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2008 Issue

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At the Ecology Center

School Bus Testing Featured on Channel 4 News

June/July Issue, 2004

Initial results of a test of diesel engine pollution from Ann Arbor Public Schools (AAPS) buses demonstrate that easy-to-install, widely available technology can virtually eliminate soot emissions from bus tailpipes. The school bus diesel study, which the Ecology Center worked on, was the subject of a WDIV (Channel 4) News story in April.

The testing was done in mid-April by the AAPS District, with help from the Ecology Center, the East Michigan Environmental Action Council, Boston-based Clean Air Task Force, volunteers from Purdue University, the City of Ann Arbor, and the University of Michigan.

“Riding the school bus is still the safest way for our children to get to school, but the ride could be an even more healthy experience if we cleaned up emissions from the tailpipes of our buses,” said Randall J. Trent, Director of Environmental and Utility Services for the Ann Arbor Public School District. “We are committed to taking further action to add emission controls to our buses, and have put in a request for funding from an upcoming bond issue,” Trent added.

Diesel soot particles present a health risk while children are riding buses to school, and while they are waiting to board idling buses outside of school buildings. Diesel soot contains a high percentage of fine and ultra-fine particles. Soot has been found to trigger asthma attacks in children, and has other health impacts.

Emissions from a test bus – selected for its average age and usage, and driven on a typical route – were measured both before and after it was outfitted with a diesel particulate filter and ultra-low sulfur fuel. With the filter and the fuel, soot emissions from the tailpipe dropped from levels that exceeded the range of the testing equipment down to virtually zero.

AAPS has already taken steps to reduce children’s exposure to diesel emissions through implementing a no-idling policy and piloting the use of ultra-low sulfur fuel and biodeisel fuels, as well as purchasing a CNG (natural gas) bus. The district is now working to raise the funds needed to purchase equipment that reduces emissions even further, making its buses even safer.

The TV-news stories about the school bus study were broadcast on Thursday, April 15 on the 6 pm and 11 pm news, and on Friday at 6 am. Visit the WDIV website for more information about the broadcasts: www.clickondetroit.com.

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