United States Air and Radiation EPA420-F-02-041
Environmental Protection September 2002
Agency
Office of Transportation and Air Quality
Regulatory
Announcement
Frequently Asked Questions from
Facility Managers and Other Owners of
Industrial Spark-ignition Engines
The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has adopted new
emission standards for nonroad spark-ignition engines used in forklifts,
generators, aerial lifts, and many other kinds of farm, construction, and
industrial equipment. This fact sheet addresses questions we have
heard from concerned parties.
Why is EPA adopting emission standards for
Industrial Spark-Ignition Engines?
Nonroad spark-ignition engines over 19 kilowatts ("Large SI engines")
currently emit about 500,000 tons of hydrocarbons (HC) and oxides of
nitrogen (NOx) each year across the United States. These pollutants
combine to form smog. The engines can also emit high levels of carbon
monoxide (CO) and toxic compounds such as benzene, which is espe-
cially problematic for engines operating in areas with limited access to
fresh air. Reducing these emissions will benefit our health and environ-
ment. In the Clean Air Act, Congress requires us to set emission stan-
dards that address these problems. These environmental impacts are
described in more detail in the fact sheet referenced below.
I Printed on Recycled Paper
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my SI to
regulations?
No. Engine manufacturers must ensure that each new Large SI engine
sold meets the new emission standards. The standards apply only to new
engines produced after January 1, 2004. Unless manufacturers choose to
sell clean engines earlier, anything manufactured before then is not
affected by this regulation. Note that similar requirements already apply
in California.
As an of a SI
You may not disable any emission controls installed on your engine.
Manufacturers explain in their owner's manual what type of emission
controls exist for each model. Manufacturers may also specify some
minor maintenance you must do to keep emission controls working
properly over the life of the engine.
of is
We don't tell manufacturers how to comply with the regulations, but we
generally expect them to meet the new standards by adding technologies
that have been used in cars for many years, including electronic fuel
systems and three-way catalytic converters. The expected technologies
for nonroad engines, however, do not include the latest improvements
automotive companies have made to meet the more stringent emission
standards that apply to passenger cars and other highway vehicles.
will
We are projecting that manufacturers will see increased costs of about
$600 per engine. This will vary somewhat based on the size of the
engine and the type of fuel that it burns. However, we expect operators
to experience a net savings from these new engines, as described below.
will and
safety?
These technologies should not only reduce emissions, but substantially
improve engine performance. Engines that are already operating with
the expected emission-control technologies have much better fuel effi-
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ciency, need less adjustment, and have less down time for maintenance.
We estimate that fuel consumption will decrease by 20 percent com-
pared with engines that have no emission controls. We expect these fuel
and maintenance savings to be much greater than any extra costs to
produce the cleaner engines. The expected emission controls generally
raise no safety concerns; in fact, reduced CO emissions from the new
engines provide a great safety advantage.
do the
to
We are aware that forklifts, ice-surfacing machines, sweepers, and other
types of equipment operate in areas that may expose people to high
levels of exhaust emissions. Carbon monoxide emissions from engines
that are not certified to emission standards can be particularly high,
which can endanger operators or others who are around the equipment.
This is true whether the engines use gasoline, natural gas, or liquefied
petroleum gas.
Low-emitting engines can help ensure that pollutant concentrations are
at safe levels in enclosed areas, but they are not automatic solutions.
Continued monitoring of local air quality and attention to ventilation
will always be an important responsibility of operators and owners.
Nevertheless, in the long term, we expect manufacturers to reduce CO
emissions by 90 percent or more.
Starting in 2007, engines will have additional features, such as improved
calibrations and diagnostic controls, that help to make sure that each
engine's emission-control system is working over its lifetime. In addi-
tion, we added provisions that give manufacturers flexibility to produce
engines specifically to provide extra protection for applications where
there is a greater concern for individual exposure to exhaust emissions.
For example, manufacturers may sell Blue Sky Series engines, which
have been certified to be cleaner than the standards for other engines. In
addition, the long-term standards encourage manufacturers to tailor their
emission controls based on particular needs for different applications.
I my
equipment?
No. These regulations do not include any specific restrictions about
where you can use your equipment.
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can I get
You can access documents on Large SI engines on the Office of Trans-
portation and Air Quality Web site at:
www.epa.gov/otaq/largesi.htm
You can also contact us at:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Transportation and Air Quality
Assessment and Standards Division
2000 Traverwood Drive
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Voice-mail: (734) 214-4636
E-mail: stout.alan@epa.gov
See additional fact sheets:
* Emission Standards for New Nonroad Engines— Large Industrial
Spark-ignition Engines, Recreational Marine Diesel Engines, and
Recreational Vehicles (EPA420-F-02-037)
* Environmental Impacts of Newly Regulated Nonroad Engines
(EPA420-F-02-033)
« Emission Regulations for Stationary and Mobile Engines
(EPA420-F-02-034)
• How to Maintain or Rebuild Engines Certified to EPA Standards
(EPA420-F-02-035)
• Blue Sky Series Engines (EPA420-F-02-036)
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