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Diesel Engines

Most construction vehicles, such as earth moving equipment, are powered by diesel engines. Diesel engines are also used frequently in other kinds of equipment found at construction sites such as generators and compressors. Diesel exhaust contains tiny particles known as fine particulate matter. Diesel engines are one of the largest sources of fine particulate matter, other than natural causes such as forest fires. Diesel exhaust also contains ozone-forming nitrogen oxides and toxic air pollutants. Fine particles and ozone pose serious public health problems. Exposure to these pollutants causes lung damage and aggravates existing respiratory disease such as asthma.

On a national basis, the strategy for controlling air pollution from diesel engines involves low-pollution requirements for new diesel engines and rules covering the fuel used by these engines. EPA has issued emission standards for new, nonroad diesel engines, such as construction and farm equipment, and is working to strengthen these standards in the future. In 2006, diesel fuel will contain 97 percent less sulfur.

Diesel engines within existing equipment will not be subject to the new regulations, yet may remain in operation for another 25-30 years. Therefore, EPA and states are working to:

1. Retrofit existing diesel vehicles with pollution controls (e.g., www.epa.gov/otaq/retrofit).

2. Implement emission testing programs for diesel vehicles.

3. Create and implement anti-idling programs.

4. Promote cleaner fuels like ultra-low sulfur diesel and compressed natural gas.

Some air districts regulate emissions from portable equipment that have spark ignition or diesel fired piston type internal combustion engines that may be used at constructions sites, including generators, pile drivers, compressors, welders, cranes, well drilling, etc. For example see Yolo-Solano Air Quality Management District. Check with your local air pollution control authority to find out if there are regulations that pertain to your equipment.

More Information on Diesel Engine Regulations:

EPA Program Update: Reducing Air Pollution from Nonroad Engines (April 2003)

For a comprehensive discussion of this topic see: DieselNet Emission Standard for Nonroad Diesel Engines.

Federal, State Authority To Regulate Emissions From Construction Equipment. AGC of America recently published a paper that explores the limits on federal and state (and local) authority to regulate emissions from diesel engines in construction equipment.