Diesel School Bus Retrofits

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Diesel School Bus Retrofits

• Richard Blanchet
• Massachusetts Department of Environmental
  Protection
• February 2007

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Background

• On December 18, 2006, EOT to fund 22.5 million
  to reduce air pollution from public school buses
  and regional transit buses to offset pollution
  from the Big Dig.
• Coincides with efforts across the country to
  lower exposures to diesel pollution from buses
  and the associated health effects.

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Health Effects

• Exposure to diesel emissions are associated with
  adverse health effects
• Asthma and other respiratory diseases
• Heart diseases
• Lung cancer

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Other Considerations

• Longevity of diesel engines older school buses
  emit more diesel pollution than newer buses
  equiped with emission control devices.
• Massachusetts public school buses range in age
  from pre-1993 to 2006.
• Sensitivity of exposure group children.

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School Bus Retrofit

• Goal Retrofit all school buses in Massachusetts
  by 2010.
• Benefits Decrease exterior and in-cabin PM
  pollution and reduce negative health impacts to
  children.

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Funding
EOT Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Program
(CMAQ) or other Funding 22.5 Million
MassDEP 18 Million 7846 School Buses
EOT 4.5 million 600 Transit Buses
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Disbursement of Funds

• 3-year Intraservice Agreement (EOT and MassDEP)
• Disbursement over 3 federal fiscal years
  (2007-2008-2009)
• 6 million per year for school bus retrofits

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How to Get There

• Require EPA and/or CARB verified retrofit
  tailpipe emission control devices.
• Require closed crankcase filtration systems
  (CCFS) on all pre-2007.

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Retrofit Technologies

• Closed Crankcase Filters (CCF)
• Diesel Oxidation Catalysts (DOC)
• Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF)
• Use of Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) Fuel

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Pollutants
The use of both DOCs and CCFs can significantly
reduce emissions
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On-Going Activities

• Formulating plans, including outreach and
  communication, priorities, form of reimbursement
  
• Reaching out to municipalities who own/operate
  school buses and school bus contractors
• Targeting summer 2007 to begin retrofit
  installations

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Questions?