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Guam EPA receives grant to retrofit school buses

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Guam EPA receives grant to retrofit school buses

The Guam Environmental Protection Agency (Guam EPA) recently applied for and has received a $29,060 grant award from U.S. EPA through the State Clean Diesel Grant Program to help improve air quality from school bus emissions.

The grant will be used to retrofit school buses with technology that reduces the exhaust particulate matter. These retrofits will reduce the amount of emissions school children are exposed to and improve air quality in areas where these buses are heavily used.

“To my knowledge, this is the first islandwide effort to reduce emissions from the Government of Guam’s fleet of school buses,” said Administrator of Guam EPA, Eric M. Palacios. “This grant will transform some of the oldest and most frequently used buses in Guam to examples of clean emission standards. This adds to the progress we have made in emissions reduction through the implementation of the Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) last year.”

Some of the technology to be used includes Diesel Oxidation Catalyst systems and Closed Crankcase Ventilation Systems. The Diesel Oxidation Catalyst system can reduce exhaust emissions by up to 90% in some cases.

Guam EPA will be partnering with the Guam Department of Public Works (DPW) to complete the retrofit. DPW’s fleet of buses will be ranked and those with the highest score will be the first to be retrofitted. When properly installed, these systems require little to no maintenance. This technology does not negatively impact fuel efficiency.

“This type of technology is a recent development and we are excited to bring it to the island for the first time,” Palacios added. “Guam EPA will continue to aggressively explore new opportunities that benefit the community, and while protecting our environment. I wish to recognize Mr. Peter Cruz, Air Program Manager, for his diligence with securing this grant award.”

DPW has a total 129 buses in the fleet servicing tens of thousands island schoolchildren.

For more information about the Air Pollution Control Program, or this grant, please contact Peter Cruz at 475-1623 or Tammy Jo Anderson Taft at 475-1646, 988-7582 or email TammyJoAnderson.Taft@epa.guam.gov.

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