Culver City adopted CNG technology in 1996 in accordance with early South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) air quality mandates. Seeing 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 99 light-, medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, and a transit fleet which operates on 100% CNG. With the purchase of this heavy-duty CNG dump truck, Culver City continues its mission to replace its fleet vehicles with alternative fuel CNG vehicles, when available.
The Citys match funding identified at the time of application was $135,000: $25,000 from earmarked AB2766 funding, and the remainder from the Citys Equipment Replacement Fund (ERF), which is managed by Transportation Department staff in association with the Citys Budget Office. Vehicles and equipment become eligible for replacement based on life cycles, repair costs, age, usage and amortization cycle; every piece of City rolling stock is funded for replacement by this Fund. The additional $25,000 received from the MSRC contributed to the purchases of this alternative fuel heavy-duty vehicle. Final costs for this truck were very close to the original projection; the final copayment by the City equals $137,277.25.
At the time of application in June 2007, development of the technical and mechanical specifications for this vehicle was already complete. As this vehicle had not been manufactured previously utilizing a CNG engine, staff worked closely with the manufacturer and vendor to develop the most technically efficient and cost-effective heavy-duty equipment for their specific purposes. Contract Purchase Orders were issued in September 2007; preproduction meetings were held with the manufacturer, and equipment development was ongoing during the production phase.
Upon delivery, this vehicle underwent further inspections by our equipment maintenance technicians, and we resolved any issues with the manufacturer. The dump truck was put into service in August 2008. The vehicle has worked well in its specific capacities for heavy-duty equipment for the Citys Public Works Department, and we have received positive comments from the operators of this vehicle.
The City of Culver City submitted a proposal to purchase one (1) Heavy-duty CNG dump truck, using Clean Transportation Funding from the MSRC, Local Government Match Program. The City requested grant funding of $25,000 for this vehicle to offset the differential cost of clean engine replacement of the diesel-operated counterpart, and to adhere to fleet rules for heavy-duty on-road vehicles. The City of Culver City planned to contribute the balance of $135,000 as a local-match.
The Local Government Match Program provides an excellent opportunity for municipalities to replace their diesel-fueled heavy duty vehicles with alternative fuel replacements, when the technology is available. Culver Citys project is an excellent example of the feasibility of clean engine replacements aimed at reduction in air pollution emissions to improve air quality.
Utilizing the following California Air Resources Board (CARB) approved calculation methodology, emission reductions for the heavy-duty CNG powered dump truck are as follows:
Annual truck miles (projected): 4,000
Assumed Vehicle Life: 12 years
1995 HD Diesel Engine NOx: 0.18871 tons/year
2007 C8.3L Series CNG Engine NOx: 0.02116 tons/year
Annual NOx Reduction: 0.1676 tons
Lifetime NOx Reduction: 2.011 tons
1995 HD Diesel Engine PM10: 0.00381 tons/year
2007 C8.3L Series CNG Engine PM10: 0.00018 tons/year
Annual PM10 Reduction: .00363 tons (8.07 lbs)
Lifetime PM10 Reduction: 96.8 lbs.
Vendor: CarmenitaTruck Center, Santa Fe Springs, California