New engine emissions requirements start on Clean Air Construction sites January 1, 2022. That means that any diesel-powered nonroad equipment over 25 horsepower and on-road dump trucks and concrete mixers serving partner agency construction sites will need to meet minimum emissions controls. Currently, partner agencies include City of Portland, Port of Portland, Metro, Multnomah County and Washington County, with more agencies in various stages of adopting Clean Air Construction on their projects. The Clean Air Construction requirements phase in over the next couple years, and contractor's wishing to work with partner agencies can get a head start now on planning for compliance over the course of the phase in schedule. Full details are available at www.portland.gov/cac.
There are many ways for diesel-powered engines to comply with the Clean Air Construction requirements, including using equipment with modern emissions controls, repowering older equipment with a new engine, or retrofitting existing engines with aftermarket emissions controls.
The DEQ Diesel Emissions Mitigation Grant fund has $8 million available this fiscal year. The grants can cover up to 100% of aftermarket emissions control retrofits, 40% of engine repowers and 25% of vehicle or equipment replacement. Applications are open until August 31, 2021. Learn more about the grant program and access the support information at DEQ's website: https://www.oregon.gov/deq/aq/programs/Pages/Diesel-Grants.aspx
The City is offering free fleet assessments for small and COBID-certified firms. These fleet assessments will inform equipment owners about the compliance of much of the information needed to apply for the DEQ grants. The assessments will:
- Review equipment and vehicles subject to the Clean Air Construction Standard
- Provide a compliance plan indicating the date through which your equipment can be used on a Clean Air Construction site, and which equipment can be upgraded for extended compliance
- Collect the information you will need to prepare for Clean Air Construction requirements, including registration in the database
- Give you a head start on applying for DEQ Diesel Emissions Mitigation Grants
Contact cleanairconstruction@portlandoregon.gov for more information about Clean Air Construction, or to see if you qualify for a free fleet assessment.