EPA Seeks to Cut Train, Boat Engine Pollution
Date: 30-Jun-04
Country: USA
Author: Tom Doggett
Cleaner engines would reduce pollutants linked to health problems such as chronic bronchitis, heart attacks and asthma, the EPA said.
The plan would require the use of advanced air pollution control technology starting as early as 2011. Cleaner engines are possible because of federal rules already in place that require the production of diesel fuel with lower sulfur content in 2006, the EPA said.
"This fuel is already being produced in some markets, and its availability is expected to become widespread in coming years," the agency said in a notice of advanced rulemaking published in the Federal Register.
The transportation industry, engine makers, environmental groups and others have until Aug. 30 to submit recommendations about the plan to the EPA.
"There will be no way for some areas to meet public health standards unless we make a significant cutback in pollution from trains and boats," said Frank O'Donnell, Executive Director for the Clean Air Trust environmental trade group.
EPA said diesel exhaust is also likely to cause cancer in humans.
"Locomotive and marine diesel emissions reductions would particularly benefit those who live, work or recreate in and along our nation's coastal areas, rivers, ports and rail lines," the agency said.
The cleaner engines would also reduce regional haze and improve air visibility, according to EPA.
The agency has received requests from state governments in recent years to reduce emissions from locomotive and marine engines.
For example, California told EPA that locomotives and commercial marine engines were responsible for 15 percent of soot emissions in the state.
Illinois said that locomotives are quite prevalent in and around Chicago, and urban areas are where the risk of cancer and asthma are highest.
U.S. sales of locomotive engines since 1997 have been between 600 and 900 units a year. Engines are typically remanufactured to "as new" condition every five to seven years, remaining in service 30 to 40 years before they are scrapped.
The proposed rules would apply to the remanufactured train engines.
About 20,000 marine diesel engines produced each year would be subject to the EPA's proposed emissions standard.
O'Donnell said the agency probably would not publish its final rules until sometime in 2006.