More about Controlling Air Pollution from Vehicles:

Diesel Engine Impact on Air Quality

Diesel engines are durable and efficient. Because they consume diesel fuel, a complicated mix of petroleum components, they do produce some pollutants. A small amount of the fuel exits the engine unburned. These airborne hydrocarbons can form larger particles in the atmosphere when they contact airborne dust and other particles.

Unlike gasoline engines, which may not get enough air into the cylinder for combustion, diesel engines operate with excess air so emissions of carbon monoxide are very low, though still measurable. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that combines with blood and limits its ability to transport oxygen. Since the engines are consuming fuel and air and create heat in the combustion process, nitrogen from the air can be transformed into nitrogen oxides which are reddish brown gases that irritate the lungs and eyes.

The most noxious part of diesel engine exhaust is smoke; actually, carbon particles formed from the release of energy from the fuel. When a diesel engine is operating properly, smoke emissions from new engines should not be visible. If the engine is poorly or improperly maintained, exhaust smoke can be thick, black and continuous.

New, well-designed diesel engines with computer controls limit the smoke and pollutants to very low levels, without the catalytic converters and complicated emissions reduction equipment necessary on gasoline engines. New federal standards require significant reductions of all pollutants from diesel engines, and will continue to reduce these pollutants in the future.

Heavy Duty Vehicle Idling Laws

New York State Environmental Conservation Law (ECL) prohibits heavy duty vehicles, including diesel trucks and buses, from idling for more than five minutes at a time.

Exceptions are when your vehicle is:

• Stuck in traffic
• Idling for maintenance purposes
• Powering an auxiliary function or apparatus, such as a concrete tumbler
• Involved in an emergency situation
• A diesel fueled truck operating in an ambient air temperature below 25°F for more than 2 hours

Less idling time is good for the environment because it reduces air pollution, noise and fuel use. It also saves money for diesel operators and consumers and contributes to a cleaner atmosphere.

The diesel idling regulation is found in Title 6 NYCRR, Subpart 217-3 and will be enforced by DEC Conservation Officers. You may be fined from $500 to $18,000 in the case of a first violation.

No matter what kind of vehicle you drive, remember to:

• Drive at the speed limit
• Avoid sudden stops or starts
• Resist topping off the fuel tank
• Check tire pressure monthly
• Keep your vehicle well-maintained

Remember, only five consecutive minutes of idling are allowed. Your lungs will thank you for it.

Heavy Duty Diesel Vehicle Inspection/Maintenance Program

Under 6 NYCRR Subpart 217-5, DEC has two emission inspection programs for heavy duty diesel vehicles (HDDVs):

1. An annual emission inspection program for HDDVs registered in the New York City Metropolitan Area (New York City, Long Island, Westchester and Rockland Counties)
2. A roadside emission inspection program for HDDVs operating on New York State roadways

HDDV emission inspections are authorized by NYSDEC Subpart 217-5 regulation, "Heavy Duty Inspection and Maintenance Program."

HDDVs are defined as diesel engine powered vehicles with a GVWR exceeding 8,500 pounds. Some vehicles in this weight class are exempt, including authorized emergency vehicles, agricultural trucks and farm vehicles, off-road construction vehicles and military vehicles. Both the annual and the roadside emission inspections conducted by a certified inspector can include a visual inspection to verify that the vehicle's emissions control equipment is functioning, a check for tampering and an opacity (smoke) test using an approved opacity meter.

Annual HDDV Inspections

The annual emissions inspection is performed at the time of the vehicle's annual NYS Department of Motor Vehicles (NYSDMV) safety inspection. This inspection applies only to HDDVs registered in the New York City Metropolitan Area and must be performed by a certified inspector. A vehicle safety inspection station that performs emissions inspections of HDDVs is authorized by the NYSDMV as an Official Diesel Emissions Inspection Station (ODEIS).

HDDV Roadside Inspections and Standards

Roadside emissions inspections are performed at various times on New York State roadways by NYS certified staff. DEC staff who are certified emission inspectors have the authority to emissions test (smoke test) HDDVs for the purpose of enforcing the 6 NYCRR Subpart 217-5 regulations and ECL 19-0320. A HDDV can be roadside inspected regardless of the vehicle's registration location.

The smoke opacity standards as listed in Subpart 217-5 are as follows: 70 percent opacity limit for vehicle engine model years 1973 and older; 55 percent opacity limit for engine model years 1974 to 1990; and 40 percent opacity limit for engine model years 1991 and newer.

Penalties for Failing Inspections

Failure of the roadside or annual emissions inspection can result in a penalty of $700.00 for the first violation and $1,300.00 for the second and each subsequent violation. These penalties can be reduced if the violation is corrected within 30 days. A retest, which may be done to seek a penalty reduction, must be conducted by an ODEIS. The roadside and/or annual inspection penalties do not apply to school buses or municipally owned HDDVs for a first violation, provided the vehicle is repaired and the violation corrected within 30 days of the cited violation.

Heavy Duty Inspection/Maintenance Program DEC Approved Smoke-meters

Robert H. Wager Co., Inc.

570 Montroyal Rd.
Rural Hall, NC 27045
phone: (336) 969-6909
approved smokemeter: Wager Model 7500 full-flow and partial flow *

Cal Test Instruments, Inc.

126 Marine Ave.
Wilmington, CA 90744
phone: (310) 835-5377
approved smokemeter: CalTest 1000 -WIN-TR *

Red Mountain Engineering

20512 Crescent Bay Dr. Suite 102
Lake Forest, CA 92630
phone: (949) 595-4475
approved smokemeter: Smoke Check 1667 *

Robert Bosch Corporation

2800 S. 25th Ave.
Broadview, IL 60153
approved smokemeter: Bosch RTT 100 *

Environmental Systems Product, Inc. (ESP)

11 Kripes Rd.
East Granby, CT 06026
phone: (888) 377-7971
approved smokemeter: ESP diesel-sense 1667 *

SPX Corporation

8001 Angling Road
Portage, MI 49024
phone: (800) 233-7055
approved smokemeter: SPX Dieseltune Smokemeter DX-240 *

Protech USA

Erickson Tech Service
3036 Holland Road
Green Bay WI 54313
phone: (920) 434-1003
approved smokemeter: Protech OPAX 2000-II *

Gasoline Vapor Recovery at Service Stations

To minimize the release of substances that form ozone, New York State is requiring the installation of gasoline vapor recovery systems at your local service stations. The systems recover gasoline vapors during commercial delivery to bulk storage tanks (Stage I) and during refueling of motor vehicles (Stage II).

Stage I

During fuel delivery, the gasoline fumes that are held in bulk storage tanks are piped back into the unloading tanker trucks for transport to vapor processing facilities for destruction or recovery.

Stage II

During refueling, gasoline fumes are trapped by special nozzles at the pump. The captured vapors are fed back into the bulk storage tanks and piped into the unloading tanker trucks for transport to vapor processing facilities.

Two specially designed dispensing nozzles are used to trap vapors during vehicle refueling; the bellows nozzle and the bootless nozzle.

To Use The Bellows Nozzle:

Push the nozzle firmly into the car's fill pipe, compressing the rubber boot. Tilt the nozzle down as the latch ring hooks under the lip of the pipe so that the ring catches securely.

Slowly squeeze the trigger and add as much fuel as desired. The nozzle will shut off automatically when the tank is full.

Don't Top it off!

Trying to add more gasoline after the automatic shutoff can cause the pump to shut down.

To Use The Bootless Nozzle:

Use the bootless nozzle as you would any conventional gasoline nozzle. Again, don't top it off!

Fuel Programs

New York State is legally obligated to regulate fuels under US EPA guidelines. DEC's principal mobile source fuel programs are:

1. Control of gasoline volatility
2. Oxygenated gasoline
3. Reformulated gasoline
4. Low-sulfur diesel fuel
5. Gasoline vapor recovery

DEC is also actively working on future fuel programs to reduce ozone and to abate diesel particulate and nitrogen oxide emissions, and to assess and limit adverse health effects from exposure to fuels and associated combustion products in both air and water.

Fuel programs usually have a short initiation period and immediately cause emission reductions in all vehicles. In most cases, these emission reduction benefits from cleaner fuels extend to engines in non-mobile applications (lawn and garden, boats, stationary engines). The consumer may also benefit from greater engine durability and save money by using less fuel.

New Vehicle Technology

New York State's new vehicle technology program is modeled after the California Low Emission Vehicle (CAL-LEV) program. New York State was the first state to adopt the CAL-LEV standards, which are more stringent than federal standards. The CAL-LEV program requires all new passenger cars and light duty trucks (6,000 pounds and under) sold in New York State to have been certified as meeting one of five certification levels. In addition, the program stipulates that manufacturer's sales must meet an established fleet average.

Vehicle Pollution Fact Sheet

In many urban areas, motor vehicles are the single largest contributor to ground-level ozone, a major component of smog. Ozone causes public health problems such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and can bring on permanent lung damage. Cars also emit several pollutants classified as air toxics, which also impact health.

Vehicles generate three major pollutants - hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, and carbon monoxide.

Hydrocarbons react with nitrogen oxides in sunlight and warm weather to form ground-level ozone. Nitrogen oxides help form acid rain. Carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless, deadly gas can impair mental functions and visual perception, as well as kill.

Pollutants are released when...

• Fuel is burned in the internal combustion engine and the air /gasoline residuals are emitted through the tailpipe.
• Heat causes fuel to evaporate from under the hood and throughout the fuel system. Hot, sunny days and engines warmed by running provide heat to vaporize fuel into the air.
• Refueling at the service station where gasoline vapors escape into the air.

New York State's program for reducing air pollution from vehicles includes...

• The sale of fuels that burn cleaner - oxygenated fuels (used in some parts of the state), reformulated gasoline (RFG, used in the NY Metropolitan Area) and less volatile fuels (used seasonally in the warmer months).
• At gasoline pumps - using special nozzles that recover vapors before they can be released to the air.
• An enhanced inspection and maintenance program (I/M) for the NY Metropolitan Area - vehicles, in the downstate area with the most severe air pollution, will undergo more comprehensive emissions testing. For the upstate area, vehicles' pollution control components will be checked during regular safety inspections.

Motorists can help reduce air pollution

Of all our daily activities, driving a motor vehicle is probably the single most polluting activity. We can significantly reduce pollution from our vehicles by driving less, improving our driving habits, keeping our vehicles in good running order and buying vehicles that generate fewer pollutants.

Keep in mind when using your vehicle...

• Reduce the number of miles traveled by combining trips, carpooling, using public transportation and telecommuting.
• Avoid excessive idling by avoiding drive-in windows at banks and fast-food shops.
• Drive at steady, moderate speeds.
• Avoid over-filling or topping off the vehicle's gas tank.
• Make sure the gasoline cap fits properly.

during maintenance...

• Make sure the tires are properly inflated.
• Replace oil and filters at manufacturer's recommendations.
• Watch the color of tailpipe emissions: black smoke means too much gasoline in the fuel mixture; blue smoke indicates too much oil is being burned.
• Fix fluid leaks in air conditioners immediately. Leaking chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) harm the earth's stratospheric ozone shield.

when buying...

• Check the fuel-efficiency rating of vehicles.
• Make sure that the vehicle is California certified. The emission control label under the hood should state that the vehicle conforms to California regulations or is legal for sale in California. In New York State, it is illegal to register a 1996 or subsequent model year new vehicle that is not California certified.
• Consider alternative fueled vehicles for motor vehicle fleets.

Vehicles Pollute Tip Sheet

In many urban areas, motor vehicles are the single largest contributor to ground-level ozone, a major component of smog. Ozone causes crucial public health problems such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and can bring on permanent lung damage. Cars also emit several pollutants classified as air toxics, which also damage your health.

Vehicles generate three major pollutants: hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, and carbon monoxide.

Hydrocarbons react with nitrogen oxides in sunlight and warm weather to form ground-level ozone. Nitrogen oxides help form acid rain. Carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless, deadly gas can impair mental functions and visual perception, as well as kill.

Pollutants are released when...

• Fuel is burned in the internal combustion engine and the air/gasoline residuals are emitted through the tailpipe.
• Heat causes fuel to evaporate from under the hood and throughout the fuel system. Hot, sunny days and engines warmed by running provide heat to vaporize fuel into the air.
• Refueling at the service station where gasoline vapors escape into the air.

Motorists can help reduce the amount of pollutants released by...

• Improving driving habits: combine trips, travel at moderate speeds, don't top off gasoline tanks when refueling, carpool, avoid idling, use public transportation.
• Keeping vehicles in good running order: follow manufacturer's instructions on routine maintenance, have wheels aligned, check for correct tire pressure.
• Buying less polluting cars.

New York State's program for reducing air pollution from vehicles includes...

• The sale of fuels that burn cleaner: low sulfur diesel fuel, reformulated gasoline (RFG, used in the NY Metropolitan Area), and less volatile fuels (used seasonally in the warmer months).
• At gasoline pumps: using special nozzles that recover vapors before they can be released into the air.
• The enhanced inspection and maintenance program (I/M) for the NY Metropolitan area: vehicles, in the downstate area with the most severe air pollution, will undergo more comprehensive emissions testing. For the upstate area, pollution control components will be checked during regular safety inspections.

Improved Portable Fuel Containers (PFCs)

Protect Your Health and the Environment

Think all portable gas cans are created equal? You may not realize it, but that old gas can in your garage is likely contributing to air and water pollution and it could be impacting your family's health.

New gas cans help to prevent spills during equipment fueling, evaporation during fuel storage and exposure to dangerous vapors.

While pollution from a single gas can seems insignificant, the total number of such containers account for over 100 tons per day of smog-forming pollution in New York State.

New Gas Can Features

Look for a gas can with:

• an automatic shut-off feature preventing overfilling of power equipment fuel tanks.
• an automatic closing feature that seals the can when it is not being used
• no secondary venting hole

Safer Gas Cans

Needed for Clean Air

Evaporative emissions from gas cans include hazardous air pollutants like benzene, which is a carcinogen. If gasoline is stored in a garage, fumes from the container may contaminate the air we breathe in our homes. Overall, new gas cans will improve air quality by reducing ozone pollution and exposure to toxic chemicals.

Needed for Clean Water

Even small amounts of gasoline can contaminate surface and groundwave. Of particular concern is the gasoline constituent methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBF), which can quickly contaminate drinking water sources.

Using Gas Cans

Remember, when you fill up your lawn mower, chain saw, snowmobile, motorboat, or jet ski, do it in the safest possible matter.

• Use a new gas can that is designed to minimize toxic spills and vapors.
• Whenever possible, fill small engines on a concrete or hard surface.
• Avoid spilling gasoline on the ground, in lakes, ponds or rivers.
• Store all gasoline containers in a well-ventilated shed or detached garage, away from the reach of children.
• Buy and use gasoline in the season it is purchased.

Portable Fuel Container Fact Sheet

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) has adopted emission and spill-control regulations for portable fuel containers, commonly known as "gas cans," and gas can spouts. The regulations apply to gas cans and spouts manufactured and sold in New York State starting January 1, 2003. The cans and spouts help to reduce air and water pollution, decrease exposure to harmful liquids and fumes and reduce loss of fuel through evaporation. There is no requirement to modify old gas cans or to scrap them and buy new ones.

A Major Source of Smog-Forming Pollution

Air emissions from a single portable gas can appear to be small, but the total number of such containers in use means they contribute significantly to smog-forming emissions in New York in several ways, including:

• Vapors escaping through walls in gas cans made from plastic;
• Escaping fumes while fuel is being dispensed;
• Spillage and/or over-filling as fuel is poured into equipment;
• Spillage and evaporation through secondary vent holes; and
• Evaporation through inadequately capped spouts.

Currently, gas cans account for about 70 tons per day (TPD) of smog-forming pollution. That's equal to emissions from about 800,000 cars. The regulations will mean a 73 percent reduction in VOC emissions from gas cans by 2013, cutting the amount of smog-forming emissions by 50 TPD. The improved gas cans will also reduce exposure to harmful fuel vapors during use and in areas where they are stored (garages and sheds).

How Do the Improved Gas Cans Work?

All newer spouts have an automatic shut-off feature to prevent overfilling of fuel tanks. The spouts will also have an automatic closing feature so the can will be sealed when it is not being used to fill an equipment fuel tank. This feature also prevents leaking vapors when the can is not in use. Secondary venting holes will be eliminated under the new standards since these openings allow venting of fumes to the air. In addition, vapors that escape from the walls of the improved gas cans will be reduced to no more than 0.4 grams per gallon per day.

Improved Equipment for Clean Air and Clean Water

The gas can and spout regulations bring the state cleaner air and help meet federally mandated requirements to reduce harmful air emissions. Evaporative emissions from gas cans include hazardous air pollutants like benzene which is a carcinogen. Emissions from gasoline in storage may contaminate the air we breathe in our homes. The spill-proof gas cans will reduce exposure to these toxic chemicals and improve our air quality.

The gas can and spout regulations also help protect the state's water. Even the release of small amounts of gasoline can contaminate surface and groundwater and result in impacts to public and private drinking water sources. Use of the newer gas can and spout will prevent many of the small spills of gasoline that result from recreational and household activities associated with the use of small engines such as lawn mowers, chain saws, snowmobiles, motorboats and jet skis.

Protect the Environment from the Threat of Gasoline Contamination:

• Use an improved gas can that is designed to minimize toxic spills and vapors.
• Whenever possible, fill small engines on a concrete or hard surface.
• Avoid spilling gasoline on the ground, or in lakes, ponds or rivers.
• Store all gasoline containers in a well-ventilated shed or detached garage, away from the reach of children.
• Buy and use gasoline in the season it is purchased.