EPA has provided the grant to the town of Fairfield to combat diesel emission through the 2010 National Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program. In total, EPA will provide more than $67m in grant funds to several New England entities for the cause.
The town of Fairfield will use the grant to retrofit 39 on-road and non-road diesel vehicles operated by the Department of Public Works with diesel particulate filters.
The grant, which will cover 100% of the cost of purchase and installation of each pollution control device, is expected to result in estimated lifetime reductions of particulate matter, hydrocarbons, and carbon monoxide of emissions of 1.7, 2.6, and 7.9 tons, respectively.
Maine Department of Environmental Protection, Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), New Bedford Harbor Development Commission, and Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management (NESCAUM) are the other New England entities receiving EPA grants this year.
Curt Spaulding, regional administrator of New England office at EPA, said: “Reducing diesel emissions is an effective way to improve air quality—one of the seven key priorities of Administrator Jackson. Fewer diesel emissions will help those who suffer from asthma and other respiratory problems. These projects will help bring cleaner air to the residents of Connecticut.”
