PLEASE NOTE: These bulletins, published since 1997, are historical. The content is not updated.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), significant pollution reductions from existing diesel trucks and buses can be achieved by using Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) fuel in combination with "emission particulate traps." This combination can reduce the emission of particulate combustion by-products by as much as 90 percent below the levels of typical diesel fuel. ULSD contains no more than 15 parts per million of sulfur, much lower than the 500 parts per million that can be found in typical diesel fuels. Regulations of the EPA require that ULSD be available nationwide beginning in 2006. Today's bulletin highlights the work of King County agencies to reduce sulfur emissions through conversion to ULSD fuels ahead of the 2006 deadline and in accordance with King County's Clean Air Initiative.
King County Metro Transit began testing ULSD and particulate filters in buses in 2001 and began regular use in 2002, in 369 coaches. These tests have shown that the combination can provide a 90% reduction in particulate matter, carbon dioxide and hydrocarbons. Ultra-low sulfur diesel has the same energy and performance specifications as standard diesel, so it does not affect engine performance or warranties.
In November 2002, the King County Solid Waste Division announced its decision to purchase ULSD for its entire diesel fleet of 150 trucks, many of which are used to haul garbage from County transfer stations to the landfill at Cedar Hills.
Fleet Administration has also made the transition to ULSD for all of its diesel-powered equipment, this includes heavy duty highway trucks as well as all off-road diesel powered equipment. Fleet has been receiving the ULSD at all of the King County Roads fuel sites since November 4, 2002.
Environmental Purchasing Program
The King County Environmental Purchasing Program assists County agencies in implementation of King County Executive Policy CON-7-1-2, which requires agencies to use recycled and other environmentally preferable products wherever practicable.
The program assembles information about these products and makes it available to specific agency users who can evaluate them and develop applications in County projects.
These environmental purchasing bulletins contain information about the results of product evaluations and other accomplishments of County agencies. We hope this information will help you find ways to use recycled materials in the work of your agency and that you will contact us if we can help you with further information or if you have suggestions.
Environmental Purchasing Program King County Procurement Services Division
Published: November 21, 2002
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Bulletin List
Updated: November 21, 2002
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