On March 31, 2010, the Associated General Contractors of New Jersey hosted a seminar on diesel emissions requirements and retrofit options for contractors who bid work in New Jersey. The event was held at the Raritan Center Plaza II in Edison, N.J.
The AGC of N.J. chose to present this informative seminar to help answer many of the questions that contractors have about construction engine diesel emissions policies in New Jersey. The presentations also covered the policies of New Jersey’s neighboring states and how these too may affect New Jersey contractors in the future. Additional topics included funding opportunities for construction diesel engine retrofits, clean diesel strategies and challenges, and retrofit options.
Carol Fulton, associate executive director of the AGC of New Jersey said, “We were fortunate to have such qualified, expert presenters who were able to address all aspects of the issues concerning state requirements, processes, and the technical details concerning retrofits. All attendees walked away from this seminar with a lot of useful knowledge. Feedback has been wonderful from all who were involved.”
The seminar, which was open to the AGC of New Jersey general membership, featured four speakers on various topics. Melinda Dower of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) diesel risk reduction group presented state and federal diesel funding programs that are available to the contracting community for construction equipment retrofits. She also reviewed the selection and submittal process for DEP funding approval. AGC of America Environmental Counsel Leah Wood Pilconis discussed diesel emission requirement trends nationwide and AGC of America’s efforts to prevent mandatory retrofit requirements in contract specifications.
Speaking from a contractor’s standpoint, Rui Andre, equipment manager at E.E. Cruz and Company, discussed the business’ experience with working in New York City. Since beginning work at ground zero, the company has gained a lot of useful experience in dealing with New York regulations. E.E. Cruz also is no stranger to the retrofitting process, as it installs its diesel particulate filters in-house on all of its equipment. Finally, Foley Incorporated’s General Service Manager, Jon Souliere, explained the aftertreatment retrofitting process under the NJDEP Clean Construction 2 program.
Souliere reminded the 65 seminar attendees that N.J. State Contract No. T2541 funding applies to only passive diesel particulate filters (DPFs.) (While funding is not currently available, certain applications may require active DPFs, and Foley Inc. offers these as well.) Souliere then spoke to the seminar attendees about what to expect after funding is approved.
“After the DEP forwards a tentatively approved equipment list, machine engine information is gathered, including make and model, year, engine serial number, engine family code and hours of operation. Foley will then develop a quote, as per the state contract, and send it directly to the project manager within the DEP. Once approved, Foley will be notified and will begin to schedule the process of data logging. Data logging is the process by which temperature data is recorded to ensure that the necessary criteria are met for passive regeneration. Upon positive analysis of the temperature profile, parts will be ordered and the installation scheduled. A company should expect a minimum of 30 hours of work to complete a field installation, depending on machine and original muffler configuration. Foley will then provide post-installation training, onsite for the customer.”
As the only authorized construction equipment manufacturer on the state contract, Foley has a dedicated emissions team to provide contractors with the best solutions for their equipment, according to the company.
“The AGC of N.J. hosted this educational event in response to contractor inquiries and to help keep the contracting community updated with any changes or programs that will affect the way they do business in New Jersey. This is an issue that is important to our members. N.J. contractors are watching surrounding states, such as New York, and are trying to think proactively. It is very impressive to see,” said Fulton.
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