IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR OWNERS AND OPERATORS OF DIESEL AGRICULTURAL ENGINES 50 HORSEPOWER AND GREATER

REQUIREMENT FOR REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Agricultural Diesel engines 50 horsepower and greater operating in the Antelope Valley Air Quality Management District (AVAQMD) must be registered with the AVAQMD before April 15, 2008. This requirement is found in District Rule 114, Registration Program for Compression Ignition Engines Used in Small Agricultural Operations and is based on the State’s Airborne Toxic Control Measure (ATCM) for Stationary Diesel Engines. An ARB fact sheet provides additional information and details on the requirements of the ATCM. The new requirements will apply to nearly all diesel engines used to power irrigation pumps, generators, well pumps, etc.; however, they will not apply to diesel engines used to power mobile farm equipment such as trucks and tractors.

Registration applications are now available for download and at the District offices located at 43301 Division Street, Suite 206, Lancaster. The cost of the registration is $325 for each engine. The registration is valid for three (3) years in most cases. - more -

Program Objectives
To improve the quality of the air in the Antelope Valley by funding local, cost-effective projects to upgrade heavy-duty diesel equipment using proven technologies and procedures that reduce oxides of nitrogen (NOx), particulate matter (PM) and reactive organic gases (ROG) from diesel-powered engines. Diesel exhaust is a serious public health risk, considered the number one airborne carcinogen in California, responsible for 70 percent of the cancer risk in CA from toxic air contaminants, and a major contributor to lung and heart problems. Funding is provided by California Air Resources Board’s (ARB) Carl Moyer Memorial Air Quality Standards Attainment Program and DMV Surcharge Fees.

ARB Carl Moyer Program Website:
http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/moyer/moyer.htm

Diesel Equipment Eligible for Repower or Retrofit
• On-road vehicles
• Off-road vehicles/ equipment
• Agricultural water pumps
• Other: Forklifts, locomotives

Funding Availability
To receive funding proposed projects must follow the ARB Carl Moyer Memorial Air Quality Standards Attainment Program guidelines and advisories. Applications will be accepted and evaluated (beginning on May 14, 2008) and until all funds for this fiscal year have been exhausted. Any applications submitted prior to this date will be treated as if received on May 14, 2008.

For repowers, these funds can only be used to cover the difference between the capital cost to repower (e.g. hardware, installation, etc.) and the capital cost to rebuild the existing engine; for new equipment, the additional incremental cost between a new (cleaner-than-required) engine and a standard new diesel engine. Other costs will be the responsibility of the applicant.

Project Selection
Eligible projects must meet the most recent Carl Moyer Program guidelines and advisories. Projects will be funded on a first come, first served basis however, cost-effectiveness, project mix, viability, timeliness, and any performance history established with the AVAQMD will also be considered, so that a broad range of projects can be implemented.

Application

Complete applications will consist of the following:
• Complete and signed application form
• Fuel receipts (and/ or records for mileage, operating hours) for the most recent year(s) of equipment operation
• A quote for the proposed project, along with an estimate of the rebuild cost of the existing engine

Complete Applications should be submitted to:
Antelope Valley AQMD
43301 Division Street, Suite 206
Lancaster, CA 93535

In our continued commitment to local business and the environment, AVAQMD is excited to offer grants towards the replacement of perchloroethylene based dry cleaning equipment. -more-