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So for every diesel machine over 25-hp, a contractor must
make a record of that machine and report it to CARB. CARB
will then issue an equipment identification number for each
vehicle, which must be used to label the vehicle within 30 days
of receipt.
When is this happening Right now. The deadline for large
fleets in California was April 1, while medium and small fleets
have until June 1, 2009, and August 1, 2009, respectively. For
those readers in California, vehicles can be reported via CARB’s
online reporting system, DOORS. The reporting system and
user guides are available online at: secure.arb.ca.gov/ssldoors/
doors_reporting/reporting.php.
“Enforcement staff will then randomly inspect machines
operating in the field to be sure that each machine meets the
emissions-reduction actions documented in the annual reporting
process,” explains Chruschiel.
Californication
If you’re saying to yourself, “That sounds like a lot of fiery
hoops those laid back West-coasters have to jump through but
that doesn’t affect me” — you’d be wrong, mister. Based on the
current non-attainment areas, there are a total of 408 counties
that must comply with PM2.5 and/or ozone regulations.
Don’t know what a non-attainment area is It’s defined by the
Clean Air Act and Amendments of 1990 as a locality where air
pollution levels persistently exceed the National Ambient Air
Quality Standards or that contribute to ambient air quality in
a nearby area that fails to meet the standards. And the number
of those areas is growing — a projected 440 to 550 counties in
2010 and beyond, according to the EPA.
If California is successful in reducing the state’s emission
level, other states may fall into line by adopting similar legislation.
This doesn’t mean that you have to run out and replace
all your machines.
“We know from our parts and remanufacturing businesses
that some contractors certainly do indeed use their equipment
for many years,” says Lythgoe. “In general, [Perkins] doesn’t
anticipate a step change in this behavior. Replacement of fleets
is likely to be a gradual process, driven, as today, mainly by
equipment wear out and customer demands for better performance,
reliability and safety that new machines offer.”
“Contractors with older pieces of equipment do not need
to upgrade their fleet unless they are mandated by contracts
or local regulations to use cleaner emissions products,”
adds Clint Schroer, Cummins Inc., Off-Highway
Communications Manager. “It’s best to contact your local
emissions agency or your local distributor for more information
if you have other questions.”
Since the EPA has not made a national timeline or plan
to phase out older Tiers of engines, it really comes down to
Instead of buying a new fleet, why not look into retrofit options
This 644H loader is equipped with a new PowerTech
Plus 6.8L engine as part of the Tier Up repower program.
This engine replaced a PowerTech 8.1L engine.
14 Utility Contractor | May 2009