Diesel Fuel Requirements for Nonroad Diesel Engines

To give a brief history of fuel emission restrictions, the US Congress began setting such standards in 1963 with the Clean Air Act. The laws began by restricting stationary sources of pollution, like factories, and some older motor vehicles in 1965.  After the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) was formed in 1970 new regulations were put in place for automobiles identifying several hazardous gases, including carbon monoxide and lead. In 1975 the catalytic converter made its debut and is now a standard part of the vehicle exhaust system. Fast forward to 2008 and emission standards are now applied to nonroad vehicles and equipment. In order to reduce the burden on businesses of these regulations the EPA phased in the restrictions, adding stricter requirements each year.

The benefit of these restrictions is two-fold, to protect the emission-control systems placed on these vehicles and to improve public health with cleaner air. Protecting the emission-control systems, including the catalytic converter, from damage will reduce the maintenance costs for equipment owners while also reducing the amount of sulfur and nitrogen oxides in diesel fuel exhaust.

 

In 2010 the EPA restricted fuel sulfur levels in nonroad vehicles to 15ppm (parts per million). This rule includes construction, agricultural, industrial, and airport equipment. It is important for fleet owners or equipment suppliers to ensure their diesel fuel meets these requirements as the finalized rules are now subject to investigation and penalties. Newer engines typically require ULSD (ultra low sulfur diesel) fuels; however older engines will need to be upgraded in order to comply. Engines with greater than 750 horsepower will have one year of flexibility to meet emission standards in order to reduce the economic impact of updating these engines.

 

To make sure your equipment complies with the latest EPA standards speak to a representative from Burkett Oil about our ULSD fuels and other products to help reduce emissions.