Clean diesel to freshen Puget Sound air

July 11, 2001
The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency is making clean diesel technology part of a larger strategy to reduce overall air pollution in and around Seattle. The engine emissions cleanup will involve 50% of government vehicles and 30% of large commercial fleets in the four-county region, including Boeing’s, according to Diesel Technology Forum (DTF), which is helping out in the effort. DTF said clean diesel
The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency is making clean diesel technology part of a larger strategy to reduce overall air pollution in and around Seattle. The engine emissions cleanup will involve 50% of government vehicles and 30% of large commercial fleets in the four-county region, including Boeing’s, according to Diesel Technology Forum (DTF), which is helping out in the effort.

DTF said clean diesel technology will reduce particulate matter and other pollutants in the upgraded fleets by 90%, reduce overall particulate emissions in the area by 14 to 25%, virtually eliminate hydrocarbon emissions, and help the region comply with national air quality standards. The voluntary anti-pollution efforts will involve 5,000 existing engines in public and private buses, trucks, refuse haulers, highway maintenance vehicles and other equipment.

“The cornerstone of the upgrades is the use of new ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel that enables the use of exhaust pipe traps to catch remaining soot particles, nitrogen oxides, and other air pollutants such as hydrocarbons,” said Dennis McLerran, executive director of the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency.

The ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel used will initially cost 8-cents per gal more than the regular diesel refinery price. Emissions traps will cost between $4,000 and $7,500 per vehicle. EPA has committed up to $2 million over the next few years to move the project.

About the Author

Sean Kilcarr | Editor in Chief

Sean reports and comments on trends affecting the many different strata of the trucking industry -- light and medium duty fleets up through over-the-road truckload, less-than-truckload, and private fleet operations Also be sure to visit Sean's blog Trucks at Work where he offers analysis on a variety of different topics inside the trucking industry.

Sponsored Recommendations

Tackling the Tech Shortage: Lessons in Recruiting Talent and Reducing Turnover

Discover innovative strategies for recruiting and retaining tech talent in the trucking industry at our April 16th webinar, where experts will share insights on competitive pay...

Stop Sweating Temperature Excursions

Advanced chemical indicators give you the peace of mind that comes from reliable insights into your supply chains. Compromised shipments can be identified the moment they arrive...

Stop Sweating Temperature Excursions

Advanced chemical indicators give you the peace of mind that comes from reliable insights into your supply chains. Compromised shipments can be identified the moment they arrive...

How Electric Vehicles Help You Prolong the Life of Your Fleet

Before adopting electric vehicles for commercial/government fleets, prioritize cost inquiries. Maintenance is essential; understand the upkeep of EV fleets. Here’s what you need...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of FleetOwner, create an account today!