Region 8
Clean Construction
National Information
Rocky Mountain Clean Diesel Collaborative
Nonroad diesel engines can contribute significantly to the levels of particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) in the air. In recent years, EPA has set emissions standards for engines used in most new construction equipment. However, because construction equipment can last 25 to 30 years, it will take many years before existing equipment is replaced with new, cleaner equipment. The RMCDC provides case studies and sample contract language, so clean diesel technologies can be considered and/or required as appropriate on construction sites.
The goal of EPA's Clean Construction Program is to:
- Retrofit engines with diesel emission control technologies;
- Maintain engines in acccordance with OEM specifications;
- Re-fuel with biodiesel, or other alternative fuels such as Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD);
- Modify operations by reducing operating and idle time; and
- Replace existing engines with new cleaner diesel engines, hybrid engines, and engines compatible with alternative fuels
Requiring clean diesel technologies on construction sites will reduce harmful emissions. Therefore, it is especially important to consider requirements for clean diesel in project areas that are:
- In urban areas, especially those with air quality concerns; and
- In close proximity to sensitive populations such as schools, hospitals, daycare facilities, elderly housing, and convalenscent facilities.
- Low-Cost Ways to Cleaner Construction (PDF) (6 pp, 2.4MB, EPA420-F-08-008, March 2008)
- EPA Region 8 Clean Construction Factsheet (PDF, 1 pg, 28K)