Culver City adopted CNG technology in 1996 in accordance with early South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) air quality mandates. Viewing it as the most viable and cost effective way to lower petroleum-based engine emissions, Culver City has expanded its CNG fleet from the initial purchase of 20 transit buses in 1998 to a current total of 100 light-, medium- and heavy-duty CNG vehicles, and a transit fleet which operates on 100% CNG. With the purchase of six heavy-duty CNG refuse trucks, Culver City continues its mission to replace its fleet vehicles with alternative fuel CNG vehicles, when available.
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At the time of application in June 2007, development of the technical and mechanical specifications for these vehicles was already complete. As these vehicle configurations had not been manufactured previously utilizing a CNG engine, staff worked closely with the manufacturers and vendors to develop the most technically efficient and cost-effective heavy-duty equipment for their specific purposes. Culver City established a cooperative purchase agreement with the City of Glendale in association with that Citys Request for Quotations (RFQ #4-783) for procurement of CNG refuse vehicles. Culver City contract purchase orders were issued and preproduction meetings were held with the manufacturers; equipment development was ongoing during the production phase.
The City of Culver City submitted a proposal to purchase six (6) Heavy-duty CNG solid waste collection trucks using Clean Transportation Funding from the MSRC, Solid Waste Vehicle Engine Program. The City requested grant funding of $32,000 per vehicle (a total of $192,000) to offset the differential cost of clean engine replacements of the diesel-operated counterparts, and to adhere to fleet rules for solid waste collection vehicles. The City planned to contribute the balance of $1,466,118 using funds from the Citys Equipment Replacement Fund.
Utilizing the California Air Resources Board (CARB) approved calculation methodology, emission reductions for each heavy-duty CNG powered truck is as follows: Streetside Solid Waste Collection Vehicles Annual truck miles (projected): 4,500 per vehicle Assumed Vehicle Life: 8 years 2007 Cummins ISL-G 8.9L CNG Engine NOx: 0.20 g/bhp-hr Annual NOx Reduction: 652.0 lbs. Lifetime NOx Reduction: 5,215.8 lbs.
Upon delivery, each vehicle underwent further inspections by our equipment maintenance technicians, and we resolved any issues with the manufacturers. The trucks were put into service by December 31, 2008. All vehicles have worked well in their specific capacities for heavy-duty equipment for the Citys Public Works Department, and we have received positive comments from the community.
Vendors: Carmenita Truck Center, Santa Fe Springs, California