ITG systematically evaluates and selects projects to:
- Achieve significant emission reductions
- Be cost-effective (dollars/ton of pollution reduced)
- Generate strong user support
- Be consistent with air quality goals and strategies
- Have wide application potential
- Have potential for expedient implementation
- Involve local partners
- Promote awareness of air pollution issues.
–Jim Payton
Division Manager, Deere Power Systems
Reducing Emissions from Agricultural Operations
ITG?s agricultural booster pump program reduces emissions from diesel-powered engines used on farm irrigation systems. In investigating emission-reduction possibilities in the agriculture industry ? a major industry in Santa Barbara County ? ITG found that many farms used older, high-emitting pump engines. These engines are typically rebuilt rather than replaced, and remain in service for many years. Since the engines are used most during summer and fall, the county?s peak smog season, their replacement offered an ideal smog precursor reduction project.
ITG developed an incentive program to encourage farmers to purchase low-emission diesel engines to replace the older engines, reducing emissions of NOx by as much as 75 percent. The new engines are also more fuel-efficient, and easier to maintain. About sixty pump engines have been replaced to date. Twenty more are targeted for replacement.
The agricultural booster pump project is projected to reduce NOx emissions by 400 tons. ?It?s a win-win for the farmer and the county?s air.?
–Joe Prandini Betteravia Farms Santa Maria, who has replaced nineteen high-emitting pump engines with low-emission engines through ITG?s program