Information about funds to retrofit on-road diesel equipment with technology that could lower emissions will be presented at a Friday (Oct. 5) meeting open to municipal and county government officials, contractors, and the general public.
Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission and South Shore Clean Cities Inc. will co-host the Diesel Oxidation Catalyst Funding Opportunity meeting from 9-10:30 a.m. at the Purdue Technology Center of Northwest Indiana, 9800 Connecticut Drive, Crown Point.
Carl Lisek, executive director of South Shore Clean Cities, said conventional diesel engines produce emissions that could lead to human health issues such as respiratory and cardiovascular ailments, aggravation of pre-existing asthma, chronic bronchitis and respiratory infections.
"These emissions, which include particulate matter, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, hydrocarbons and other air pollutants, could be reduced when diesel oxidation catalysts are installed on diesel engines," he said. "Typically, these devices are packaged with the engine muffler, and they are widely used as retrofit technology because they require little to no maintenance."
Retrofitting a diesel engine with diesel oxidation catalysts could cost $1,500 to $2,500 for each device, including installation. Costs will vary depending on the piece of equipment, the vendor and other details involved with the retrofit.
During the meeting, attendees will learn about funding from the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement program, which is jointly administered by the Federal Highway Administration and the Federal Transit Administration. The program supports surface transportation projects to provide congestion relief and contribute to improvement in air quality.
"Attendees will learn how much funding is available for retrofitting diesel oxidation catalysts to on-road equipment, how the reimbursement program works, and how contractors and vendors can provide bids to municipal and county government offices," Lisek said. "The speakers will talk about other grant opportunities that are currently available and how this program and others will benefit Northwest Indiana."
To register for Diesel Oxidation Catalyst Funding meeting, visit http://bit.ly/OXeEFX
Officials at South Shore Clean Cities also lead Legacy Environmental Services Inc., a Purdue Research Park-based company.