apiece to products hauled by these trucks that people buy, ranging from athletic shoes to television sets. ARB is in the midst of allocating $1 billion in Proposition 1B funds, much of which will go toward helping truckers retrofit and replace trucks.

Other entities, including the U.S. EPA and several California ports are offering financial assistance.

Emissions from diesel particulate matter are associated with causing a variety of health effects including premature death and a number of heart and lung diseases. A recent study looking at the health impacts to West Oakland residents posed by diesel emissions estimates the yearly non-cancer health impacts resulting from exposure to port-related diesel particulate matter emissions in the area: 18 premature deaths (age 30 and older), 290 asthma attacks, 2,600 days of work loss, and 15,000 minor restricted activity episodes. Most of the risk comes from diesel particulate matter emissions from trucks traveling on nearby freeways and marine vessel traffic in the San Francisco Bay Area unrelated to the Port of Oakland.

ARB has put in place stringent regulations to curb the health risk to Californians. The most recent adopted regulations to limit diesel emissions affect cargo handling equipment, transport refrigeration units, truck idling, off-road construction equipment, harbor craft, ship auxiliary engines, port drayage trucks and ships-at-berth. Also, the introduction of cleaner fuel for railroads and ships has contributed to lower pollution around the ports and rail yards.

Later this year, ARB will also consider adopting another proposed regulation involving ocean-going vessel main engines to further reduce diesel soot. State control measures will contribute to an approximate decrease of 80 percent in harmful emissions by 2015.

The Air Resources Board is a department of the California Environmental Protection Agency. ARB's mission is to promote and protect public health, welfare, and ecological resources through effective reduction of air pollutants while recognizing and considering effects on the economy. The ARB oversees all air pollution control efforts in California to attain and maintain health based air quality standards.

The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy cost, see our web site at http://www.arb.ca.gov/

Find out:

How to retrofit with diesel particulate filters

air pollution
particle pollution

EPA Makes $50 Million Available to Clean Up Diesel Engines Nationwide

EPA is announcing the availability of almost $50 million in grant funding to establish clean diesel projects aimed at reducing emissions from the nation's existing fleet of diesel engines.

The unprecedented sum, which was authorized by the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and funded for the first time this fiscal year, will be administered by EPA's National Clean Diesel Campaign (NCDC) and its network of seven collaboratives, made up of EPA regional offices and public and private sector partners.

"Under President Bush's leadership, America's air is cleaner today than it was a generation ago," said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. "By encouraging innovations in existing diesel engines, EPA is driving the nation toward a clean, healthy, productive tomorrow."

Diesels are the economic workhorses of the nation, and over the past decade, EPA has set stringent new particulate and nitrogen oxide standards for most types of new engines. These regulations will annually prevent more than 20,000 premature deaths and yield more than $150 billion in public health benefits when fully implemented. The funding announced today, however, is aimed at reducing emissions from the existing fleet of 11 million diesel engines that pre-date these standards. Addressing the existing fleet is important because diesels remain in use for decades.

State, local, regional and tribal governments can apply for the grants, as well as non-profits and institutions with transportation, educational services and air quality responsibilities.

The grants are targeting school or transit buses, medium and heavy-duty trucks, marine engines, locomotives and nonroad engines. Grant recipients can use a variety of cost-effective emission reduction strategies, such as EPA-verified retrofit and idle-reduction technologies, EPA-certified engine upgrades, vehicle or equipment replacements, cleaner fuels and creation of innovative clean diesel financing programs.

Some EPA Regional offices have already started issuing requests for grant applications, called Requests for Proposals (RFPs), and, along with EPA Headquarters, will continue to roll them out throughout the spring.

NCDC uses a proactive, incentive-based approach to achieve environmental results. More than 400,000 existing diesel engines have already been retrofitted during the campaign's first few years, cutting harmful emissions by nearly 300,000 tons.

See the Source:
NCDC Funding Opportunities

Find out:
About diesel particulate filters to reduce diesel particulate matter

diesel emissions

ARB approves $200 million for Cleaner School Buses from Proposition 1B Funding

Program will reduce exposure of children to pollution from high emitting buses

The Air Resources Board approved today the allocation of nearly $200 million to replace the remaining 74 oldest school buses still circulating in California, and to replace or retrofit an additional 4,500 high polluting buses serving public schools.

Proposition 1B, approved by voters in 2006, provides funding for the ARB Lower-Emission School Bus Program. These monies will allow school districts to replace or retrofit diesel school buses in another effort to reduce diesel particulate matter emissions in California. Since established in 2000, the program has provided over $100 million to replace 600 school buses and retrofit another 3,800 vehicles.

"I can't even begin to describe the significant health benefits that this program will bring into California and particularly for our most precious sector of the population, our children," said ARB Chairman Mary D. Nichols. "The additional funding originated by Proposition 1B will be well put to work by providing safe and clean transportation to public schools throughout the state, creating a much healthier environment for everyone."

As approved by ARB, this year's allocation of nearly $200 million will be distributed among the local air districts as
follows:

Local Air Basin Allocation* (in millions)
South Coast $70
Ventura $5
San Diego $5.6
Monterey $7
Bay Area $8.4
Sacramento $9
San Joaquin Valley $39
Other air districts $47
* Allocations have been rounded. Program administration and outreach costs are not included.

The Lower-Emission School Bus Program will cover the cost to replace all 74 still-in-service pre-1977 buses and approximately one thousand 1977-1986 buses. Those replaced buses must be scrapped to comply with established guidelines. Finally, the full cost of about 3,500 retrofits will be paid under this program. Retrofits provide the greatest health benefit in emission reductions per dollar spent.

A 2003 study sponsored by the ARB confirmed that children can be exposed to harmful diesel emissions from the buses they ride to and from school. The same study also stated that exposure to that pollution is worse in pre-1987 vehicles, which have deteriorating engines as well as interior cabins that allow toxic emissions into the bus.

The goal of the program is to reduce the exposure of school children to both cancer-causing and smog-forming pollution by reducing diesel particulate matter emissions from school buses.
With the replacement and retrofitting of the vehicles funded by the Lower-Emission School Bus Program, the reductions estimated through 2020 are 3,000 tons of oxides of nitrogen, 200 tons of diesel particulate matter and 22,000 tons of carbon dioxide.

See the Source:

ARB Lower-Emission School Bus Program

Find out:

See animation showing how diesel particulate filters get rid of toxic diesel emissions

air pollution
diesel pollution

ARB: Diesel Soot from Trucks Major Contributor to Air Pollution

ARB reveals West Oakland health risk assessment Diesel emissions from freeway trucks are major contributors to poor air quality

OAKLAND – The Air Resources Board presented today at a public forum the preliminary results from a comprehensive health risk assessment study for the community of West Oakland. The report shows an increased potential cancer risk due to diesel particulate matter emissions from trucks traveling on nearby freeways and marine vessel traffic in the San Francisco Bay Area unrelated to the Port of Oakland.

The study, developed in collaboration with the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, the Maritime Port of Oakland and Union Pacific Railroad, reveals that the estimated lifetime potential cancer risk for residents of West Oakland from exposure to diesel emissions is about 1,200 excess cancers per million people. The analysis covers 3.1 million people who reside in the affected area of 3,800 square miles.

While diesel trucks account for a majority of the risk in West Oakland resulting in about 850 potential cancer cases per million or 70 percent, port operations account for an estimated lifetime potential cancer risk of 200 excess cancer cases per million, or about 15 percent of the total. Union Pacific railyard emissions amount to a potential cancer risk of about 40 excess cancer cases per million, or less than 5 percent and the remaining 10 percent of risk comes from a variety of diesel sources such as passenger trains and construction projects.

"This health risk assessment will provide the community the focus and momentum needed to mobilize and combat air pollution," said ARB Chairman Mary D. Nichols. "We look forward to working with community activists to converge on the main pollution culprits, such as trucks motoring on nearby freeways, affecting a growing and vibrant West Oakland."

In the development of the ship emissions, ARB staff used transponder data (continuously reports ship location) to more accurate estimate where off-shore emissions are occurring. For the first time in a large risk assessment, a regional wind field was generated using data from 30 onshore and 3 offshore weather stations. The CALPUFF model was used to estimate the ambient concentration of diesel particulate matter. This model is capable of producing more precise results than the models used in the past due to its ability to account for highly varying wind fields and complex terrain.

Emissions from diesel particulate matter are associated with causing a variety of health effects including premature death and a number of heart and lung diseases. The study also estimates the yearly non-cancer health impacts resulting from exposure to port-related diesel particulate matter emissions in the area: 18 premature deaths (age 30 and older), 290 asthma attacks, 2,600 days of work loss, and 15,000 minor restricted activity episodes.

Having identified diesel particulate matter as a toxic air contaminant in 1998 due to its potential to cause cancer and other respiratory problems, ARB has put in place stringent regulations to curve the health risk to Californians. The most recent adopted regulations to limit diesel emissions affect cargo handling equipment, transport refrigeration units, truck idling, off-road equipment, harbor craft, ship auxiliary engines, port drayage trucks and ships-at-berth. Also, the introduction of cleaner fuel for railroads and ships has contributed to lower pollution around the ports and railyards.

Later this year, ARB will be considering proposed regulations involving on-road heavy duty diesel vehicles (trucks and buses) and ocean-going vessel main engines to further reduce diesel soot. State control measures will contribute to an approximate decrease of 80 percent in harmful emissions by 2015.

See the Source:

West Oakland Study

Find out:

About diesel particulate filters for off-road and stationary engines to cut diesel pollution

diesel emissions
air pollution

Pricey Platinum Pushes the Price of Air Pollution Control Products Skyward

During Sunday’s CBS broadcast of 60 Minutes, veteran commentator Andy Rooney asked what was all the fuss concerning the recent astronomical rise in platinum prices. Rooney ranted “I don’t really know what platinum is. What do they do with platinum anyway?” When it comes to cleaning up air pollution, the answer is plenty.

Surprisingly, manufacturers of air pollution control products are the top consumers of platinum - not the jewelry industry. Platinum is the catalyst used inside of most catalytic converters and diesel particulate filters to rid exhaust emissions of dangerous soot, hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide. With ever-more stringent air quality regulations being enforced in the United States and Europe, the demand for platinum has soared with the demand to control air pollution in cars, diesel trucks, construction vehicles, and emergency generators.

A recent shutdown of South African mines caused an increase of 41% in platinum prices since the beginning of the year. As South Africa supplies 78 percent of the world’s supply of this precious metal, even a stoppage of a few days has a worldwide effect on prices.

To put this dramatic rise in perspective:
- On February 21st, platinum reached an all-time high of $2,185 a troy ounce
- During the same month a year ago, platinum averaged $1,207 a troy ounce
- Five years ago, it averaged $684 a troy ounce during February of 2003

With an estimated worldwide shortage of 400,000 troy ounces predicted for 2008, prices may remain a volatile rollercoaster.

What effect does escalating platinum prices have on the cost of reducing air pollution?

Manufacturers of air pollution control products are finding it increasingly more expensive to produce catalytic converters and particulate filters mandated by the EPA, the European Union and the California Air Resources Board. “We used to adjust our product prices twice per year according to the rise and fall of platinum prices,” said Technical Sales Engineer, Ralph Wintersberger of CleanAIR Systems, a manufacturer of diesel particulate filters and oxidation converters. “Now we have no choice but to keep a close eye on platinum fluctuations and make daily adjustments to our prices.”

In the end, the ever-increasing cost of cleaning up air pollution is passed on to the consumer:
- As the price of platinum rises, the price tag on cars and trucks will also increase to cover the cost of catalytic converters made with high-priced platinum.
- Hospitals, schools, and data centers will feel the brunt of escalating platinum prices when they install diesel particulate filters on their emergency backup generators to decrease toxic air pollution.
- Diesel school buses are being retrofitted all over the country with converters to protect children from dangerous pollutants – a direct cause of asthma, bronchitis and other lung impairments. High platinum prices translates into fewer buses being retrofitted for the safety of riders.
- Mining equipment and construction vehicles are equipped with air pollution control technology to decrease on-site emissions of particulate pollution. The increased cost of catalyzed filters is passed on to the public in the form of durable goods, new homes and taxes to cover building and transportation projects.

Yes, Andy Rooney – you may not know what platinum is used for, but you will eventually feel the pinch of unprecedented soaring platinum prices in your pocketbook.

Source:

CleanAIR Press Wire Blog

particulate filters

Cleaning Up Dirty Generator Exhaust with CleanAIR’s Big Stainless Steel Box

Diesel emergency generators made “greener” using emissions control technology

In today’s “green” economy, there’s a dirty little secret hiding behind many hospitals, colleges and data storage centers. It’s the diesel emergency generator.

Belching soot, hydrocarbons, and carbon monoxide, diesel exhaust created by back-up generators is a proven cause of cardiovascular and pulmonary health problems. The National Air Toxics Assessment estimates the cancer risk from exposure to diesel emissions is ten times higher than the combined cancer risk from all other hazardous air pollutants. Diesel emissions also contribute to atmospheric haze, smog, acid rain and global climate change.

Although a necessity when the power grid fails to deliver, industrial diesel generators create an unhealthy situation, particularly when operated next to hospitals and schools. Back-up generators are also a little-known “ungreen” reality of today’s giant data storage facilities.

When sooty generator emissions are clouding the horizon, there is a solution. Turning brown emissions “green” can be done with a big shiny, stainless steel box developed by CleanAIR Systems. When attached to an emergency generator, brown smoke and toxic emissions are almost eliminated.

What’s in this mysterious box that makes emissions disappear? Is it all just smoke and mirrors? Hardly. The answer can be found in multiple self-regenerating diesel particulate filters enclosed in a sleek, stainless steel, ultra-quiet silencer shell manufactured by CleanAIR Systems, a leader in emissions control technology. The CleanAIR PERMIT Filter/Silencer system dramatically reduces dirty soot (particulate matter) from generator exhaust by more than 85%. The amount of smelly hydrocarbons and deadly carbon monoxide also plunges by 99%.

How many emergency generators are in use pumping toxic emissions into our atmosphere? Taking into account that the majority of hospitals, colleges and data centers require back-up power to operate in case of a power failure, consider these statistics:

- According to the American Hospital Association, there are over 5,700 registered U.S. hospitals. Critical care facilities rely heavily on back-up generators in the event of a power outage.

- The Association of American Colleges and Universities says there are over 2,600 four-year colleges and universities in the U.S. And the American Association of Community Colleges lists 1,195 community colleges. Most colleges have at least one emergency generator (and some have several) on campus to keep buildings up and running in case of a blackout.

- AFCOM (Association for Computer Operations Management) counts 3,600 of the world’s largest data storage centers as members, representing every major industry. Back-up generators are a critical element of every data storage facility in order not to loose crucial data when the power goes out.

When other commercial and public facilities such as mining operations, semiconductors, and credit card companies are included in the count, there are an estimated 100,000 industrial standby generators currently operating in the United States alone.

What’s being done to control emissions on thousands of emergency generators? In California, air quality regulations for emergency generators are stringent and well enforced, many times requiring emissions control technology such as CleanAIR’s Filter/Silencer to be installed by the facility, especially if a generator is in operation within the vicinity of a school. But regulations in other parts of the country have more leeway, allowing many emergency generators to be operated without air pollution controls.

With thousands of large, emergency generators spewing harmful air pollution into our environment, maybe it’s time we clean up our dirty little secret.

Find out:
How to clean up emergency generator emissions with a filter/silencer using diesel particulate filters.

air pollution
diesel generator

California to Retrofit 1,000 Old, Polluting Trucks

California Air Resources Board staff is proposing that $25 million in Proposition 1B Bond funding go to diesel emission reduction projects for the South Coast, Central Valley, San Francisco and San Diego air districts, mostly for truck retrofit and replacements. These recommendations will be before the entire Board for approval at a January hearing in Sacramento.

ARB also announced that it plans to allocate more than 75 percent of the overall $1 billion in Bond 1B funding to be used toward reducing diesel pollution from trucks associated with goods movement around the state. The remaining 24 percent of funding, $240 million, will be earmarked for diesel emission reductions from ships, harbor craft and locomotives.

"This strategy puts the lion's share of the dollars where they're needed most: on trucks traveling from the state's ports and along our major transportation corridors," said ARB Chairman Mary Nichols. "Within months of passing a new regulation aimed at cleaning up port trucks we are following through with much-needed funding to help drivers retrofit and replace older, dirty engines."

If approved by the Board at its Jan. 24 hearing in Sacramento, ARB staff will begin allocating the funds immediately to the air districts.

ARB staff is basing its proposed distribution of funds to specific air district projects using three criteria: population, the contribution of emissions from goods movement sources, and the need for new emission reductions to meet federal health standards. Staff also leaned heavily toward projects that would have benefits statewide. Thus, trucks traveling from the Los Angeles ports to the Inland Empire, highways 5 and 99 in the Central Valley, the San Francisco Bay Area, and the San Diego border region will achieve emission benefits far beyond their home of origin.

Proposition 1B was the transportation bond put on the ballot by the Legislature and before the voters in November 2006. The 2007-08 Budget, signed by Governor Schwarzenegger in August, funds the initial $250 million of the $1 billion set aside for air quality improvement projects in Proposition 1B.

The Board is focused on funding projects that reduce emissions and health risk, incorporate simplicity and efficiency, ensure cost-effectiveness, and leverage other funding source. Go to http://www.blogger.com/www.arb.ca.gov for application criteria.

ARB has recently passed a series of measures that focus on reducing diesel emissions from trucks and ships, with more on the way in 2008. Much of these regulations require engine replacements and retrofits that 1B funding can help in terms of early compliance, such as the regulation aimed at cleaning up the state's 20,000 port, or "drayage" trucks. ARB estimates that this regulation alone will prevent 1,200 premature deaths from 2009 through 2020, with benefits being the most dramatic in the communities where port trucks are heavily concentrated.

See the Source:
California Air Resources Board

Find out:
About diesel particulate filters for truck retrofits

air pollution
diesel emissions

10 Facts on Air Pollution

1. Sixteen states have committed to voluntarily adopt California’s stricter regulations to control greenhouse gas emissions, comprising over 40% of American citizens.

2. 70,000 premature deaths in the U.S. each year are tied to air pollution.

3. An estimated 1,500 citizens of Quebec prematurely die each year due to air pollution.

4. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 1.5 billion people living in urban areas throughout the world breathe dangerous levels of air pollution. They also estimate that 1 billion premature deaths occur annually as a result of air pollution, half of which are people living in developing countries. WHO also says that air pollution ranks within the top 10 causes of worldwide death and disability.

5. The USA releases one quarter of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions. From 1990 to 2002, U.S. CO2 emissions increased 95 percent from 1960 levels.

6. The American Consumer Institute reports that in the next 10 years, the effects of using broadband and the Internet will save an estimated 1 billion tons of carbon from being released into the air.

7. There are an estimated 20,000 diesel “drayage” trucks operating at California ports and rail yards. The vehicles emit 3 tons of diesel particulate matter and 61 tons of smog-causing NOx per day.

8. 14,000 citizens of Sweden die each year due to environmental pollutants.

9. Commercial airlines contribute 3 percent of the U.S.’s greenhouse gas emissions, with a projected increase of 60% more by 2025 (according to CARB).

10. Particulate matter (soot) emitted from coal-fired power plants in Maryland, have been blamed for 560 premature deaths and 21,000 asthma attacks annually.

Find out:
How to decrease diesel particulate matter with diesel particulate filters; and how to decrease NOx emissions using selective catalytic reduction.

air pollution
diesel pollution

Local Advocacy Group to Stage Diesel Showdown

Diesel Pollution Solution Coalition, a Massachusetts advocacy group, staged a landmark diesel retrofit demonstration on Monday, October 22nd. The demonstration is the first in a series of rallies being held around Boston in support of An Act to Protect Public Health and Air Quality from Harmful Diesel Emissions (H-732 and S-502), currently before the State Senate Ways and Means Committee.

Passage of An Act to Protect Public Health and Air Quality from Harmful Diesel Emissions would require all heavy-duty diesel fleets owned, operated or contracted by the State be retrofitted with diesel particulate filters by 2010, reducing the level of diesel pollution produced in and around Massachusetts' urban communities by vehicles such as garbage trucks, construction equipment, delivery vehicles and trains. As part of the demonstration, pollution output will be measured on a retrofitted clean-diesel truck, against a traditional diesel-powered vehicle of comparable weight and size to underscore the effectiveness of advanced emissions control technology in reducing harmful emissions.

Find out:
About diesel particulate filters and how they reduce emissions of particulate matter, hydrocarbons, and carbon monoxide.

air pollution
diesel emissions

ARB Approves State Strategy to Improve California Air Quality

Drastic emissions cuts expected in next decade

The Air Resources Board today approved an ambitious, multi-faceted plan to significantly improve air quality throughout the state, along with announcing new measures on two regional plans geared toward meeting federally mandated emissions standards and deadlines for the South Coast and San Joaquin Valley.

"The 2007 State Implementation Plan shows how California expects to attain clean air through a combination of innovative and cost-effective measures," said Mary Nichols, ARB Chair. "With this vital document in place, we have a roadmap to the future that will keep us on track to meet our air quality goals."

In addition to the State strategy, the ARB approved a plan submitted by the South Coast Air Quality Management District to hasten emissions reductions through cooperative measures to be implemented by both ARB and the SCAQMD. This plan, which will reduce emissions of the smog precursor oxides of nitrogen (NOx) by more than 500 tons per day by 2014, now becomes part of the State SIP, which will be forwarded to the U.S. EPA for final approval. NOx reacts with sunlight to form ozone, a key ingredient of smog.

Also approved was an expedited strategy to improve ozone air quality in the San Joaquin Valley some 90 percent by 2018 in terms of the federal standard. For example, the strategy calls for ARB to clean up emissions from farm equipment, and to partner with the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District to accelerate the timeline of the recently passed off-road construction rules by offering financial incentives to Valley businesses aimed at getting older, dirtier engines retrofitted or replaced.

Both the South Coast and San Joaquin plans focus on efforts to meet federal deadlines specifically for ground-level ozone and particulate matter (PM2.5) emissions. Target dates for compliance are 2014 for PM2.5, and 2023 for ozone in areas designated by the EPA as having "extreme" air pollution such as the San Joaquin Valley and South Coast Air Basin.

While the federal ozone attainment date for the San Joaquin Valley remains 2023, ARB's new proposal this week will fast-track efforts to get 90 percent compliance by 2018. The last 10 percent will require new technologies that are not readily available now.

Because ARB scientists determined that reducing emissions of one pollutant, oxides of nitrogen (NOx), is the most beneficial in reducing levels of both ozone and PM2.5, the state plan focuses on curbing pollution from the sources that produce nearly 90 percent of the state's NOx. These sources include cars, heavy duty trucks, large off-road equipment, ships and locomotives.

The State's cleanup strategy includes the following measures:
* Clean-up of In-Use Heavy Duty Trucks. This critical regulation, to be presented to the Board in mid- 2008, will modernize diesel trucks and reduce emissions by requiring replacement or cleanup of the dirtiest trucks on the road, and will also include a program for out-of-state trucks doing business in California.

* Targeting Goods Movement Sources. A myriad of measures take aim at reducing emissions from ships, trucks, harbor craft and other sources. In October, ARB will consider requiring owners of commercial harbor craft to either replace old engines with newer, cleaner versions or add control technologies to clean up exhaust. In December, ARB will consider a regulation to provide alternative power supplies at ports so that ship auxiliary engines can avoid using diesel power while at dock.Also on the December agenda is a measure requiring retrofit or replacement of older heavy-duty diesel trucks that service ports.

* Targeting Off-Road Sources. In July, the Board approved this measure which regulates construction and other industrial equipment, establishing fleet average emission limits and requiring older, dirtier engines to be replaced by current models or retrofitted with emission control devices.Agricultural equipment will also be modernized and cleaned up, with the Board expected to consider regulation in 2009.

"California industry has already reduced NOx emissions at a faster pace than anywhere in the world over the last 40 years by introducing cleaner technologies," said ARB Chair Nichols."Following this strategy will mean progress at an unprecedented rate. It's what we need to do to protect public health."

The SIP approved today includes both rules that have been adopted already and rules that are proposed and scheduled for public input.

Both ozone and fine PM can have significant health impacts.Ozone contributes to respiratory ailments and asthma, and can cause premature death in elderly patients with lung disease. It is a product of a photochemical process involving the sun's energy and ozone precursors, such as hydrocarbons and oxides of nitrogen (NOx). Exposure to fine PM exacerbates respiratory and cardiovascular ailments and is responsible for approximately 8,200 premature deaths per year in the state.

The Air Resources Board is a department of the California Environmental Protection Agency. ARB's mission is to promote and protect public health, welfare, and ecological resources through effective reduction of air pollutants while recognizing and considering effects on the economy. The ARB oversees all air pollution control efforts in California to attain and maintain health based air quality standards.

See the Source:
CARB

Find out:
How to reduce particulate matter emissions using diesel particulate filters.

China Is #1 in World Power Generation

According to Industrial Infor Resources, China's output of power generation equipment in 2006 reached 110 million kilowatts, which is 18 million kilowatts more than the previous record of 92 million kilowatts established in 2005. This ranks China as the top producer of power in the world.

See the Source:
StreetInsider.com

current issues
energy

See How a Diesel Particulate Filter Works (Video)

Have you ever wondered what's inside of a diesel particulate filter? How it works to clean soot from exhaust?

Here's an animation video from CleanAIR Systems showing how a diesel particulate filter (DPF) performs oxidation to virtually eliminate particulate matter (soot, black smoke) from diesel exhaust. A DPF also gets rid of up to 99% of carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon emissions.

Easy Fleet Maintenance with the CleanAIR AeroCLEAN™ for Diesel Particulate Filters

Today’s diesel fleet managers are challenged by new equipment technology and stringent air quality regulations. Keeping diesel particulate filters clean and in good working order is one of those challenges. The AeroCLEAN™ System developed by emissions control manufacturer, CleanAIR Systems, offers fleet managers a fast, easy and safe solution for filter maintenance.

Over time, self-cleaning diesel particulate filters can build-up a layer of non-combustible ash that requires cleaning of a fleet’s exhaust filters. This routine maintenance allows the filters to function properly, as well as extends the life of the filter. Without the correct equipment and understanding of filter technology, the cleaning process can become a problem. If water or solvents are used to dislodge ash, ceramic filters can be negatively affected. High heat methods can cause thermal shock and may crack or melt filters. CleanAIR’s AeroCLEAN™ extends the life of a filter by using a non-thermal, dry cleaning technique to safely loosen and blow out collected ash in under 15 minutes.

Originally designed for a select market segment using off-road equipment retrofitted with CleanAIR PERMIT™ Filters, the AeroCLEAN™ is capable of safely cleaning filters in-field. The cleaning system requires no electricity and is safe enough to use on a daily basis if frequent cleaning is necessary to keep a fleet’s diesel particulate filters in top shape.

With new on- and off-road regulations looming on the horizon and particulate filters becoming an integral part of emissions control for diesel vehicles such as construction and mining equipment, the AeroCLEAN™ is reaching a wider market looking for a safe, effective way to service fleet vehicles.

The AeroCLEAN™ handles all sizes of CleanAIR PERMIT™ Filters. The enclosed cleaning system uses no heat or electricity, requiring only a compressed air source for its dry cleaning method. Utilizing a rugged, sturdy construction, the AeroCLEAN™ can be taken directly into the field for as-needed cleaning of vehicle filters. The unit’s large containment area allows for repeated maintenance of multiple filters before collected material is removed. With a cleaning cycle of less than 15 minutes, the AeroCLEAN™ is a fast, easy solution for cleaning diesel particulate filters.

For more information on CleanAIR Systems’ AeroCLEAN™, visit http://www.cleanairsys.com/products/accessories/index.htm

Clean Up Emissions with Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel

During the past year, ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) fuel has become available at the pump for both on- and off-road vehicles. Having no more that 15 ppm sulfur, ULSD decreases emissions of NOx, (a precursor to smog), particulate, and SOx.

EPA estimates that the use of ULSD will prevent the emissions of 2.6 million tons of NOx and 110,000 tons of soot each year. With the introduction of diesel particulate filters on 2007 diesel cars used in conjunction with ULSD, emissions of diesel particulate matter will be dramatically reduced to 90% of original levels.

The EPA also estimates with a reduction in emissions, the following health issues will be prevented each year:
360,000 asthma attacks
386,000 cases of respiratory symptoms in children with asthma
1.5 million lost work days
7,100 hospital visits
2,400 emergency room visits for asthma

See the Source:
Resource Invester

Find out:

About diesel particulate filters for off-road vehicles and stationary engines

air pollution
diesel emissions

New Report by EPA Details Cost-Effectiveness of Diesel Retrofits

The EPA has released "Diesel Retrofit Technology: An Analysis of the Cost Effectiveness of Reducing Particulate Matter and Nitrogen Oxides Emissions from Heavy-Duty Nonroad Diesel Engines Through Retrofits." Available online as a 17-page PDF, the report discusses retrofit options, how they can be a cost-effective strategy for off-road diesel vehicles in reducing emissions, and estimates for various retrofit scenarios.

From the report:
Retrofit projects can begin producing emission reductions immediately and can help State and local governments reduce emissions of PM2.5, nitrogen oxides (NOx), and volatile organic compounds (VOC) in the near term. Retrofits include a wide range of emission reduction strategies available for diesel vehicles and equipment, including:

• Retrofitting engines with verified technologies
• Using cleaner fuels
• Replacing older equipment
• Repowering (replacing old engines with new, cleaner engines
• Reducing idling
• Properly maintaining equipment
• Gaining operational efficiencies

Retrofit technologies are advancing at a rapid pace. The use of established technologies, such as diesel oxidation catalysts (DOCs) and diesel particulate filters (DPFs), continues to grow exponentially, while new, emerging technologies such as Lean NOx (LNC) catalysts, are steadily improving. Retrofit technologies often vary in the type of pollutant reduced. DOCs and DPFs remove PM from the exhaust, but do not reduce NOx. However, DOCs or DPFs can be combined with a NOx reduction strategy – such as a cleaner fuel – to enhance the emission reduction benefits.

See the Source:
EPA Report

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More on diesel particulate filters for off-road vehicles such as construction and mining equipment.

diesel pollution
diesel retrofit

Diesel Particulate Filter on Off-Road Equipment

Below is a video showing how a diesel particulate filter works on an off-road vehicle. The CleanAIR PERMIT Filter is installed on a diesel loader used at a mine. The CARB verified PERMIT Filter is a custom designed diesel particulate filter used to virtually eliminate emissions of particulate matter, carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons from diesel exhaust. The video shows before and after emissions testing by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) with a visible, dramatic reduction in particulate emissions (black smoke or soot) using the PERMIT Filter.

Earth Day: What Can You Do to Reduce Air Pollution?

In celebration of Earth Day, here’s our list of recommendations for reducing emissions and improving air quality. Take a stand - make a difference!

- Support regional clean air regulations by contacting your state and local representatives, urging them to pass strong air quality standards.

- Switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs to reduce energy consumption, and lessen the impact of energy produced by burning fossil fuels.

- Use ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel in all diesel engines to reduce emissions of sulfur oxides.

- Urge your local city government to retrofit public transportation with emissions control technology.

- Purchase renewable wind or solar energy blocks from your utilities provider.

- Find out if your local schools and colleges have diesel emergency generators. If so, urge them to be retrofitted with diesel particulate filters. This will substantially reduce diesel emissions of particulate matter, carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons.

- Educate yourself! There are many websites and blogs (just like ours) that publish daily environmental information. Take advantage of the news offered and become an informed, activist against air pollution.

See the Source:
EPA – Earth Day
CleanAIR Systems

Canada and U.S. Move Forward to Reduce Air Pollutants

U.S. EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson and the Honorable John Baird, Canada's Minister of the Environment, announced today that Canada and the United States will begin negotiation of an annex to the U.S.-Canada Air Quality Agreement aimed at reducing the cross-border flow of air pollution and its impact on the health and ecosystems of Canadians and Americans.

Minister Baird and Administrator Johnson met to discuss common cross-border and global environment priorities. The officials noted that both Canada and the United States recognize that cooperative action can reduce the transboundary flow of particulate matter (PM) originating on either side of the border.

Pollution, especially air pollution, knows no geographic or political borders," said Administrator Johnson. "Our nations are committed to becoming better environmental neighbors, and the negotiation of this annex will strengthen the successful U.S.-Canadian collaboration helping clean the air for North American residents for generations."

The U.S.-Canada Air Quality Agreement, negotiated in 1991, marked a new era of cooperation aimed at helping to guarantee cleaner air and a healthier environment for millions of Americans and Canadians. The PM Annex would complement the annex negotiated in 2000 addressing ground-level ozone, as well as the original annexes on acid rain and scientific cooperation.

Particulate matter consists of airborne particles in solid or liquid form. The pollutant can be emitted directly at the emissions source, for example, from a smokestack of an electrical power plant or as the result of reactions between chemicals (precursors) as they are transported through the atmosphere. Numerous studies have linked particulate matter, especially fine PM, to cardiac and respiratory diseases such as asthma, bronchitis and emphysema and to various forms of heart disease.

Recent scientific analysis has shown that joint strategies are needed to address these pollutants. This research, conducted over the last three years, has shown that emissions of PM and its precursors can significantly affect air quality in both countries. The annex will result in reductions in PM as well as many of the chemicals that contribute to other air quality issues of concern such as acid rain, regional haze and visibility in the communities along the U.S.-Canada border.

See the Source:
Joint technical and scientific analyses on particulate matter
More information about the U.S.-Canada Air Quality Agreement

Find out:
How to reduce deadly particulate matter using diesel particulate filters

Ports Put Forth Plan to Slash Air Pollution

The Los Angeles Times reported on Saturday that the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach have proposed an “unprecedented” plan to cut air pollution from diesel emissions by 80 percent within five year. According to the plan 16,000 trucks that move goods within the complex would be either scrapped or retrofitted with emissions control technology beginning in 2008, costing an estimated $1.8 billion.

Melissa Lin Perella of the Natural Resource Defense Council says “It’s a huge, huge step forward in our quest for clean air.”

The decision is part of a joint clean-air action plan with the goal of reducing toxic emissions by 45% in five years from all port engines, including ships, trains and trucks. Over 40% all imports to the U.S. are moved through the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.

The final version of the plan is expected to be voted on sometime in July.

See the Source:
LATimes.com

Find out:
How trucks can be retrofit with diesel particulate filters to cut diesel emissions

Corning Filters on Hyundai-Kia Clean Diesel Cars

Corning Incorporated announced today that Hyundai . Kia Motors is equipping select European-market diesel passenger cars with Corning DuraTrap® AT filters. Corning began serial production of AT filters for Hyundai . Kia Motors at the end of 2006. This agreement represents additional high-volume production for the advanced diesel particulate filter that Corning introduced in 2005.

Hyundai . Kia Motors will first integrate the Corning DuraTrap AT filter into the Kia Cee’d diesel passenger car, which has a 1.6 liter advanced diesel engine. Hyundai . Kia Motors will soon integrate the DuraTrap AT filter into other diesel passenger car models. The Kia Cee’d will be produced and available to consumers in late 2007.

“We are pleased that Hyundai . Kia Motors has chosen our DuraTrap AT filters for their latest model diesel passenger cars,” said Thomas R. Hinman, senior vice president and general manager of Diesel Technologies. “By leveraging our expertise in materials, processes and manufacturing, we are able to offer advanced emissions control solutions for every platform. DuraTrap AT filters continue in active development and testing, and we expect additional customers for these advanced diesel particulate filters.”

The Corning DuraTrap AT filter uses an advanced aluminum titanate composition to deliver excellent thermal shock resistance and filtration under demanding conditions. This filter also uses a monolithic (single unit) structure that contributes to the durability of the filter. Corning is producing the filters at its manufacturing facility in Erwin, N.Y.

Corning is a leading supplier of advanced cellular ceramic substrates and diesel particulate filters for all of the world's major manufacturers of gasoline and diesel engines and vehicles. The company invented an economical, high-performance cellular ceramic substrate in the early 1970s that is now the standard for catalytic converters worldwide. In 1978, Corning developed the cellular ceramic particulate filter to remove soot from diesel emissions.

See the Source:
Corning

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How Corning filters are used at CleanAIR Systems

Knock NOx – Who’s There?

It’s new emissions control technology from EGR Technologies LLC and CleanAIR Systems to reduce particulate matter and NOx from diesel emissions.

The California Air Resources Board has granted a conditional Level 3 verification for the diesel emission control system (DECS) developed by EGR Technologies using CleanAIR PERMIT diesel particulate filters. As a Level 3 emission control strategy, the technology is verified for use with stationary prime and emergency standby generators and pumps. Comprised of an exhaust gas recirculation unit and a passively regenerating PERMIT Filter, the system also includes the CleanAIR HiBACK USB (a backpressure monitor). The DECS achieves emission reductions of greater than 85% for particulate matter and 50% for NOx.

All internal combustion engines produce NOx emissions and virtually all fuels produce NOx when burned other than electric. NOx is one of the main contributing factors of smog and air pollution. It can have serious health effects such as aggravating respiratory conditions and contributing to premature death.

See the Source:
CARB – Operational Criteria and Engine Families

Contact CleanAIR Systems for more information

Uncovering Diesel Pollution: Five Places Where Dangerous Diesel Particulates Hide

Santa Fe – March 22, 2007 – Are you being exposed to dangerous diesel particulate air pollution in your neighborhood without knowing it? When most people think of diesels, images of giant construction equipment or super semis belching clouds of black smoke come to mind. But did you know diesels can also be stationary engines and that they are a part of everyone’s life, residing right around the corner from you? With Earth Day 2007 soon approaching, CleanAIR Systems, Inc., a manufacturer of air pollution control systems, is informing the public on five places where dirty diesel particulates may be hiding in your community.

Recent reports by the Clean Air Task Force, Environmental Health Perspectives and The Coalition for Clean Air all detail the dangers of fine particulate matter (PM) pollution. The health impact of particulate air pollution ranges from asthma attacks and lung cancer to cardiac problems and decreased life expectancy. The World Health Organization estimates that thousands of deaths each year may be caused by exposure to PM. And the American Lung Association believes fine air-borne particulate represents our most serious health threat. Not only is particulate matter a global environmental hazard, but also a dangerous health problem.

“A substantial percentage of PM can be attributed to diesel engines, especially older ones that have not been retrofitted with the latest emissions control technology,” explains Michael Roach, CEO of CleanAIR Systems. “A very common type of diesel engine is the emergency generator used in backup situations to keep the power on. Due to their reliability, large facilities in every city of the United States depend on generators for standby power when the lights go off. Although they pollute, they are definitely a necessity.”

Do you know where diesel generators are installed in your community? In the United States alone, there are estimated to be over 100,000 industrial standby generators. Most are used on a limited basis by commercial and public facilities in case of an emergency. These generators are run periodically for routine testing and maintenance. But some facilities also use their generators as prime power to minimize peak power loads on the electrical grid. During operation diesel generators emit a variety of pollutants such as particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbons – all of which can cause serious health issues, especially for children and older adults.

Here are five places in your town where standby generators are commonly used:
Hospitals
According to the American Hospital Association, there are 5,756 registered hospitals in the United States. Considered “critical facilities”, hospitals must have standby power in order to provide essential, and in many cases life-saving medical care. The necessity of backup generators at hospitals was sadly illustrated during Hurricane Katrina, when many hospitals in the area lost all power and could not tend to those too ill to be evacuated because they had ignored previous warnings over the years to install generators and electrical switching equipment.

School and College Campuses
Most college campuses and many schools rely on generators in case the power goes out during a blackout, such as the one that disrupted large areas of the Midwest and Northeast United States during the summer of 2003. According to the report “Experience with Combined Heat and Power during the August 14, 2003 Northeast Blackout,” there were 19 schools and 26 college/universities located primarily in New York and New Jersey who switched over to their own backup generators for all or part of their power needs during this period.

Sporting Events and Concerts
Large arenas and event facilities can’t afford to loose power in the middle of a NASCAR race or rock concert. What would happen if 100,000 football fans were suddenly plunged into darkness! During Super Bowl XXXIX, 35 ultra-quiet generators were used as temporary power for the half-time show and to provide power for pre-and post-game festivities – the equivalent of enough electricity to power 20,000 homes.

Water Treatment Plants
Another “critical facility”, water treatment plants are at the very core of our infrastructure. Without backup power, water treatment plants are unable to pump clean water to residents in the event of a major catastrophe. The American Water Works Association policy statement is as follows:

Uninterrupted utility service is an operating goal of public water and wastewater utilities.

…when there is an electric power interruption, standby electric service facilities or capabilities should be provided. In general, two separate and independent sources of electric power should be provided to the works from either two separate substations or from a single substation and a works-based generator.

Data Storage Centers
What would we do without our telecommunication structure? With no internet, credit card and banking services, or electronic communication our modern culture comes to a screeching halt. All data storage centers consider emergency generators to be a crucial part of doing business. The president of Hypertect Inc., a data center builder, recommends data centers have two backup generators, or in other words – a backup for their backup.

The good news is that these giant generators of technology we have come to rely on for everyday convenience and essential backup power, can be cleaned up with readily available emissions controls technology. Diesel particulate matter is virtually eliminated when an emergency generator is retrofitted with diesel particulate filters, such as those designed and manufactured by CleanAIR Systems, thereby substantially reducing the impact on health and environment.

On this Earth Day 2007, make sure your community relies on emergency generators that use emissions controls for a cleaner, healthier environment.

Established in 1993, CleanAIR Systems, Inc. located in Santa Fe, NM, is a technology-based corporation manufacturing emissions control systems with worldwide distribution. Their products are designed to control air pollution for on- and off-road vehicles, as well as stationary machinery and power generation. CleanAIR – Committed to a Cleaner Environment. For more information, visit www.cleanairsys.com.

See the Source:
Diesel particulate filters from CleanAIR Systems

Diesel Fumes Pose Major Health Risk to Commuters

Washington, D.C. -- February 28, 2007 -- Diesel fumes pose a major health risk to commuters, according to a new report by the non-profit Clean Air Task Force.

The Boston-based environmental research group reported today that even though we spend only a tiny portion of our day commuting, it’s during the commute that we receive more than half our overall exposure to deadly fine particle pollution.

“Exposure to diesel exhaust during commutes poses a serious public health risk that needs to be addressed,” said George Thurston, Professor of Environmental Medicine at New York University’s School of Medicine, who wrote the foreword to the report.

Fine particle pollution, including diesel exhaust, can cause lung cancer, stroke, heart attack and infant death. It also triggers asthma attacks and makes people more likely to become allergic.

Some health researchers have estimated that such fine particles are responsible for shortening the lives of at least 70,000 Americans each year.

The Task Force specifically investigated diesel exhaust levels during commutes in New York NY, Boston MA, Austin TX and Columbus OH. The Task Force documented diesel particle levels four to eight times higher inside commuter cars, buses, and trains than in the ambient outdoor air in those cities. These are examples of likely results during a commute anywhere in the country where there is significant diesel traffic.

“Our investigation demonstrated that you may be exposed to high levels of diesel particles – four to eight times the levels in the outdoor air -- whether you commute by car, bus, ferry, train, or on foot,” said Bruce Hill, Senior Scientist with CATF.

By contrast, Hill noted, pollution levels were negligible for commuters in and near vehicles equipped with modern pollution controls or those that run on lower-polluting fuels such as natural gas.

“The problem is that there are 13 million diesel engines in service today, and virtually all are exempt from modern pollution controls,” said Conrad Schneider, Advocacy Director for the Task Force. “However, our study showed that simply replacing the muffler of trucks or buses with a diesel particle filter can reduce commuter exposure substantially,” he said. By EPA regulation, the Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) fuel that is necessary to keep these diesel particle filters operating optimally became available nationwide late last year.

The Task Force called on federal and state agencies to increase funding to clean up highly polluting buses and other existing diesel engines. It urged the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to require that long-haul trucks clean up when their engines are rebuilt. It also urged the EPA to move ahead with plans to set new pollution standards for diesel trains and diesel-powered boats, including commuter ferries.

The new report can be found online at www.catf.us/goto/noescape
For information about diesel risk in specific communities, go to: www.catf.us/projects/diesel/dieselhealth

Founded in 1996, the Clean Air Task Force (CATF) (www.catf.us) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring clean air and healthy environments through scientific research, public education, and legal advocacy. CATF’s staff includes scientists, engineers, economists, MBAs and lawyers. The organization works closely with more than 40 state, local, regional and national groups to educate the public, media, industry and public decision makers on the science and economics of clean air policies through fact-based and locally appropriate advocacy.

See the Source:
Clean Air Task Force

Find out:
About diesel particulate filters from CleanAIR Systems and how they can virtually eliminate particulate matter from exhaust when retrofitted on diesel engines.

CleanAIR Particulate Filters Protect Miners’ Exposure to Diesel Emissions

Santa Fe, NM -- February 22 -- Miners have one of the most dangerous jobs in the world. While many federal regulations protect miners from on-the-job hazards, it has not always been easy to protect the air they breathe. Now new standards decided on February 9th by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit will help miners breathe easier by limiting exposure to diesel emissions, specifically fine carbon particles (particulate matter) which have been linked to lung cancer and respiratory illnesses. Produced by heavy equipment operating within the mines, particulate matter can essentially be eliminated by retrofitting vehicles with diesel particulate filters, such as the products manufactured by CleanAIR Systems, Inc.

A leading supplier to the mining industry of emissions control technology, CleanAIR diesel particulate filters are currently installed in twenty-six mines located throughout eight states. The CleanAIR PERMIT FBC™ Filter reduces particulate matter by over 85%, as well as reducing deadly carbon monoxide (CO) by up to 90% and hydrocarbons (HC) by as much as 90%. At the same time, the CleanAIR PERMIT FBC™ does not increase emissions of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), which also poses a serious air quality problem within mines. The PERMIT FBC™ can reduce emissions while operating using any diesel fuel from high-sulfur diesel to ultra-low sulfur diesel, as well as biodiesel.

The CleanAIR PERMIT FBC™ Filter was tested in 2003 by the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) and found acceptable for use in mines.

“We have been working with the mining industry for a long time in the United States and Canada to solve emissions problems,” explains Michael Roach, President of CleanAIR Systems. “The PERMIT FBC™ Filter is a proven solution for reducing particulate matter, CO and HC, while not increasing emissions of NO2. Our goal in developing this product was to create a filter for the specialized environment of underground mining and, at the same time, protect miners from dangerous emissions.”

The February court decision affects 16,000 miners across the country, working mostly in metal (such as gold) and non-metal mines (such as limestone). Coal mines are subject to different regulations, with many already installing filters to control emissions.

Established in 1993, CleanAIR Systems, Inc. located in Santa Fe, NM, is a technology-based corporation manufacturing emissions control systems with worldwide distribution. Their products are designed to control air pollution for on- and off-road vehicles, as well as stationary machinery and power generation. CleanAIR – Committed to a Cleaner Environment.

For more information, visit www.cleanairsys.com.

Find out:

How diesel particulate matter can be reduced in mines using the PERMIT FBC filter.

EPA awards $50,000 grant to Wisconsin Department of Commerce for Clean-Diesel project

CHICAGO (Feb. 15, 2007) - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has awarded a $50,000 grant to the Wisconsin Department of Commerce for a project to cut emissions from heavy-duty diesel trucks that operate in Wisconsin.

"Heavy duty trucks are the workhorses of our transportation economy," said EPA Region 5 Administrator Mary A. Gade. "This grant will help truckers reduce air pollution in the communities they serve."

EPA said the grant will be used to upgrade up to 25 trucks with emission reduction equipment. Cost per truck ranges from about $2,000 for diesel oxidation catalysts to about $12,000 for diesel particulate filters.

The grant is part of Region 5's Midwest Clean Diesel Initiative, a collaboration of federal, state and local agencies, along with communities, non-profit organizations and private companies working together to reduce emissions from diesel engines in the Midwest. MCDI estimates there are more than 3 million engines in the Midwest that would benefit from new pollution-reduction technology.

The retrofits will complement the state's idle reduction grant program that provides funds to install an alternative source of power to heat, cool or provide electricity to the cab or other parts of the truck. This lets the trucker shut down the main engine to save fuel and cut diesel emissions.

Diesel emissions contain large amounts of nitrogen oxides and fine particles (soot). Nitrogen oxides are precursors of ground-level ozone (smog), which is a lung irritant, and fine particles can aggravate respiratory and heart diseases. Fine particles can also impact lung function and structure.

More information on MCDI is at http://www.epa.gov/midwestcleandiesel/.

See the Source:
EPA

Find out:
About retrofitting diesel vehicles with diesel oxidation catalyst and diesel particulate filters

Excerpt from “Corning Outlines Growth Businesses”

Diesel Products

“We are expecting significant growth in our diesel products business in 2007, driven by our leadership position in the U.S. heavy-duty vehicle market and continued expansion into the light-duty business,” Thomas R. Hinman, senior vice president and general manager, Corning Diesel Technologies, will tell investors. “We believe we can grow our diesel products revenue by more than 60 percent this year and have the potential to realize $500 million to $600 million in revenue by 2010.”

Hinman will remind investors that new U.S. diesel engine standards that went into effect on January 1, 2007 require all heavy-duty engines to utilize a filter system solution that will greatly reduce particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions. “Global emissions regulations will continue to tighten and drive demand for our advanced diesel products solutions,” he will say.

“This is a milestone year as heavy duty represents the first significant growth opportunity for our diesel business," Hinman will point out. “We expect another wave of growth as the U.S., Europe and Japan implement more stringent emissions standards for light-duty and heavy-duty applications. Non-road vehicles represent a third revenue opportunity at the end of this decade. We believe Corning is well positioned to lead in all three areas,” he will tell investors.

“We expect the market opportunity could reach $900 million for each of the heavy-duty and light-duty diesel application segments by 2012. In looking at this on a projected product value basis, the global opportunity for heavy duty is expected to be approximately $340 per vehicle this year, and may reach as much as $475 per vehicle by 2012,” Hinman will add.

See the Source:

Corning

Find out:
How CleanAIR Systems uses Corning cordierite ceramic filters to reduce diesel emissions.

Court Ruling Protects Mine Workers against Diesel Pollution

PITTSBURGH--(February 12)--News From USW: An appeals court has ruled that standards set by the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration for reducing diesel particulate pollution were reasonable in a case that the United Steelworkers joined to protect its mineworker members.

A three-judge panel from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia rejected every argument against the pollution standards made by the National Mine Association, the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association and several mine operators.

“It’s a hands down victory for the safety of our members and thousands of other miners,” said Michael Wright, USW Director of Health, Safety and Environment. “This decision was a rebuff of the mining companies and the mining associations,” he added.

The regulations will limit miners’ exposure to the tiny particles in the diesel fuel emissions from trucks and heavy equipment that operate underground in metal mines, such as those for gold, and non-metal mines, such as those for limestone. The rules do not affect coal mines, which are subject to a different regulation. The USW represents more metal and non-metal miners in North America than any other union.

MSHA issued the standards because the tiny particles have been linked to lung cancer, respiratory problems and eye irritation.

The court decision, written by Judge David B. Sentelle, and joined by Chief Judge Douglas H. Ginsburg and Senior Judge Harry T. Edwards, affects 16,000 workers at 256 mines across the country. Before the regulations took effect on an interim basis, miners toiled in conditions that Wright said were “like working inside the tailpipe of a city bus.”
The mine operators and industry groups filed suit to prevent implementation of the regulations, contending MSHA did not have sufficient evidence that the tiny particles endangered workers’ health, that MSHA shouldn’t have used a substitute substance to measure the particles and that it simply was infeasible for mines to meet the MSHA limit deadlines.

The USW filed a brief seeking enforcement of the regulations, which put the union in the unusual position of supporting a Bush Administration agency, Wright noted.
The court found that all of the mine industry arguments were without merit, which means the regulations will take effect over the next 15 months.

MSHA proposed the first set of rules on Jan. 19, 2001 after conducting a risk assessment that determined miners were exposed to very high levels of diesel particles that jeopardized their health.

Because diesel exhaust contains many different substances, MSHA based its limitation on a measure of carbon. The court said that was reasonable because carbon accounts for the bulk of the tiny particles.

The first set of regulations limited carbon concentrations and were to take full effect by January of 2006. MSHA offered numerous suggestions to mine operators for curtailing the particles, including exhaust filters, improved ventilation systems, low-emission engines and low sulfur fuels.

MSHA changed the rules several times over the next five years, trying to appease industry representatives who were unhappy with the carbon measure. Finally, in May 2006, MSHA proposed that mines reduce carbon exposure over time until a final standard was met in May 2008. In addition, MSHA gave companies a break, saying they could get an extra year to comply. And, it said, if mines found it impossible to limit particulates, they could give workers respirators.

Despite all of that, mining companies and industry groups then filed suit calling the rules capricious. The court disagreed.

It said that although the carbon measure wasn’t perfect, it didn’t need to be. It was only necessary that it be realistic, and it was. It said the science MSHA used to determine that the particulates were dangerous was sound. And it said the mine operators’ contention that they just couldn’t comply on time was unreasonable because MSHA had offered the extra year as well as the respirator solution.

Mine operators also objected to MSHA requiring them to give physicals to workers to see if they could tolerate respirators, which sometimes cause excessive stress. And they complained that MSHA required them to transfer workers when a doctor determined a respirator would be hazardous to their health.

As with everything else, however, the court ruled against the operators.
The industry may seek another hearing of the case before the same panel or could ask the U.S. Supreme Court to take the case.

See the Source:
MSHA

Find out:
How CleanAIR’s diesel particulate filters help keep miners safe by reducing particulate matter by greater than 85% and MSHA’s test results for the CleanAIR PERMIT FBC Filter in mines.