[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]NJ DEPARTMENT of ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION<\/b>
\nEnvironmental Regulation
\nDiesel Inspection and Maintenance<\/p>\n
Notice of Rule Proposal<\/strong> Public Notice<\/b> Diesel exhaust contains particulate matter in several size ranges, from coarse soot that can actually be seen as individual particles, to virtually invisible ultra-fine particles less than one micron in diameter (PM1.0).\u00a0 In this proposal, the term “particulate matter” or “PM” means the mostly visible particle fraction, including particles up to 10 microns in diameter (PM10).\u00a0 Although the opacity measurement technique utilized in the Diesel Powered Motor Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Program (Diesel Inspection Program) focuses on PM10 emissions, reductions of particulate matter less than 2.5 microns in diameter (PM2.5, which is a fraction of PM10) will also occur when a vehicle is properly maintained. \u00a0Fine particle emissions from diesel engines can be reduced by implementing stricter diesel emission cutpoints and idling regulations, encouraging which encourages increased levels of maintenance and repairs.<\/p>\n Smoke opacity, which is an indicator of particulate matter, is the degree to which a plume of smoke will obstruct transmission of visible light.\u00a0 It is typically expressed as a percentage of obstructed light.\u00a0 When the Department adopted the existing smoke opacity cutpoints in 1998 (30 N.J.R. 901(a), 30 N.J.R. 2476(b)), excessively smoking diesel-powered vehicles were a common sight on the State’s roads and highways.\u00a0 Enforcement of the State’s opacity cutpoints has made those excessively smoking vehicles the exception, rather than the rule.<\/p>\n Excessive smoke opacity is an established indicator of improper performance and poor maintenance.\u00a0 Regular maintenance and common engine repairs help to control emissions of diesel exhaust particles and reduce other pollutants.\u00a0 Reducing the opacity cutpoints for heavy-duty diesel vehicles and diesel buses will result in the reduction of visible quantities of particulate matter, including soot and air toxics throughout the State.<\/p>\n The proposed stricter cutpoints are based on an analysis of the periodic inspection records collected from 1998 through 2003.\u00a0 The data indicate the fleet performs at smoke opacity emission levels significantly below the existing standard.\u00a0 In developing the proposed cutpoints for a given engine model year, the Department took into account the average opacity value of those vehicles that passed the periodic inspection.\u00a0 It then considered how often diesel engines of that model year achieved the same opacity value during inspection.\u00a0 This data analysis indicated three opacity groups, very closely aligned with the level of engine control technology.\u00a0 The proposed new opacity cutpoints are:<\/p>\n For trucks and other vehicles: 40% – 1990 and older; 30% – 1991 to 1996; 20% – 1997 and newer As with the existing cutpoints, the older engines, controlled mechanically rather than electronically, would be subject to the least stringent cutpoint.\u00a0 Newer electronically controlled engines, with various mechanical enhancements, would be subject to more stringent cutpoints.\u00a0 The proposed stricter cutpoints are a natural continuation of the Department\u2019s existing program.\u00a0 No new test method, procedure or equipment is required.\u00a0 In most cases, existing engines will be able to meet the proposed cutpoints by following the manufacturers\u2019 recommended maintenance practices, or by repairing commonly occurring mechanical faults.<\/p>\n Although newer diesel-powered vehicles and equipment usually operate more cleanly and contribute less to air quality problems than their predecessors, diesel-powered trucks and buses tend to remain in service for 20 years or more.\u00a0 Unless existing diesel-powered trucks and buses that operate in the State are properly maintained and repaired, such that the emissions from them are reduced, these trucks and buses will continue to contribute significantly to air pollution in the State for many years to come.<\/p>\n Since the Department is providing a 60-day comment period on this proposal, this proposal is excepted from the rulemaking calendar requirement pursuant to N.J.A.C. 1:30-3.3(a)5.<\/p>\n The proposal is scheduled to be published in the New Jersey Register dated June 16, 2008.\u00a0 A copy of the proposal<\/a> (PDF)<\/span> is available from the Department\u2019s website.\u00a0 You can obtain an official copy of the proposal from LexisNexis Customer Service at (800) 223-1944 or https:\/\/www.lexisnexis.com\/hottopics\/njoal\/<\/a>. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Be advised that there may be a fee for obtaining a copy of the proposal from some sources.<\/p>\n A public hearing(s) concerning the proposal is scheduled as follows:<\/p>\n Wednesday, July 30th, 2008 at 9:00 am
\nControl and Prohibition of Air Pollution from Diesel Powered Motor Vehicles: Motor Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Program N.J.A.C. 7:27-14<\/p>\n
\nTake notice that the NJ Department of Environmental Protection is proposing amendments to N.J.A.C. 7:27-14 \u2013 Control and Prohibition of Air Pollution from Diesel Powered Motor Vehicles: Motor Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Program, to reduce the opacity cutpoints, strengthen the visible smoke standard for diesel-powered trucks and buses, and clarify the rules\u2019 exemption for emergency vehicles.\u00a0 This rulemaking is a part of the Department\u2019s statewide effort to reduce diesel exhaust emissions from diesel-powered vehicles.\u00a0 This proposal also represents a revision to the State Implementation Plan.<\/p>\n
\nFor buses: 40% – 1987 and older; 30% – 1988 to 1993; 20% – 1994 and newer
\nFor retrofitted buses: 30% – 1993 and older; 20% 1994 and newer.
\nAll: no visible smoke of any color when the engine is at normal operating temperature.<\/p>\n\n
\nDepartment of Environmental Protection
\nPublic Hearing Room
\n401 East State Street, Trenton, NJ 08625<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n