CARB proposes to amend TRU compliance standards
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is proposing to amend the in-use performance standard that model year 2003 transport refrigeration units (TRUs) must comply with by December 31, 2010. Currently, 2003 engines must meet the ultra-low-emission TRU (ULETRU) in-use standard requirement by Dec 31, 2010. The proposed amendments would change that requirement and require all 2003 engines to meet the low-emission TRU (LETRU) in-use standard or use an approved alternative technology.
As of June 2010, the Level 3 retrofit systems needed to meet the ULETRU standards are not readily available in the marketplace. The proposed amendments to the TRU Airborne Toxic Control Measure (ACTM) would change the in-use emission standards for 2003 engines from ULETRU to LETRU. LETRU emission standards can be achieved by installing a readily available Level 2-verified diesel emissions control system (VDECS). This LETRU emission standard would need to be met by Dec 31, 2010. CARB is further proposing that a 2003 engine that comes into compliance with the LETRU standard would not have to comply with the ULETRU standard for seven years.
These proposed TRU ATCM amendments are scheduled for action by CARB in November 2010. The board is expected to approve these amendments to take effect in spring 2011.
Model year 2003 TRU engine owners are advised that the TRU ATCM’s compliance deadline of Dec 31, 2010, is still in effect until CARB approves these amendments. However, because compliance options for the ULETRU standard are limited, an acceptable compliance action for owners of 2003 engines would be to allow them to meet the LETRU emission standard by installing a Level 2 VDECS by Dec 31, 2010.
Alternatively, if Level 3 VDECS were to become available sooner than expected, owners could still comply with the regulation by installing the Level 3 device by Dec 31, 2010. In this case, the owner of the 2003 engine would be in full compliance with the regulation’s ULETRU standards. Another compliance option would be to replace the 2003 engine with a 2004 or later engine. However, if this engine replacement option is chosen, the ULETRU emission standards would have to be met by December 31st of the seventh year after the replacement engine’s model year (or effective model year in the case of a prior-tier engine). Owners may also comply with the in-use performance standards by using an alternative technology.
To obtain a copy of the regulation or other compliance documents, visit www.arb.ca.gov/diesel/tru.htm. Additional questions may be addressed by calling the toll-free TRU Help Line at 1-888-878-2826. For special accommodation or language needs, call 1-888-878-2826 or e-mail [email protected].