NEWS FROM THE DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL
May 28, 2008
Vol. 38, No. 243 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information contact Phil Wheeler, Air Quality Management Section, 302-739-9402 or Melanie Rapp, Public Affairs, 302-739-9902.
DNREC Awards $180,000 Grant to Red Clay School District to Reduce School Bus Pollution
(Wilmington, Del.) Today, May 28, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced a grant of $180,000 to the Red Clay School District for a program that will reduce harmful emissions from school buses. The funds were awarded for the purchase and installation of 18 diesel particulate filters on district school buses that will effectively reduce emissions of particulates or soot, hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide by 60 to 90 percent.
“Cleaner diesel emissions mean cleaner air for school children and for all of us,” said DNREC Secretary John A. Hughes, who was unable to attend today’s announcement. “The Red Clay School District’s partnership with DNREC to upgrade their existing diesel fleet of buses with new filters will help improve air quality and promote environmental progress.”
Air and Waste Management Director James D. Werner presented the ceremonial check to Red Clay Consolidated School District Superintendent Dr. Robert J. Andrzejewski and recognized the district for their commitment to help improve air quality and protect the health of school children.
“Diesel buses and trucks are responsible for more than 60 percent of vehicle emissions of particulates emitted into the air,” said Werner. “The filters will go a long way to help protect our children who ride these buses.”
Diesel exhaust contains small particles as well as smog-forming and toxic air pollutants. Exposure to diesel exhaust can cause lung damage and respiratory problems and can exacerbate asthma and existing allergies. Although everyone is susceptible to diesel pollution, children, the elderly and individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions, are the most vulnerable. Young children are especially vulnerable because their lungs are still developing.
``Around the country, many concerns have been raised about school bus emissions, as well as about health and safety issues,'' said Andrzejewski. ``Red Clay, with the assistance of DNREC is taking a step today to ensure the continued safety and health of our students and improve the environment.''
The diesel particulate filters, which replace the vehicle’s muffler on the tailpipe, are ceramic devices that collect particulate matter in the exhaust stream. The high temperature of the exhaust heats the ceramic structure and allows particulates inside to break down or oxidize into less harmful components.
In addition to the funds to install filters on older model buses, the Red Clay School District has taken delivery of twelve 2008 and 2009 model year buses that have the particulate filters already installed.
Pollution standards for diesel vehicles have become progressively stronger over the past several years. In 1997 federal pollution control standards were established for new vehicles beginning in 2007. Unfortunately, these standards only apply to new diesel vehicles and not to the millions of other diesel vehicles currently in operation. Federal regulations mandated that beginning in January 2007 cleaner diesel fuel must be sold to on-road vehicles to reduce emissions. Diesel particulate filters are required by law for all 2007 and newer heavy duty diesel trucks and buses.
DNREC continues to reduce harmful air pollutants through its regulatory efforts. In 2005, the agency adopted restrictions on engine idling of large trucks and buses to no more than three minutes. Other sources of soot are controlled by state regulations, including restrictions on fuel burning equipment and construction dust that have been in effect since 1981. Diesel generators must also comply with restrictions on soot emissions.
For more information on air quality and programs currently underway, visit DNREC’s website, www.dnrec.delaware.gov and click on Division of Air and Waste Management.
