The
Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has initiated
a pilot project designed to control air pollution from agricultural
diesel engines in the Treasure Valley. The Agricultural
Diesel Engine Retrofitting Project will retrofit agricultural
diesel engines with diesel oxidation catalysts (DOCs), pollution
control devices that use a chemical process to break down
pollutants in the exhaust stream to less harmful components.
DOCs have been shown to reduce emissions of air pollutants
by up to 50 percent.
The
project is aimed at gaining knowledge and practical experience
in how retrofitting agricultural diesel engines will impact
air quality, with an eye toward later expanding the availability
of DOC technology statewide. more
What Types
of Engines May Be Retrofitted?
Agricultural
engines have historically been underrepresented in diesel
retrofitting efforts, yet agricultural fleets are comprised
of large numbers of heavy-duty diesel engines operating in
relatively defined locations. Types of engines that may be
retrofitted include tractors used in fieldwork, loaders used
in feedlot operations, combines, choppers, and stationary
engines used as irrigation pumps.
How
Much Does It Cost to Participate?
Participation
in the project is free. The cost of equipment and installation
are being covered by a $50,000 grant that DEQ received from
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Regional Office in
Seattle.
The
Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has initiated
a pilot project designed to control air pollution from agricultural
diesel engines in the Treasure Valley. The Agricultural
Diesel Engine Retrofitting Project will retrofit agricultural
diesel engines with diesel oxidation catalysts (DOCs), pollution
control devices that use a chemical process to break down
pollutants in the exhaust stream to less harmful components.
DOCs have been shown to reduce emissions of air pollutants
by up to 50 percent.