All News Releases By Date

PA URBAN BUS RETROFIT KIT REDUCES PARTICULATES

Release Date: 2/28/97
Contact Information:

PA URBAN BUS RETROFIT KIT REDUCES PARTICULATES

FOR RELEASE: FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1997

URBAN BUS RETROFIT KIT REDUCES PARTICULATES

EPA today said it has approved an engine retrofit kit capable of reducing excessive particulate matter (PM) emissions from older transit buses to the current 0.10 standard in effect for newer model heavy-duty trucks, representing an 80 percent reduction in particulates from this source. Transit bus operators in about 40 highly populated areas are required to install EPA approved equipment on older buses when engines are rebuilt or replaced. Urban buses and other heavy-duty engines often accumulate more than 500,000 miles with the original engine. Continued emission reductions become an important factor as they age. The retrofit kit will be used only on 1979 through 1989 model year buses equipped with Detroit Diesel Corp., engines and mechanical unit fuel injection in all states except California. The Agency said it is currently reviewing other technologies that also may reduce PM to the current standard. The retrofit program has led to the successful development and approval of nine other kits for older buses. The retrofit program is required by the Clean Air Act on 1993 and later model year transit buses operating in large cities with a 1980 population of 750,000 or more to reduce PM emissions. Particulates or soot, have been identified as a probable human carcinogen. High levels of exposure also cause increased frequency of bronchitis, asthma attacks and respiratory infections. The ETX-2000 retrofit kit is manufactured by the Engelhard Corp. of New Jersey. Complete details will be published in the Federal Register soon.

R-35                                   #  #  #