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Case Studies
This page provides information on some diesel engine emission reduction efforts incorporated in different construction projects.
- Dana-Farber Yawkey Center for Cancer Care
- Central Artery/Tunnel Project (The Big Dig)
- I-95 New Haven Harbor Crossing Improvement Program
- Earthwise Excavation
- The South Ferry Subway Project
- Williams Brothers Construction Company, Inc.
Dana-Farber Yawkey Center for Cancer Care
Manitowoc Crane fitted with DOC at Yawkey Center for Cancer Care Site
Case Study Overview:
Name: Dana-Farber Yawkey Center for Cancer CareLocation: Boston, MA
Administered by: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Owner, and Walsh Brothers, Inc, Construction Manager
Work: 275,000 square foot clinical research and treatment facility in urban setting
Timeline: 2006-2011
Equipment Retrofitted: Excavators, loaders, cranes, pumps, and drill rigs ranging from 60-700hp
Funding Source: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Clean Diesel Strategy: Diesel Oxidation Catalysts (DOCs) and ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) fuel
Number of Vehicles Retrofitted: 25-30
Summary
As a leader in cancer research and treatment, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute chose to protect public health during construction of the Yawkey Cancer Center in Boston, by incorporating clean diesel strategies. People with existing heart disease, asthma or other respiratory problems are most sensitive to the health effects of fine particles found in diesel exhaust. By implementing construction practices that reduce diesel emissions, the Institute minimized the impact of the construction on its patients, staff, visitors, residents of the nearby community, and those involved in the construction.
Early in the planning process, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) hired Walsh Brothers, Inc. (WBI) to manage the project. Together DFCI and WBI decided to include an emissions control element in the construction plan after attending a seminar about implementing a retrofit program, offered by Greater Boston Breathes Better.
Project specifications include a no-idling policy, pollutant reductions of 42 percent for volatile organic compounds, 31 percent for carbon monoxide, 20 percent for particulate matter, and, where feasible, encouraging the use of electric-powered equipment. Subcontractors use a combination of retrofit technologies, such as diesel oxidation catalysts (DOCs) and cleaner fuels to achieve these specifications. A template of the Dana-Farber contract language is available on the contract language page.
Walsh Brothers works with all subcontractors to ensure that equipment arrives at the work site retrofitted. Ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) fuel is provided on site via the subcontractors’ vendors. Over the five year time frame of the project, 25–30 pieces of equipment will be retrofitted, including excavators, cranes, loaders, and pumps. The retrofit devices range in cost from $800 to $7,000, with no reports of changes to equipment operation or fuel consumption to date. Subcontractors are instructed to build the cost of retrofitting equipment and additional cleaner fuel costs into their bids, so the entire cost of the program is assumed by DFCI.
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is pleased with the outcome of the joint endeavor, and has added clean diesel/emissions reduction requirements to its Institutional Master Plan. As a result, all future Dana-Farber projects will include clean diesel specifications in contract language. Dana-Farber believes that the added cost of the program, which is only a fraction of the total project cost, is more than worth the public health benefits realized.
Contact:
Joe Bassi, Senior Project Manager, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute; Phone: 617–582–8390
Joe Breen, Associate Vice President, Walsh Brothers, Inc.; Phone: 617–878–4800
Implementing a Clean Diesel Program was a natural choice for Dana-Farber. We are proud to be at the forefront of this new development in healthcare facility construction. We are pleased that our actions will reduce potentially harmful emissions and have a positive impact on the quality of life for our patients, staff, visitors, and the surrounding community. This undertaking perfectly complements and reinforces Dana-Farber’s mission to provide expert care to cancer patients.
Central Artery/Tunnel Project (The Big Dig)
Aerial view of old elevated Central Artery (I-93) without road decks just north of Rowes Wharf, Boston, MA. Larger Image
Case Study Overview: Name: Central Artery/Tunnel (CA/T) aka: The Big
Dig
Location: Boston, MA
Administered by: Massachusetts Turnpike Authority
(MTA)
Work: 161 lane miles of new highway in a 7.5 mile
long corridor
Completed: 2005
Number of Vehicles Retrofitted: 100+
Equipment Retrofitted: Excavators, front-end loaders,
dump trucks, cranes, lifts, bulldozers, generators, compressors,
and cranes ranging from 50-300HP
Technology: Diesel Oxidation Catalysts (DOCs)
and low emission diesel fuel, such as PuriNOx™
Summary
The Big Dig started in 1992 and began exploring the option of retrofitting equipment in September 1998 because of the close proximity to residential communities, medical facilities, as well as other sensitive receptors. This program initially looked to retrofit a total of approximately 50 pieces of construction equipment. However, due to the number of vehicles used in the tunnel construction, additional equipment was retrofitted which resulted in more than 100 pieces of construction equipment participating in the program.Equipment targeted for retrofitting was located near sensitive receptors such as residential communities and hospitals, used in tunnel work for health and safety consideration of the workers, and any equipment that was slated to remain on the project work site for the longest duration of the contract life.
DOCs were selected for this project because of the reduction in hydrocarbons (HC), carbon monoxide (CO), and particulate matter (PM), the ease of installation, and the relatively inexpensive cost. The reduction of HC helped to alleviate the odor. Installation was relatively easy, with a downtime of about two hours, and contractors have not had to perform any additional maintenance on the equipment outside of the routine maintenance currently performed. Another factor considered when selecting DOCs was the inclusion on EPA's Verified Technology list and the fact that the technology is well proven. According to contractor experience, the equipment retrofitted has not experienced any adverse operational problems.
Along with DOCs, the MTA explored the use of lower emission diesel fuel, specifically LUBRIZOL's PuriNOx product. Switching to the new fuel resulted in lower NOx emissions and reduced smoke. The only performance problems reported by operators were that the vehicle required slightly more power in deep mud and that slightly more fuel was consumed.
A reduced idling policy was established and enforced, requiring all operators to turn off equipment that was not in active use. Also, any dump trucks that were idling while waiting to load or unload were not allowed to idle for more than five minutes.
Prior to the project, there were two major concerns expressed by contractors. The first was the potential effect on the equipment warranty as well as the potential effect on equipment performance. The second was whether the emission control equipment would effect the performance of the construction equipment. However, after using the retrofitted equipment, contractors did not experience any adverse operational problems and did not have to perform any additional maintenance.
More information can be found at: www.masspike.com/bigdig/background/airpollution.html 
I-95 New Haven Harbor Crossing Improvement Program
Map - I-95 New Haven Crossing Improvement Program. Larger Image
Case Study Overview:
Name: I-95 New Haven Crossing Improvement Program (I-95)Location: Southern Connecticut
Administered by: Connecticut Department of Transportation (CONNDOT)
Work: 7.2 mile stretch of interstate improvement from exit 46 to 54
Estimated Completion date: 2013
Number of Vehicles Retrofitted: 84 to date, with an estimated 200 upon completion of the project.
Equipment Retrofitted: All diesel powered equipment with a rating of 60 HP and above or on-site for a period in excess of 30 days
Technology: Diesel Oxidation Catalysts (DOCs) and low emission diesel fuel, such as PuriNOx™
Summary:
The first phase of the I-95 project began in the summer of 2002
and the entire project is scheduled to be completed in the fall
of 2013. Due to the length of the construction period, and the proximity
to New Haven, East Haven, and Branford, a retrofit program was required
to minimize diesel emissions. This program built on the experiences
and success of the Central Artery Tunnel project in Boston. The
project is located in 3 municipalities- New Haven, East Haven, and
Branford- which are serious non-attainment areas for ozone. The New Haven
area is also in non-attainment for particulate matter.
To introduce this program to contractors, informal meetings were held to discuss clean fuels and retrofit equipment. Contractors, as well as equipment manufactures and fuel vendors participated in the discussion. Equipment manufacturers were also in attendance to answer questions on equipment maintenance and warranties.
CONNDOT formed an air quality working group to investigate the benefits and costs of implementing an emission control program. The group decided on DOCs and clean fuel such as PuriNOx. DOCs were selected due to the low cost and proven experience. PuriNOx was also selected to provide the contractors more flexibility in situations where equipment would not remain on-site for long periods of time. To date, all contractors have opted to install DOCs on their construction equipment.
Excavator retrofitted with oxidation catalyst. Larger Image
All contractors and subcontractors are required to install advanced aftertreatment technologies, such as DOCs and/or use low emission diesel fuel. This applies to vehicles with an engine horsepower rating of 60 HP and above or that is assigned to the contract in excess of 30 days.
An idle-policy is also established and enforced, limiting idling time to three minutes for delivery and dump trucks and other diesel-powered equipment (with some exceptions). Truck staging zones are established for vehicles waiting to load or unload materials. These locations are away from fresh air intakes, air conditioners, and windows.
Once the project started, contractors were required to submit initial and then monthly reports to the CONNDOT to ensure that proper implementation of the Connecticut Clean Air Construction Initiative was taking place. If a contractor was found to be in non-compliance, they were required to improve the vehicle within 24 hours, or remove it from the site.
More information can be found at www.i95newhaven.com/poverview/environ_init.asp
Earthwise Excavation
Case Study Overview:
Name: Earthwise ExcavationLocation: Snohomish, Washington
Project: Excavation and septic system services
Partners: Environmentally conscious customers
Funding Source: Earthwise Excavation
Clean Diesel Strategy: 16,000+ gallons/year of B100
Equipment: Highway and nonroad machinery
Summary
Since its inception in 1987, Earthwise Excavation has been one of the leaders in corporate sustainability and biodiesel use. The company's owner, Albert Postema, says, “The best way to teach is by example. We started by looking at where we were contributing the most pollution to our environment. We realized early on that diesel was a big factor, so we switched from off-road diesel fuel (often used on construction sites) to lower-sulfur diesel. Then, in 2000, we became aware of the availability of biodiesel and started looking for reliable sources.”
Earthwise Excavation's bulldozers are fueled with biodiesel. Larger Image
Earthwise Excavation uses 100% biodiesel (B100) during the summer months and B90 with anti-gel additives from December through February. Currently, the company is the largest private consumer of B100 biodiesel in the Northwest, using in excess of 16,000 gallons a year for both on- and off-road machinery.
Running biodiesel fuel in Postema's diesel-powered vehicles has had a variety of environmental and human health benefits. According to Postema, “It dramatically reduced air pollution and we began to notice other health benefits. Running the equipment long days on a work site during the summer would often give our crews dull headaches by the end of the day. We always attributed that to working long hours on the equipment, but when we started burning biodiesel, all of the headaches from diesel fumes went away. Biodiesel also eliminated the acrid smoke that often accumulated on the sites. Plus, the lubricating nature of biodiesel made our engines run smoother and more quietly.”
Earthwise Excavation has a variety of company policies and procedures that support its mission of carbon neutrality and environmental stewardship. Among these are the uses of bio-fuels, green power, engine warm-up and cool-down policies and idle-reduction.
Traditionally, business and corporate ideologies have viewed environmentalism as a threat to the bottom line. Earthwise Excavations regards environmental stewardship as an opportunity to gain competitive advantage; reduce costs; increase employee and customer loyalty; and stimulate greater innovation, while improving the health of both the planet and people.
For more information about Earthwise Excavation or its sustainable company policies and procedures, please see the company's web site at www.fromthegrounddown.com , call 360–668–2452 or 425–486–1664, or email Earthwise@postema.com.
The South Ferry Subway Project
A clean diesel excavator at New York's South Ferry construction site. Larger Image
Case Study Overview:
Name: The South Ferry Terminal Station Project
Location: New York, NY
Project: New terminal station construction
Partners: New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (NYMTA), Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Port Authority of New York/New Jersey (PANYNJ), and New York State Department of Transportation (NYDOT)
Funding Source: Congressional appropriation managed by Federal Transit Administration (FTA)
Clean Diesel Technologies: Use of Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD), Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF), with Tier II engines.
Number of nonroad equipment: 70-100
Equipment: Construction equipment including generator sets, compressors, cranes, excavators, and loaders.
Summary:
In the aftermath of September 11, 2001, the Federal government, through FTA, appropriated $4.5 billion for high priority transportation recovery projects in Lower Manhattan. These construction projects include the Fulton Street Transit Center, South Ferry Terminal Station, and the World Trade Center PATH Transportation Hub Project.
During the environmental analysis process of the Lower Manhattan projects, project partners jointly developed an Environmental Analysis Framework to ensure consistency among federally funded transportation projects’ environmental analyses. An outcome of this framework were Environmental Performance Commitments (EPCs), which represent up-front mitigation measures aimed at avoiding or minimizing cumulative adverse environmental effects. The EPCs require, among other things, the implementation of innovative and effective diesel emission control measures in Lower Manhattan.
Air Quality Environmental Performance Commitments:
- Use ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) fuel for all nonroad diesel construction equipment.
- Use retrofit technology (primarily diesel particulate filters) for all nonroad equipment with engines of 50 horsepower (hp) or more and meet EPA’s tier II emissions standards.
- Limit unnecessary idling times on diesel powered engines to three minutes.
- Locate diesel powered exhausts away from fresh air intakes.
- Control dust at construction sites.
At the South Ferry Terminal construction project, the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority is achieving substantial diesel particulate matter reductions through the implementation of the EPCs. At any given time, there are 70 to 100 pieces of diesel equipment in use at the South Ferry Terminal construction site, including generator sets, compressors, cranes, excavators and loaders. All nonroad diesel equipment is required to be fueled with ULSD fuel; equipment with engines of 50 hp or more must meet EPA’s tier II emissions standards and have been retrofitted with an emission control device, preferably a diesel particulate filter.
The South Ferry Subway Project started in 2005 and will be completed in the 2008. For more information, go to www.mta.info/capconstr/sft/environmental.htm or contact Faye Blondin at 212–637–3713 or blondin.faye@epa.gov.
Williams Brothers Construction Company, Inc.
Case Study Overview:
Name: Williams Brothers Construction Company, Inc.Location: Houston, TX
Project: Highway construction
Partners: Funding assistance provided by the Texas Emissions Reduction Plan
Clean Diesel Strategy: Engine re-power and vehicle/equipment replacement
Number of Vehicles: 371
Vehicles/Equipment: On-road trucks, dozers, excavators, loaders, crawler cranes, and other construction equipment
Summary
With assistance from the State of Texas, Williams Brothers Construction Company has become a national model for reducing emissions through off-road engine replacements. Using incentive grants provided by the Texas Emissions Reduction Plan (TERP), the company has replaced engines that had no pollution control technologies, with engines that perform to a cleaner emissions standard in 150 pieces of earthmoving equipment.
Cranes with replaced engines perform to cleaner emission standards. Larger Image
The Company has also replaced 47 crawler crane engines and 174 trucks that had no emission controls, with engines that meet the cleanest emission standard currently available. According to estimates from the State of Texas, replacing the company's diesel engines will result in total reductions of more than 3,000 tons of nitrogen oxides (NOx).
Williams Brothers has taken a proactive approach embracing innovative measures for reducing diesel emissions, providing a model for other private contractors to follow. According to Vice President Bob Lanham, “Williams Brothers has been an advocate for non-regualtory control measures for on- and off-road diesel equipment. When the State of Texas endorsed an incentive-based approach for the ozone State Implementation Plan, we believed it was necessary for us to respond accordingly and take a leadership role in demonstrating the effectiveness of this approach.”
In addition to engine and equipment replacement, Williams Brothers Construction Company has implemented several new environmental policies that have become models for other construction firms interested promoting clean air while maintaining a profitable bottom line. These corporate environmental policies include:
- A no idling policy
- Preventative maintenance policies and procedures
- Use of low sulfur diesel (500 ppm) fuel in construction equipment
For more information or questions about Williams Brothers Construction Company, please contact Bob Lanham at 713–522–9821 or blanham@wbctx.com.