Emisstar In The News

January 20, 2012: Emisstar Audits Cerion Energy's GO2 Technology with Favorable Results. Recent PEMS testing performed by the Emisstar team has been featured in Super Yacht News. Emisstar tested Cerion Energy's nanoparticle fuel additive, GO2, on diesel engine fuel economy and emissions with the motor yacht Big Fish in late May 2011. One five-hour sea-trial occurred off the Port of Everglades, Florida while the other sets of trials were conducted on the way to Sweden, after the vessel crossed the Atlantic.

During this test, the crew reported seeing less soot than usual, which was backed up by the results of the tests. GO2 usage resulted in an improvement in fuel economy of eleven percent, a reduction of CO2 by 7 percent, unburned hydrocarbons by 41 percent and particulate matter by twenty percent. Based on these results, Cerion will promote the fuel additive as a product that produces 8-14 percent savings in fuel consumption. Factors that impact the actual fuel savings include age of the engine as well as engine design and maintenance.

Cerion plans to begin negotiations with engine manufacturers to use GO2 as a solution for current compliance standards for emissions and fuel reductions. The product is currently available for $550 per gallon in the market today. Cerion's distribution facility in Fort Lauderdale, Florida provides one-day delivery to the surrounding areas. In Europe, GO2 is distributed through ECOsuperyacht in five locations. It is also planning to open distribution in marinas in St. Maarten and St. Thomas, as well as Australia, New Zealand and several other locations in South East Asia.

For more information, please see the article in Super Yacht here. More information about GO2 is available here.

February 3, 2011 - Emisstar Achieves First U.S. Vehicle Certification of Smith Newton All-Electric, Zero Emission Delivery Vehicle - Emisstar LLC is pleased to announce that the company has achieved new vehicle emissions certification of Smith Electric Vehicle’s Newton as the first on-highway all-electric, zero emission commercial vehicle through the California Air Resource Board (ARB). Partnering with Smith, Emisstar crafted requisite engineering arguments and facilitated the approval process from testing to document submissions, pioneering the approval process for these new medium-duty, all-electric commercial vehicles—a necessary step for vehicle sales in California and throughout the United States.

Vehicle certification is available to fleets through ARB and the EPA. Both entities require detailed manufacturing information, including detailed emissions data proving that an engine meets national standards. Before Emisstar’s work with Smith, no process was in place by ARB to approve zero emissions, all-electric commercial vehicles. Emisstar began working with ARB for Newton approval in 2009, allowing for the inclusion of Smith’s vehicles in successful DOE and EPA grant proposals authored by Emisstar on behalf of Smith and customers. Emisstar has continued certification on the 2010 and 2011 model year vehicles for Smith.

The Newton represents Smith Electric Vehicles foray into the US auto market as Smith Electric Vehicles US Corp. Available in classes 5, 6 and 7, the Newton can be configured in 80 and 120 kilowatt models (kW), with a 40 kW model planned for release in 2011. The electric vehicles give American fleets the option to eschew foreign oil in favor of connecting to the grid while operating a world-class, zero tailpipe emissions vehicle with up to 96% less total lifecycle emissions than equivalent pre-2007 diesel counterparts.

View the press release here.

October 13, 2010 - $2M Emerging Technology Project Successfully Completed - Emisstar LLC is pleased to announce completion of a $2 million EPA grant to reduce diesel emissions from the barges and tugboats that travel the Mississippi River. The project funded the installation of Xtrm Cat™ Diesel Oxidation Catalysts on six towboats with high horsepower marine engines. Emisstar testing demonstrated potential reductions of greater than 40%, which will result in eliminating more than 125 tons of particulate matter as well as reductions in emissions of other air pollutants over the next five years.

Emisstar worked with three other project partners, including project sponsor Mississippi River Corridor-Tennessee (MRCT), fleet provider Ingram Barge and technology provider ESW Group. MRCT was the lead applicant in the EPA Technology Grant, and collaborated with Emisstar; ESW Group, a leader in the development and manufacturing of a diverse line of proprietary catalytic emission control products and technologies; and Ingram Barge Company, a Tennessee-based company with the nation’s largest fleet of inland river towboats and barges.

Emisstar Principal Michael Block said, “The maritime industry represents the next frontier in emission and energy savings technology advancements. Emisstar greatly appreciates the opportunity this innovative project partnership presented in leading the technical management and technology performance assessment with such a distinguished group of industry and community partners.”

“The result from our year-long testing process with an elite group of national partners is especially rewarding as it will advance the MRCT’s mission to improve the quality of life and prosperity for our citizens in West Tennessee and eventually, all of the communities along our great rivers,” said MRCT Executive Director Diana Threadgill. “We believe this innovative emerging technology will have a positive and significant impact on air quality throughout numerous river regions, particularly the ten states that border the Mississippi River.”

David Sehrt, Senior Vice President and Chief Operations Officer of Ingram Barge Company agrees. “We are excited to have had this opportunity to help develop cutting-edge technologies to reduce air pollution,” said Sehrt. “Recent studies have shown that barge transportation generates fewer air emissions than either rail or long-haul trucking. Deploying technologies like the catalysts involved in this project is one way Ingram has decided to do even more to improve air quality in the areas where we operate.”

David J. Johnson, ESW's President and CEO, said, “We are proud to have worked with this diverse group of partners dedicated to taking on the challenge of implementing emissions reductions in marine vessels ahead of legislated requirements. The Xtrm Cat™ emerging technology is designed to meet the demanding environment of high horsepower marine engines with no impact on vessel performance. This project will serve as a model for long term diesel emissions reductions for the entire marine sector.”

This project will help EPA reach its goal of maximizing public health benefits by achieving significant, long-lasting reductions in diesel emissions on the Mississippi River and improving air quality in the Lower Basin area. The reduction of 125 tons of PM is equivalent to removing approximately 300 diesel highway trucks from local highways.

View the press release here.

September 16, 2010 - Emisstar and Capacity Announce Successful Completion of the World's First Pluggable Hybrid Terminal Tractor (PHETT) Project - Emisstar LLC and Capacity of Texas, Inc. announced today the successful completion of Capacity’s New Technology Research and Development (NTRD) grant from the State of Texas for the development of a functional prototype Pluggable Hybrid Electric Terminal Tractor (PHETT). The grant was completed by Capacity of Texas, in partnership with Alternative Motive Power Systems, LLC of Alexandria, Ohio, and Emisstar LLC.

The project was funded by the State of Texas through a grant from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality’s NTRD Program. Capacity developed a modular hybrid electric terminal tractor capable of operating in either a generator set “charge-sustaining” hybrid mode or in a “zero-emissions” mode using grid-supplied power. The final PEMS report released by Emisstar and Capacity marks the successful completion of the grant and project for the TCEQ. Copies of the report are available for download from our website here.

Emisstar performed on-board emission testing and prototype vehicle performance validation at the Port of Houston to quantify the impressive fuel economy improvements and emission reductions of the PHETT under real world cargo offloading conditions. Emisstar’s testing documented fuel economy improvement of 47 percent, on average, compared to traditional diesel-powered terminal tractors, and significant duty-cycle specific reductions in the total mass emissions of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides.

“Rigorous in-use PEMS testing has validated the performance and promise of the PHETT, a sustainable transportation solution for port, rail and drayage applications worldwide,” stated Emisstar Principal Glenn P. Goldstein. “Capacity of Texas is to be commended for their efforts in developing this industry-leading technology, which will play an important role in taking the U.S. one step closer to energy independence.”

Capacity of Texas developed the PHETT’s propulsion system with AMPS, a critical components supplier whose proprietary control and power management systems make them an industry leader in green motive power. Additionally, Capacity’s patent-pending hydraulic and pneumatic power systems for the PHETT are uniquely powered by a single, dual-shaft variable speed motor.

Phillip Ford, President of Capacity of Texas, noted, “As a leader in the terminal tractor industry, we are pleased to receive the grant from the state of Texas to develop a Pluggable Hybrid Electric Terminal Tractor. The valuable testing completed by Emisstar was an important validation of our PHETT technology under real-world operating conditions at the POH. The development of this fully commercialized product will reduce emissions at all ports, intermodal yards and warehousing/distribution centers not only in North America but also throughout the world. Capacity of Texas is dedicated to environmental stewardship by improving our product with the latest technology in electronic controls, ultra-clean combustion engines and overall green propulsion. We want to thank Emisstar, AMPS and the TCEQ as important partners in achieving those goals.”

November 19, 2009 - Emisstar and Partners Recieve $2 Million EPA Emerging Technology Grant Award - Collaboration between Environmental Solutions Worldwide, Mississippi River Corridor, Ingram Barge and Emisstar will retrofit marine engines to reduce 94.3 million tons of PM.

Obtaining Significant Reductions in Air Emissions ~November 17, 2009 - MEMPHIS (TN) The Mississippi River Corridor - Tennessee is a non-profit organization and is dedicated to the economic development, land and wildlife preservation of the six counties that border the Mississippi River along the entire western border of Tennessee. This Tennessee Corporation works in the promotion and coordination of seven Project Categories: Economic Development, Transportation, Conservation, Environment, Recreation, Heritage Development, Health & Wellness and Education. Project partners include ESW Canada, a retrofit technology provider, Ingram Barge, a Tennessee based company with one of the nation’s largest fleets of inland river towboats and barges, Emisstar LLC, a portable emissions testing company and the MRCT.

This collaboration of highly qualified companies dedicated to the reduction of diesel emissions is expected to result in the elimination of 94.3 tons of Particulate Matter (PM) as well as achieve reductions in emissions of other air pollutants. This project will maximize public health benefits by achieving significant, long-lasting reductions in diesel emissions on the Mississippi River and will improve air quality in the Lower Basin area. Locomotive and marine diesel engines contribute significantly to air pollution in many of our nation’s cities and towns. EPA anticipates that over the next few decades, these engines may account for an even greater share of overall emissions as other emission control programs take effect for cars and trucks and other nonroad emissions sources. The reduction of 94.3 tons of PM is equivalent to removing over 200 diesel highway trucks from local highways.

“On behalf of our Board of Directors and dedicated staff, the Mississippi River Corridor – Tennessee is honored to accept the EPA grant award for their Clean Diesel Emerging Technologies program which we proudly share with an elite group of partners”, said Diana Threadgill, MRCT Executive Director. “The award is especially rewarding as it will advance our mission to improve the quality of life and prosperity for our citizens in west Tennessee and eventually, all of the communities that populate our great rivers. We believe this innovative emerging technology will have a positive and significant impact on air quality throughout numerous river regions, particularly the ten states that border the Mississippi River.”

David Sehrt, Senior Vice President and Chief Operations Officer, Ingram Barge Company: “We are excited about this opportunity to help develop cutting-edge technologies to reduce air pollution. Recent studies have shown that barge transportation generates fewer air emissions than either rail or long-haul trucking. Deploying technologies like the catalysts involved in this project is one way Ingram has decided to do even more to improve air quality in the areas where we operate.”

Emisstar’s Principal Glenn P. Goldstein said, “The maritime industry represents the next frontier in emission and energy savings technology advancements. Emisstar welcomes the opportunity this innovative project partnership presents in leading the technical management and technology performance assessment with such a distinguished group of industry and community partners.”

David J. Johnson, ESW’s President and CEO: “We are proud to be working with a group of partners dedicated to taking on the challenge of implementing emissions reductions in marine vessels ahead of legislated requirements. The XtrmCat™ emerging technology is designed to meet the demanding environment of high horsepower marine engines with no impact on vessel performance. This project will serve as a model for long term diesel emissions reductions for the entire marine sector.”

October 13, 2009 - Strategic Partnership Between Emisstar LLC and Sensors, Inc. to Advance the Field of Emissions Testing and Measurement - Collaboration Expected to Further Refine Understanding of Criteria and Other Pollutant Emissions to Create Opportunities in Emerging Field of Carbon Management

An exciting development in the field of emissions testing and measurement was announced today with the formal alliance between Sensors, Inc., one of the world’s foremost manufacturers of emissions analyzers for mobile testing applications, and Emisstar LLC, a leading emissions and energy technology consulting firm.

By entering into a strategic partnership, Sensors, Inc. and Emisstar LLC expect to broaden the field of emissions testing and measurement of engine and vehicle emissions to accommodate the emerging fields of greenhouse gas emissions, carbon offsets and energy management.

The partners envision a number of outcomes from the alliance that will redefine the emissions industry:

* Working with stakeholders to incorporate the use of real-world emissions and fuel consumption data into regulatory, market and policy decisions;

* Matching the progression of sustainable technology and renewable energy advancements in motive power with the tools necessary to measure energy and emissions performance across the global supply chain;

* Developing novel technologies for carbon measurement, trading and reporting; and

* Developing emissions measurement tools and protocols to provide relevant emissions data for new engine compliance testing and technology verification processes through both the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Air Resources Board (ARB).

“The alliance between Emisstar and Sensors enables all segments of industry employing internal combustion engines to accurately measure their fuel economy and emissions output under real world operating conditions. This information is essential for optimizing the efficiency of operations and provides auditable data for compliance testing and the trading of GHG emission credits. We are excited that the complementary strengths of our two companies can be applied to this critically important and emerging field of energy management,” said Andrew Reading, President/CEO of Sensors, Inc.

Glenn P. Goldstein, Principal/Owner of Emisstar, LLC, added, “As we plunge headfirst into the Energy-Climate Era, more and more institutions, organizations and corporations around the world are calling for the tools to better understand the connections between fuel economy, emissions, carbon and sustainable mobility. We believe this important strategic partnership best positions Emisstar to respond to this calling while working with a world-class leader to advance the field of in-use testing and satisfy our clients’ needs globally.”

About Emisstar LLC

Emisstar LLC is a leading energy, emissions and sustainable transportation technology consulting practice for the low emissions and low carbon economy.

About Sensors, Inc.

For forty years Sensors has been committed to the development of innovative emission testing products culminating in the SEMTECH line of instrumentation. Today, Sensors’ SEMTECH analyzers are recognized as the industry standard for Portable Emission Measurement Systems (PEMS) for both gaseous and particulate emissions. Additional information can be found at www.sensors-inc.com.


August 26, 2009 - Innovative Truck Program Steers Houston Toward Cleaner Air - EPA SmartWaySM Funding provides incentives for truckers operating at the Port of Houston to receive much-needed engine retrofits, upgrades

In a major move to help improve regional air quality, Environmental Protection Agency Assistant Administrator Gina McCarthy today announced a $9 million American Recovery and Reinvestment Act SmartWaySM Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) award to the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC).

Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), with the Port of Houston Authority (PHA) and H-GAC, in conjunction with air quality consultants Emisstar LLC, partnered on the grant application for SmartWaySM program funds to tackle one of the largest and most difficult-to-address sources of pollution at any port: drayage trucks.

“This collaborative effort represents exactly the type of other partnerships needed to address the serious air quality issues in our region,” said Dr. Elena Craft, an air quality specialist with EDF, which pioneered the effort. "When business, civic, and environmental communities come together to address seemingly insurmountable issues, great progress can be made,” she said.

Drayage trucks are diesel-fueled, heavy-duty trucks that transport shipping containers. The DERA award will fund a bridge loan program that provides resources for retrofits or for newer, less-polluting trucks. The program targets owners of the more than 3,000 trucks operating at the Port of Houston, where most truckers are self-employed, owner-operators, or employees of one of the more than 150 private companies that are Port of Houston terminal operators. DERA funding will be combined with local funding sources leveraged from the state and the port to support cleaner vehicles.

Over the life of the program, the following emission reductions are anticipated: 1,638 tons of nitrous oxide; 26.7 tons of particulate matter; 27.4 tons of volatile organic compounds; 239 tons of carbon monoxide; and 3,636 tons carbon dioxide.

Representing a unique partnership across a diversity of sectors, the bridge loan program represents a breakthrough in reducing truck emissions one of our most challenging areas.

“The commitment and broad-based support of local leaders illustrates that the quality of the air we breathe is everyone’s responsibility,” said Alan Clark, H-GAC Director of Transportation Planning.

“The Port of Houston Authority is pleased to continue its support of programs that help in the reduction of air emissions,” said PHA Chairman James T. Edmonds. “The Clean Truck program is just one part of an important series of strategies in the Port of Houston Authority’s Clean Air Strategy Plan, an environmental stewardship program designed to help improve air quality in our region.”

View the full press release here.


July 7, 2009 - Emisstar Study Shows Natural Gas Vehicle Incentive Programs Contribute to Successful Fleet Emission Reduction Efforts

Regional and local governments and private fleets operating in the New York Metropolitan area are facing mounting pressures to address harmful air contaminants and greenhouse gas emissions, especially those from mobile sources such as diesel-powered trucks, transit buses, utility/contractor and delivery vehicles.

But progress toward reducing emissions by switching to clean-burning natural gas vehicles (NGVs) is gaining strength, according to a new research report published today by Emisstar LLC. The study authors attribute much of the progress achieved to NGV financial incentive programs adopted by municipal planning or air quality agencies.

Emisstar Principal Glenn Goldstein said, “Our aim with this study was to analyze existing incentive-based emissions reduction approaches nationwide, and to recommend how a regional NGV financial incentive program could be developed and implemented in the New York area.” The Emisstar report was commissioned by NGV America, a national organization dedicated to the development of a growing, sustainable and profitable market for vehicles powered by natural gas or hydrogen.

Remarking on the study, NGV America President Rich Kolodziej, said, “Municipalities and agencies throughout the New York region are working hard to comply with evolving emissions reduction mandates, and are actively seeking ways to cost-effectively replace their aging diesel vehicle fleets with alternative-fueled models.”

Kolodziej cited the New York townships of Smithtown and Brookhaven as examples of local municipalities that have implemented a 100-percent natural gas fuel standard for their contracted refuse hauling fleets, in cooperation with project partners Clean Energy Fuels Corp. (Nasdaq: CLNE) and National Grid (LSE:NG, NYSE: NGG ). “In both cases, financial grants, subsidies and rebates for natural gas vehicle purchases were major factors in the success of the towns’ fleet emission reduction efforts.”

In the New York region, Emisstar reports that there is a large, currently unsatisfied demand for alternative-fueled vehicles. “Addressing this $90 million backlog by replacing diesel vehicles with NGVs would dramatically curtail harmful emissions. With this approach, we estimate that total reduction of air contaminants would approach 6,000 tons annually.”

The Emisstar report suggests a specific framework for a regional natural gas program that would offer incentives for the replacement of Class 6 through Class 8 diesel-fueled vehicles with new vehicles powered by natural gas. The report provides detailed recommendations regarding administrative processes and program criteria including vehicle eligibility, scrapping requirements, funding sources and thresholds based on emissions reduced. The recommendations were based upon extensive interviews of stakeholders in the public and private sector, as well as an analysis of existing emission reduction incentive programs, including the Texas Emissions Reduction Plan and California’s Carl Moyer Air Quality Standards Attainment Program.

“The study results demonstrate the feasibility of implementing a voluntary natural gas vehicle incentive program that is attractive to business and public interest alike,” Goldstein concluded.

The Emisstar Natural Gas Vehicle Incentive Program Report is available for downloading at no charge here. Emisstar LLC is an independent consulting practice that focuses on energy and mobile emissions policy, technology and implementation for the low carbon economy.

National Grid is an international energy delivery company. In the U.S., National Grid delivers electricity to approximately 3.3 million customers in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York and Rhode Island, and manages the electricity network on Long Island under an agreement with the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA). It is the largest distributor of natural gas in the northeastern U.S., serving approximately 3.4 million customers in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York and Rhode Island. National Grid also owns over 4,000 megawatts of contracted electricity generation that provides power to over one million LIPA customers.

Clean Energy (Nasdaq: CLNE) is the leading provider of natural gas (CNG and LNG) for transportation in North America. It has a broad customer base in the refuse, transit, ports, shuttle, taxi, trucking, airport and municipal fleet markets, fueling more than 17,200 vehicles at 184 strategic locations across the United States and Canada. Clean Energy owns and operates two LNG production plants, one in Willis, TX and one in Boron, CA, with combined capacity of 260,000 LNG gallons per day and designed to expand to 340,000 LNG gallons per day as demand increases. It also owns and operates a landfill gas facility in Dallas, TX that produces renewable methane gas or biogas for delivery in the nation’s gas pipeline network. Please visit www.cleanenergyfuels.com


February 3, 2009 - Emisstar’s New Testing Services Delivers National Network of Engine and Vehicle Test Facilities and On-Vehicle Measurement Systems

Emisstar now offers solutions for assessing emissions and energy technology under real-world and laboratory conditions

Emisstar today announced the launch of Emisstar Testing areas, comprised of three key areas:

• Test Channel™ – Emisstar’s network of nationally recognized testing facilities for engine and chassis dynamometer testing,
• Portable Emissions Measurement Systems (PEMS) – On-vehicle measurement instrumentation providing energy and emissions performance evaluation under real-world conditions and
• Low-Cost Carbon Measurement (LCCM™) – Telematics-integrated, carbon measurement technology platform for commercial vehicle applications.

Testing Services expands upon Emisstar’s well-established energy and emissions engineering and policy expertise by adding in-use emissions testing, partnerships with leading national testing facilities and greenhouse gas measurement capabilities to our core competencies.

Given mounting pressures to improve fuel economy, reduce emissions and mitigate carbon risk across the global supply chain, Emisstar utilizes these state-of-the art tools to help clients develop effective solutions to energy and emissions challenges.

Emisstar’s Testing Services will compliment an existing suite of services for clients looking to evaluate energy and emissions performance under real-time and laboratory conditions for a variety of applications, including:

• Engine and vehicle certification;
• Diesel emissions control technology verification;
• Development of clean, energy-efficient vehicle technologies including alternative engines and powertrain systems, fuels and lubricants, and components;
• Technology performance evaluation using EPA SmartWay test procedures;
• Criteria emissions, including NOx, PM, HC and CO;
• Greenhouse gas emissions, including CO2;
• Providing the technological link between transportation offset projects and carbon markets.

APPLICATIONS:

• Hybrid electric and inherently low emission vehicles
• Energy intelligent systems
• Energy storage and conversion technology
• Alternative, renewable and low carbon fuels
• Energy, emissions and air quality modeling and policy
• Voluntary and regulated carbon markets
• Regulatory compliance

BENEFICIARIES:

• Government policy makers
• Telematic system, software and GPS providers
• OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers and emission control technology providers
• Academic, governmental, research and non-profit institutions
• Sustainable mobility companies
• Clean vehicle technology providers

SUPPORTING QUOTES:

“The launch of Testing Services represents a defining moment in addressing the challenges of the mobile sources energy and emissions community,” emphasized Emisstar CTO Michael Block. “By providing empirical data, energy and emissions models can be better validated, green products can be more expeditiously commercialized and green vehicle technology users can better assess their ROI.”

“Today Emisstar positions itself as a leading services provider to public and private sector participants in the low carbon economy,” added Emisstar CEO Glenn P. Goldstein. “Our suite of testing services enables companies to more effectively transition into an environment where energy efficiency, emission reductions and carbon management differentiate the technology leaders and innovators from the followers.”

View the press release here.

July 29, 2008 - Emisstar Completes 2-Year Emission Control Technology Showcase

One of the largest and most technologically innovative diesel emission reduction projects in the U.S. has just been completed, Emisstar LLC announced today, at the NYC Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP’s) Croton Water Treatment Plant in the Bronx, NY. Since 2005, construction equipment emissions of particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) were reduced by 0.7 tons and by 1.2 tons respectively, representing cumulative total emission reductions of 96.5% at the project site.

“By all measures the Croton project exceeded everyone’s expectations,” remarked Emisstar Principal Glenn P. Goldstein. “From the sheer size of the undertaking, the number of new technologies deployed, the conclusive results achieved and validated for the construction workers on-site, city agencies and the community-at-large—this project pushed the envelope of what is achievable and has advanced our collective scientific understanding in the field of emissions control and measurement.”

“DEP’s partnership with Emisstar used state-of-the-art technology to substantially reduce emissions from equipment at the Croton site,” said DEP Commissioner Emily Lloyd. “It is an important part of DEP’s overall efforts to minimize the impacts that projects have on on-site workers and local communities.”

The Croton Water Treatment Project is recognized as the first official implementation of “Best Available Technology” under NYC Local Law 77 to reduce diesel emissions from construction equipment on public works contracts, ultimately improving air quality and addressing public health concerns. The law requires the use of emissions control technology on non-road diesel engines over fifty horsepower used at City construction sites. Emisstar led the consulting engineering and implementation effort, including use of its proprietary Emisstar Analytics software, on-board emissions testing, technical project management and outreach coordination between stakeholder groups.

To achieve the emissions reductions at the project site, Emisstar worked with 16 potential ECT manufacturers and completed analyses to verify the suitability of each technology for each piece of equipment. A total of 25 machines were retrofitted with technologies achieving the highest level of reductions under NYC local law, including the first-ever application of novel emission control technologies from Johnson Matthey, Rypos, Huss and Engine Control Systems for the non-road sector. Emisstar and project partner Environment Canada conducted in-use testing on the equipment to verify the actual emission reductions achieved on-site. In conjunction with this announcement, two technical publications from the project are now available for download.

A copy of the Cumulative Emissions Reduction Report is available here.

A copy of the In-Use Testing Report is available here.

The project’s success was driven by the collective focus on cleaner air and quality of life for the surrounding community by the project stakeholders, which included the NYC Department of Environmental Protection, Schiavone Construction Company, URS Malcolm Pirnie, Environmental Defense, technology providers, public officials and concerned citizen groups. The Croton Water Treatment Plant, when completed in 2011, will supply up to 33% of New York City’s fresh drinking water supply on a daily basis.

July 2, 2008 - Emisstar Announces Award of Grant for Pluggable Hybrid Electric Terminal Tractor

Emisstar LLC announced today the award of a New Technology Research and Development grant from the State of Texas, totaling $722,000, for the development of a Pluggable Hybrid Electric Terminal Tractor (PHETT). Emisstar wrote the successful grant proposal for their client, Capacity of Texas. The competitive grant has been awarded to Capacity of Texas, in partnership with Alternative Motive Power Systems, LLC of Alexandria, Ohio, and Emisstar LLC.

The project, funded by the State of Texas through a grant from the Texas Environmental Research Consortium and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, involves development of a modular hybrid electric terminal tractor that will improve fuel economy 60 to 70 percent while reducing emissions over 90 percent. Terminal tractors operate at ports, rail yards and other areas where air quality is often a concern.

Capacity of Texas will develop the PHETT’s propulsion system with AMPS, whose proprietary control and power management systems make them an industry leader in green motive power. The PHETT will be capable of operating in either a generator set “charge-sustaining” hybrid mode or in a “zero-emissions” mode using grid power.

As part of the project, Emisstar will manage the on-board emission testing and performance validation to quantify the expected fuel economy improvements and criteria pollutant and greenhouse gas emission reductions.

“Emisstar is pleased to participate in this substantial grant with Capacity of Texas to develop a low-emissions, fuel-efficient terminal tractor for port, rail and drayage applications worldwide,” remarked Emisstar Program Director, Kathi Harris. “Creating and facilitating energy and carbon efficient technologies and processes for commercial and industrial applications is at the core of our Sustainable Transportation practice.”

Phillip Ford, President of Capacity of Texas, noted, “As a leader in the terminal tractor industry, we are pleased to receive the grant from the state of Texas to develop a Pluggable Hybrid Electric Terminal Tractor. The development of this product will reduce emissions at all Ports, Intermodal Yards and Warehousing/Distribution Centers not only in North America but also throughout the world. Capacity of Texas is dedicated to environmental stewardship by improving our product with the latest technology in electronic controls, ultra-clean combustion engines and overall green propulsion. Emisstar and AMPS are strategic partners in achieving those goals.”

View the press release here.

May 20, 2008 - Emisstar Expands Operations Into California

Building upon the expertise and success in other areas of the US, Emisstar LLC is pleased to announce the opening of its newest office in California. Strategically located in the Los Angeles Basin in Santa Fe Springs, the opening of this new office expands Emisstar’s consulting practice into a state that is at the forefront of air quality and energy issues.

“We are excited about the opportunities that the State of California offers to Emisstar,” said Emisstar Principal Michael Block. “The opening and staffing of an office in California underscores our commitment to fully serve this all-important marketplace, providing the type of mobile source emissions and energy services that have distinguished our company in other geographic areas of the US. We look forward to working with the California government and the private sector alike to improve California’s air quality and reduce energy consumption, while maintaining the vitality and strength of the State’s economy.”

Emisstar provides consulting services focusing upon the scientific, technology, policy, business and public health challenges surrounding mobile air emissions. With offices in Texas, New York and New England, and now the new office in California, Emisstar offers clients nationwide access to an extensive scope of services encompassing the energy and emissions arena. These services include, but are not limited to, assisting clients in understanding and reducing criteria pollutants and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions; providing state-of-the-art technical services enabling fleets to most effectively meet the requirements of complex energy and emissions regulations; using portable emissions measurement systems (PEMS) and other techniques to determine the effectiveness of energy and emissions remediation strategies; assisting trucking and logistics providers in reducing their carbon footprint to reduce costs and improve their EPA SmartWay ranking; assisting and securing grant funding for a myriad of energy enhancement and emissions reduction programs; and developing strategic planning and market assessment programs enabling clients to best meet the challenges of an ever-evolving marketplace. View the press release here.

March 1, 2008 - Release of Strategic Technology Assessment Diesel Database and Final Report

The Texas Environmental Research Consortium/Houston Advanced Research Center (TERC/HARC) has just made public the final deliverables from the Strategic Technology Assessment project: the Diesel Database itself and the Final Report. This project, completed by Emisstar LLC and partner Eastern Research Group, created an interactive tool designed to predict nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions for nonroad construction machines in the Houston-Galveston-Brazoria region of Texas by modeling emissions scenarios for specific equipment and emissions control technologies. More information is available here.

November 1, 2007 – Emisstar Awarded Contract with Rockland County

Emisstar LLC today announced the award of a contract with the County of Rockland, in New York State, to determine the “best available retrofit technologies” (BART) for 57 transit vehicles owned and operated by the County. Emisstar will evaluate the applicability of various emissions control technologies for use in their transit fleet to help maximize diesel emissions reductions and comply with mandatory retrofit phase in requirements, while ensuring safe vehicle performance and minimal fleet operation disruptions. Under the terms of the contract, Emisstar will perform a comprehensive fleet analysis with engine and vehicle datalogging, develop appropriate BART recommendations, and finally prepare a detailed emissions control technology bid solicitation for the County’s purchasing department. Technical assistance and compliance engineering services will also be provided under the contract. The project, which is funded with federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality funds, is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2008.

October 10, 2007 – Emisstar Completes Participation in Major New York State Initiative Evaluating Clean Diesel Technologies

Emisstar LLC announced today completion of its participation in a project to evaluate, install and test clean diesel technologies for the “Clean Diesel Technology: Non-Road Field Demonstration Program” at the New York City Department of Sanitation in Maspeth, Queens, NY.

The project is sponsored by The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) in collaboration with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and is supplemented by a grant from the US Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) National Clean Diesel Campaign. Under a multi-year agreement with NYSERDA, Emisstar joined a team led by Southern Research Institute to inventory non-road equipment operating in the New York Metro Area (NYMA), deploy 27 clean diesel technologies and evaluate in-use emissions performance for 15 of them for particulate matter (PM) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) using a standard in-use testing protocol.

"This focus on off-road vehicles, typically used in construction, is an important element in understanding how emission-control technologies can play a role in improving air quality in the New York City Metropolitan Area and statewide,” said Paul D. Tonko, president and CEO, NYSERDA. “We are pleased to cooperate with several government agencies in this project."

This final phase of the project involves comprehensive in-use emissions measurement testing using portable emissions measurement systems. Actual in-use emissions measurement should conclusively demonstrate the effectiveness of different technologies to reduce emissions from diesel equipment, improving the air quality in the NYMA.

Air emissions from diesel equipment have been linked to a wide array of health problems, as well as to ozone and smog formation. “Reducing the emissions of diesel pollution is a crucial component of EPA’s strategy for cleaner air and healthier Americans,” said Alan J. Steinberg, Regional Administrator, EPA. “Diesel emissions are a significant source of pollution and a risk to public health, but together with our partners, we are moving America toward a cleaner, healthier, more productive future.”

Emission control technology providers recruited to the project by Emisstar include Airflow Catalyst Systems, Airmeex, Caterpillar, Clean Air Systems, DCL, Donaldson, Engine Control Systems, Extengine, HUSS, Johnson Matthey and Nett Technologies.

“Emisstar is pleased to be involved in this important demonstration project to reduce both PM and NOx emissions in the NYMA,” said Emisstar Principal and Chief Technical Officer Michael Block. “The project advances our understanding of non-road emission control technology performance by showcasing both commercially available EPA and ARB-verified technologies, as well as advance-development, novel technologies that may see commercialization in the coming years. Additionally, the in-use emissions testing component quantifies actual control technology performance in real-world use, providing a valuable public policy tool for New York State in developing programs to improve public health and the environment.”

September 24, 2007 – Emisstar becomes EPA SmartWay Transport Partner

Emisstar LLC has been officially designated an Affiliate Member of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) SmartWay Transport Partnership. SmartWay Transport is a voluntary partnership between various freight industry sectors and the EPA that establishes incentives for fuel efficiency improvements and greenhouse gas emissions reductions.

The Affiliate level of the SmartWay Transport Partnership is for organizations that are committed to promoting greater energy efficiency and air quality within the freight transport sector. Affiliates assist clients in making better choices for their businesses and the environment. By facilitating participation in the SmartWay Transport Partnership, Emisstar helps clients get the information and tools they need to reduce fuel consumption, save money and make a positive impact on the environment.

By 2012, the EPA SmartWay Transport Partnership aims to reduce between 33 - 66 million metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and up to 200,000 tons of nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions per year. At the same time, the initiative will result in fuel savings of up to 150 million barrels of oil annually.

May 2007 - Emisstar Launches New Website

New York, NY & Austin, TX: Emisstar, a leading consulting firm in the field of mobile emissions technology, policy and project implementation, officially announced the launch of its new corporate and client website.

December 2006 - Diesel Technology Forum Report

Washington DC : The Diesel Technology Forum recently released a report, co-authored by Emisstar Principal Michael C. Block, on improving the emissions performance of existing diesel vehicles through increased use of retrofit technologies.
Click here to download the full report.