Revision to Addendum to Mobile Source Enforcement Memorandum 1A;
Revised Tampering Enforcement Policy for Alternative Fuel Conversions
[Federal Register: June 16, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 115)]
[Notices]
[Page 32878-32880]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr16jn98-83]
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
[FRL-6111-1]
Revision to Addendum to Mobile Source Enforcement Memorandum 1A;
Revised Tampering Enforcement Policy for Alternative Fuel Conversions
A. Purpose
The purpose of this document is to revise the tampering enforcement
policy for alternative fuel conversions as currently provided in the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Addendum to Memorandum 1A
in response to comments and suggestions received by the regulated
community and other stakeholders.
B. Background
EPA issued an Addendum to Mobile Source Enforcement Memorandum 1A
(Addendum) on September 4, 1997, to address emissions increases that
resulted from the conversion of gasoline powered vehicles and engines
to operate on compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied petroleum
gasoline (LPG or propane). The background and basis for the issuance of
the Addendum and the contents of the new policy are fully contained in
the Addendum. Since issuance of the Addendum, EPA has received a number
of inquiries and recommendations that certain revisions to the policy
would be in the public interest while not jeopardizing the
[[Page 32879]]
effectiveness of the Addendum. EPA believes some of those suggestions
are appropriate and is revising the Addendum as described below.
C. Revised Policy
Effective June 1, 1998, the Addendum to Memorandum 1A is revised as
follows:
1. In lieu of meeting the testing requirements under Options 1, 2
or 3 of the Addendum for model year 1997 and older motor vehicles and
engines, compliance with the requirements for demonstrating a
``reasonable basis'' may be achieved by completing back-to-back I/M 240
emissions tests as contained in 40 CFR Part 51, Subpart S, for each
converted vehicle using gasoline in the vehicle or engine's original
configuration and with each operational fuel after conversion provided:
(a) All tests are conducted in accordance with the specified
protocols under 40 CFR Part 51, Subpart S,
(b) The vehicle as tested in the original configuration with
gasoline meets the applicable standards under 40 CFR 51.351,
(c) The exhaust emissions of each regulated pollutant after
conversion using the alternative fuel are no greater than .90 times the
emissions levels for each pollutant before conversion, except that no
hydrocarbon standard shall apply for operation exclusively using CNG,
(d) If dual fuel operation is retained, the exhaust emissions of
each regulated pollutant after conversion using the original
certification fuel are no greater than the emissions levels for each
pollutant before conversion, and
(e) No party shall convert more than 25 vehicles or engines of any
single vehicle/engine family combination in any calendar year under
this I/M 240 protocol.
2. The final date for both testing and installations under Option 3
of the Addendum is extended from April 24, 1998 and December 31, 1998,
respectively, to June 30, 2000, for up to and including 1999 model year
vehicles and engines. All alternative fuel conversions of model years
2000 and later vehicles and engines and conversions of model year 1998
and 1999 vehicles and engines after June 30, 2000, may only be
performed in accordance with Options 1 or 2 of the Addendum.
3. As an alternate to engine dynamometer testing for heavy duty
engine conversions under Option 3 for a specific heavy duty engine
family, the manufacturer may demonstrate a ``reasonable basis'' by
performing back-to-back chassis dynamometer emission tests in
accordance with the Urban Dynamometer Driving Schedule for Heavy Duty
Vehicles (UDDS) contained in 40 CFR Part 86 Appendix I, Paragraph (d),
provided:
(a) The exhaust emissions results for THC, NOX and CO
measured during the UDDS after conversion and when operated exclusively
or in combination with the alternative fuel are no greater than .90
times the baseline emissions for THC and NOX and no greater
than 1.00 times CO before conversion, except that NMHC after conversion
shall be compared to the baseline THC before conversion in the case of
operation exclusively with CNG, and
(b) All tests are performed in accordance with all specified
protocols in 40 CFR Part 86, Subpart M, including vehicle preparation,
dynamometer loading, emissions measurements and driving schedule except
that commercially available fuel may be used for vehicle
preconditioning and baseline testing.
4. As an alternate to engine dynamometer testing for heavy duty
engine conversions under Option 3 for a specific heavy duty engine
family or the alternate procedures provided in paragraph 3. above or
the Addendum, any party may propose an alternate heavy duty vehicle or
engine test procedure which operates the subject test engine through a
range of engine speed and load conditions reasonably representative of
both urban and highway driving, measures the exhaust emissions
specified above on a grams per mile or grams per brake horsepower-hour
basis and specifies appropriate pass/fail criteria equivalent to
paragraph 3. above for the purpose of demonstrating a ``reasonable
basis'' under EPA's tampering enforcement policy. Any such proposed
procedures shall be submitted to the Director, Air Enforcement Division
(2242A), Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance, U.S. EPA, 401
M Street, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20460 for consideration and approval,
if appropriate, under this policy prior to the initiation of any
vehicle procurement, modification or testing.
5. The results of federal emissions tests conducted under Option 3
for a specific engine family may be applied as a ``reasonable basis''
for up to a maximum of three additional engine families to that tested
for demonstrating compliance with the applicable Tier 1 emission
standards for that class of vehicle or engine as specified in 40 CFR
Part 86 provided:
(a) The engine family tested in accordance with 40 CFR Part 86
meets the applicable Tier 1 standards for that vehicle or engine class
with the application of the appropriate deterioration factor as
provided under Option 3,
(b) The engine family tested above represents the ``worst case''
for emissions of the applicable engine families as based on engine or
vehicle parameters reasonably expected to adversely affect the emission
results such as maximum gross vehicle weight, maximum engine
displacement and any other reasonable engineering judgments,
(c) The determination of ``worst case'' is confirmed by conducting
I/M 240 emissions tests of one vehicle or engine of each applicable
engine family after conversion,
(d) The results of the I/M 240 tests of the three additional engine
families are no greater than the I/M 240 emission results of the
original engine family tested,
(e) The additional engine families meet the criteria specified in
paragraphs 3.(b)(4)B. through D. of the Addendum, and
(f) The evaporative emission control system remains as installed by
the original engine manufacturer if gasoline operation is retained.
6. For both LEV and Tier 1 vehicles or engines, any additional
engine families for which emission data would be carried across under
paragraph 5. above or paragraph 3.(b)(4) under Option 3 of the Addendum
must be produced by the same vehicle or engine manufacturer as the
original engine family tested.
7. Any party responsible for demonstrating compliance, installing,
converting, selling or marketing alternative fuel conversion systems in
accordance with the requirements of the Addendum and this revised
policy shall retain the results of all tests, installations and sales
of such systems as specified under Option 3 of the Addendum or this
Revision for inspection by EPA for five (5) years following completion
of the testing, installing or marketing of such systems.
8. Any provisions or requirements of the Addendum not extended or
revised herein remain in effect as provided in the Addendum.
C. Conclusion
EPA believes the revisions described above will provide additional
flexibility and streamlining to manufacturers, installers and marketers
of alternative fuel conversion systems while not jeopardizing the
emission reduction purposes of the original Addendum. EPA will continue
to review the progress of the industry in developing and testing of
alternative fuel systems to
[[Page 32880]]
ensure the emissions benefits are being achieved and to determine if
any future revisions are necessary. Any questions regarding this
revised policy should be directed to the Mobile Source Enforcement
Branch at (202) 564-2255.
Bruce C. Buckheit,
Director, Air Enforcement Division, Office of Enforcement and
Compliance Assurance.
[FR Doc. 98-15845 Filed 6-15-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P