The City of Santa Ana, Calif., with the help of $55,000 in funding from the Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review Committee (MSRC) Local Government Match Program, has recently completed the installation of emission control devices - diesel particulate filters (DPFs) - on six of its heavy-duty diesel vehicles. The retrofitting project is a continuation of the efforts of the MSRC and the City to improve air quality in the region through clean transportation initiatives, according to a release.

The six heavy-duty diesel vehicles, including water, cement, and dump trucks are essential for daily operations in the community. After careful consideration, it was determined that replacing the trucks with alternative vehicles would not be a practical option for the City. In order to reduce harmful toxins from the trucks’ exhaust, after-treatment devices verified to California Air Resources Board (CARB) Level 3 were installed on the trucks.  Level 3 technology achieves an 85% reduction in particulate matter. Using this conventional strategy, Santa Ana is reducing emissions and purifying the air.

The MSRC awarded a total of $265,000 in Clean Transportation Funding to the City; $55,000 was allotted for the installation of the emission reduction devices, while the remaining $210,000 is reserved for the purchase of seven propane-autogas-powered Ford F-550 trucks. One liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) truck has been ordered and is expected to be delivered and in full operation by early February.

These two environmental transportation projects are part of the Green Facilities, Fleet Management and Central Stores Strategic Plan that is designed to transform 75 to 80% of the City’s fleet of more than 900 vehicles into a line-up of cars, trucks, and equipment powered by sustainable and renewable energy sources. The comprehensive plan integrates alternative and conventional environmental transportation technologies to achieve its aggressive goals.

With the generous support of the MSRC, the City of Santa Ana is able to implement strategies that will cut fuel costs, improve air quality, and benefit the welfare of residents in the southern region of California. For more information on the mission and projects of the MSRC, please go to www.CleanTransportationFunding.org.