Report Identifies Ways to Reduce Emissions from Construction Equipment
On April 20, the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) released the findings of a joint study with EPA on low-cost ways to reduce air emissions from non-road construction equipment. The report examines a variety of equipment operation and maintenance measures, fuel strategies and technologies that companies can employ.
"AGC recognizes that major engine overhauls and repowers are extremely expensive, and some companies are better positioned than others to make such an investment," said AGC CEO Stephen E. Sandherr. "This report offers all contractors, and particularly the small businesses that dominate the industry, bottom-line information on affordable ways to bring about positive environmental results."
AGC collaborated with EPA's Sector Strategies Program and the Office of Transportation and Air Quality (OTAQ) to document the costs and benefits of the strategies and discuss practical implementation issues. The findings suggest that operating practices such as reduced idling, improved preventive maintenance and operator training will produce both business and environmental benefits.
The new report follows an April 2006 recommendation by a federal clean air act advisory committee, crafted with AGC, for EPA to investigate emissions benefits from changing operational behavior.
This article originally appeared in the 04/01/2007 issue of Environmental Protection.