The retrofit of existing heavy-duty diesel vehicles with diesel emission control devices, specifically diesel particulate traps, is a highly effective means of reducing fine diesel particulate, a toxic air contaminant and known carcinogen. On-road vehicles equipped with CARB-verified level 3 diesel emission particulate traps reduce particulate matter emissions by greater than 85%.
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Eastern Municipal Water District retrofitted sixteen (16) service trucks, three (3) dump trucks, and one (1) water truck with diesel particulate traps. Three (3) of the vehicles were equipped with CARB "Level 1" devices that reduce Pm emissions by 25% or greater; 17 vehicles were equipped with "Level 3" devices that reduce PM emission by greater than 85%. In all cases, the best available control technology was applied to each vehicle.
The Eastern Municipal Water District operates a fleet of heavy-duty General Motors diesel trucks. Twenty (20) of these vehicles were identified as being compatible with California Air Resources Board (CARB) verified diesel emission control devices.
Eastern Municipal Water District indicates that all devices are currently functioning properly. There has been no negative impact on vehicle performance. The vehicle operators have also indicated no difference in the operation or performance of the retrofitted trucks. The only issues initially encountered were two minor incidents when the vehicle's exhaust back pressure increased, indicating that the traps required cleaning to remove accumulated soot. One back pressure sensor was found to be defective and replaced. No issues were encountered in procuring ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel.
All diesel emission control devices have been installed as of September 7, 2006.