The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), through the 2008 Northeast Diesel Collaborative (NEDC) Emissions Reduction Grant Program, is providing $50,000 to Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (CT DEP), Nutmeg State to install pollution control technology on state maintenance equipment. The grant will enable CT DEP to install diesel oxidation catalysts on all 13 of the heavy-duty diesel engines in the state maintenance fleet, and on up to four pieces of construction equipment.
The Connecticut environmental agency will also partner with the Connecticut Department of Transportation to install up to seven diesel particulate filters on air compressors used on highway construction sites around the state. Both types of pollution-cutting equipment are verified by EPA to reduce particulate emissions by approximately 90% and 20%, respectively.
Reducing diesel emissions is an effective way to improve air quality and help people who suffer from asthma and other respiratory problems,” said Ira Leighton, acting regional administrator of EPA’s New England Office. “This project will help bring cleaner air to communities in Connecticut, and we applaud CT DEP’s efforts to address diesel pollution and their commitment to lead by example.”
Diesel engines contribute significantly to air pollution, especially in urban areas. The fine particles in diesel exhaust pose serious health risks, including aggravating heart or lung disease. People with existing heart or lung disease, such as asthma, older adults, and children are most sensitive to the health effects of fine particles. The Northeast has some of the highest asthma rates in the nation, including a childhood asthma rate above 10% in all six New England states. Lifetime asthma rates in children in Connecticut are estimated to be 13.7%.
DEP Commissioner Gina McCarthy said, DEP will use these funds to lead by example in reducing diesel emissions from state equipment used in construction and maintenance, specifically at our state parks and on our highways. These are exactly the kinds of steps we must take to reduce harmful diesel emissions, improve our air quality and safeguard the health of our residents. These efforts will add to Connecticut’s nationally recognized Clean Diesel Program and support our State’s progressive programs to address climate change.
This grant is part of nearly $2 million in grant funds being awarded by the EPA through the 2008 NEDC Emissions Reduction Grant program.
NEDC is a partnership of public and private organizations working to improve air quality by taking action to reduce diesel pollution.