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PROPOSAL:

Execute Contract to Evaluate Efficiency of Zero- or Low-VOC Aqueous Solvents for Cleaning "Extra Heavy-Duty" Grease from Heavy-Duty Truck Parts

SYNOPSIS:

On December 12, 1997, the Board approved staffs’ recommendation to conduct additional studies on the implementation of Rule 1171 - Solvent Cleaning Operations, for cleaning baked, carbonized and chemically combined grease and grime in heavy-duty truck repair and maintenance activities. This action is to award contract to the College of Engineering - Center for Environmental Research and Technology (CE-CERT), to conduct a study in cooperation with the California Trucking Association (CTA), to identify and evaluate the cleaning efficiency of aqueous solvents on "hard to clean" parts with "extra heavy-duty" grease and grime for repair and maintenance operation of heavy-duty trucks. Total project cost not to exceed $50,000.

COMMITTEE:

Technology, January 16, 1998, Recommended for Approval

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Authorize the Chairman to execute a contract with CE-CERT in an amount not to exceed $50,000 from the Advanced Technology Fund to evaluate efficiency of zero- or low-VOC aqueous solvents for cleaning "extra heavy-duty" grease from heavy-duty truck parts.

Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Acting Executive Officer

Background

VOC emissions generated from solvent cleaning and degreasing operations contribute significantly to the South Coast Air Basin's emissions inventory. The recently adopted 1997 AQMP calls for significant reduction in VOC emissions from these operations by year 2010. Starting January 1999, AQMD's Rule 1171 requires solvents used in repair and maintenance operations to contain no more than 50 grams of VOC per liter of cleaning solvent. A number of zero- or low-VOC aqueous solvents have already been developed to comply with future limits of this rule. However, additional work is needed to identify and evaluate specific solvents for cleaning baked, carbonized, or chemically combined grease and grime in repair and maintenance operation of heavy-duty trucks.

Proposal

This project focuses on evaluation of cleaning efficiency of aqueous solvents in repair and maintenance operation of heavy-duty trucks. A minimum of four top performing aqueous solvents from a previous study sponsored by the AQMD and in cooperation with the CTA will be selected for re-evaluation. In coordination with the CTA, four to six suitable facilities will be identified and selected for testing and evaluation of the performance of the solvents for cleaning "hard to clean" parts with "extra heavy-duty" grease and grime. The specific application areas shall include, but not be limited to engine rebuild, transmission rebuild, 5th wheel, wheel bearings, and parts from older vehicles. Each solvent shall be evaluated for a period of six weeks in its applicable area. Per AQMD's discretion, a technical assistance program shall be set up to help other truck maintenance operations in utilizing zero- or low-VOC aqueous solvents.

The proposed project is included in the Technology Advancement Plan, approved by the Board on September 12, 1997, as Project 97S3-1, "Development and Demonstration of Near-Zero or Zero-VOC Coating and Solvent Formulations." The major benefit of this project is to assist industry in identifying and applying zero- or low-VOC products for solvent cleaning and degreasing operations. This will in turn result in reduction of VOC emissions due to product enhancement and commercialization of newly developed zero- or low-VOC solvents, with cost-effective and satisfactory operational characteristics for end users.

Sole Source Justification

Section VIII, (B)(2) of the Procurement Policy and Procedure identifies four major provisions under which a sole-source award may be justified. This request for a sole source award is made under provision B.2.d.: Other circumstances exist which in the determination of the Executive Office require such waiver in the best interests of the AQMD. Specifically, these circumstances are: B.2.d.(8) research and development efforts with educational institutions or nonprofit organizations.

The University of California, Riverside's CE-CERT brings together a critical mass of experience from academia, industry, and government agencies to accomplish the stated objectives of the proposed project. CE-CERT serves a unique role in the Basin as an independent and objective scientific body capable of providing in-depth and valid evaluations of new environmental regulations and technologies. It has established a broad-based research agenda with unique facilities, capabilities, and resources that are requisite and directly applicable for completion of the proposed scope of work. In addition, the Board has allocated a total sum of $700,000 in FY 97-98 Budget for contracts to be awarded to university research centers. Staff believes that these broad-based capabilities and resources, uniquely offered by an in-Basin university having a long history of academic excellence in the field of air pollution control, justify AQMD funding for the specified contract with CE-CERT.

CE-CERT encourages the participation of, and uses as subcontractors, small businesses, and minority-, disabled veteran-, and women-owned business enterprises in its programs to the maximum extent possible to ensure efficient performance and compliance with contract requirements and applicable laws.

Resource Impacts

Total cost for the proposed project shall not exceed $50,000. Sufficient funds are available in the Advanced Technology Fund. No cost-sharing is planned for this project.

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