Diesel Emission Reduction - Locomotives and Ships
Finally, a new set of EPA rules will take effect for the control of diesel emissions from locomotives and large marine vessels. The rule will take effect as soon as the the certified after treatment systems are available, sometime in 2008. All new locomotives, switch locomotives and rebuilt locomotive engines are required to meet Tier 3 emission control standards. Beginning in 2015, all new locomotives will be required to meet Tier 4 emission control standards which take into account smog forming NOx emissions.
I have worked on vertical commuter railroad construction projects for quite a few years. Very often I would walk from our office to the project site as well as to the main station for meetings. While walking through the yard, to my surprise there was always one diesel locomotive constantly idling. Many times the same locomotive would idle in the same location for days on end. I can only imagine the amount of diesel smoke exhaust that could have been prevented from entering the atmosphere. The new EPA rule also contains language that will significantly reduce the idling of rail yard switch locomotives.
There was even an instance that I was able to suggest to a managing engineer. I mentioned that the Railroad should look into the use battery powered generator set switch locomotives in lieu of diesel engines to reduce idling. His response was, "We can't do that!" I instantly thought of our arborist. He said to me the other day, "Trees are just like anything else in this world. To make them flourish, raise em' up and clear out the dead wood." The same goes for the old timers at the railroad.
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