9/29/2005
Media Contact:
Angie Nussmeyer, 327-2053 |
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DPW expands its diesel retrofit initiative
City and state partnership will protect the health of
more than 38,000 Indianapolis school children
INDIANAPOLIS - Today, the Indianapolis Department of Public Works (DPW) announced the expansion of its diesel retrofit initiative to include 175 school busses in the Indianapolis Public Schools’ (IPS) fleet.
The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) provided DPW with $200,000 to expand this initiative and assisted the City by providing a state quantity purchase agreement that significantly reduced the cost of the clean diesel technology. Thanks to IDEM’s assistance and IPS’ cooperation, a total of 175 school busses were retrofitted with a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), a device that uses a chemical process to break down pollutants in the engine exhaust stream into less harmful components.
"The city of Indianapolis has now retrofitted 228 municipal vehicles with clean diesel technology, which is one solution to improving local air quality," said Jim Garrard, DPW Director. "Through efforts like these, Indianapolis has become one of the municipal leaders in the Midwest for retrofitting its city fleet of vehicles."
Diesel engines release more than 450 pollutants into the air during operation. Although the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requires clean diesel technology on new engines, retrofit technologies are helpful in reducing harmful pollutants emitted by older engines. In fact, the DOCs used in this project will reduce up to 70% of hydrocarbons, 40% of carbon monoxide and 40% of particulate matter emitted by each bus.
"We encourage voluntary programs like this to improve air quality," said Thomas W. Easterly, IDEM commissioner. "The retrofits are a great example of reasonably priced technology that significantly reduces the impact of human activity on Indiana's environment."
Children are more sensitive to pollutants in diesel exhaust because they breathe at a faster rate and their respiratory systems are still developing. Exposure to diesel exhaust has been linked to increased cases of asthma and other breathing difficulties in children.
"This project not only helps to improve local air quality, it will also protect the health of more than 38,000 Indianapolis school children," said Dr. Eugene G. White, IPS Superintendent. "We are grateful for this major investment made by the City and the State in the health and well-being of our students."
Earlier this year, DPW launched its diesel retrofit initiative, which will help reduce air pollution. The first project included retrofitting a total of 53 pieces of road and non-road equipment in the City’s diesel fleet with a DOC. This project was made possible thanks to a $100,000 Great Cities grant from Region V U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. In addition, IDEM assisted the City in purchasing the DOCs at a reduced price.
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