BOARD MEETING DATE: June 2, 2006
AGENDA NO. 5

Approve Grant to Install Diesel Particulate Filter on Diesel Backup Generator

SYNOPSIS:

Omnitrans proposes to install a diesel backup generator at their San Bernardino facility.  The backup generator meets the requirements of Rule 1470.  However, given the proximity of the facility to a school campus located across the street from the facility, staff believes that the backup generator should be equipped with a diesel particulate filter.  This action is to provide up to $12,500 from the Rule 1309.1 Priority Reserve Fund to cover the cost of installing a diesel particulate filter on this new backup generator.

COMMITTEE:

Technology, May 26, 2006, Recommended for Approval

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Authorize the Chairman to approve a grant to Omnitrans to install a particulate filter trap on a backup generator to be located at its San Bernardino facility for a maximum of $12,500 from the Rule 1309.1 Priority Reserve Fund.

Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer

Background

At its April 2, 2004 meeting, the Board adopted Rule 1470 - Requirements for Stationary Diesel-Fueled Internal Combustion and Other Compression Ignition Engines to protect school children from diesel PM emissions from emergency standby engines, by installing PM traps on generators located near school sites.  As part of the Rule 1470 adopting Resolution, the Board offered financial assistance to install PM traps on diesel backup generators located on or near school grounds and owned by a school or a school district.  Since then, the Board has allocated $782,500 to fund these PM traps. 

At its January 6, 2006 meeting, the Board approved a maximum of $12,500 for PM traps installed on generators of up to 125 kW, and a maximum of $35,000 for PM traps installed on generators above 125 kW located near or on a school site and owned by a school.  In addition, to get the best price, the Board required at least two competitive quotes from vendors installing these PM traps, particularly on larger size generators.

To date PM traps for 41diesel backup generators (BUGs) owned by 19 school districts have been funded.  This funding opportunity has been kept open without an expiration date, and future awards would be made on a first-come first-served basis.

Proposal

Omnitrans, the transit provider for San Bernardino County, is proposing to install a backup diesel generator with a rating of 117 kW at it San Bernardino facility.  Its installation meets the AQMD’s rule requirements.  However, since the facility is located adjacent to a public school, staff believes that the installation of a PM filter trap that removes over 85 percent of the carcinogenic PM emissions from the diesel exhaust will provide added air quality benefits.  Staff recommends that $12,500 be awarded from the Rule 1309.1 Priority Reserve Fund to Omnitrans to purchase and install a PM filter trap on its backup generator.

Benefits to AQMD

The AQMD relies on the expedited implementation of after-exhaust control technologies and clean-burning fuels in Southern California to achieve its air quality standards.  Many diesel backup generator sets are located in heavily populated areas, including areas that are in close proximity to students, teachers and neighbors.  The installation of a PM trap on the proposed diesel generator will substantially reduce the exposure of school children to toxic diesel PM emissions.

Resource Impacts

The total amount of funding to retrofit a diesel backup generator owned by Omnitrans with a PM trap shall not exceed $12,500 from the Rule 1309.1 Priority Reserve Fund.  There are sufficient funds in the Rule 1309.1 Priority Reserve Fund.