Diesel Particulate Filter Retrofit Program

Particles in the exhaust of diesel engines can be a major source of air pollution. In order reduce the impact of construction activities in Lower Manhattan, LMCCC ensures all construction vehicles at major construction sites are retrofitted with diesel particulate matter filters and use ultra low-sulfur diesel fuel (ULSD).

What are Diesel Particulate Filters?
A Diesel Particulate Filter works in a similar manner to the catalytic converter in a gasoline powered car.  A ceramic filter within the DPF reaches high temperatures allowing particles in the exhaust to oxidize more completely.

How effective are DPFs?
DPFs have been shown to reduce particulate emissions by up to 90%.  Emissions of un-combusted hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide (CO) are also reduced by 60 to 90%.  In addition to helping improve general air quality, the health of construction workers working in the vicinity of diesel powered vehicles is better protected.

How is the use of DPFs verified?
The use of DPFs is one of the Environmental Performance Commitments (EPCs) agreed to by project stakeholders in Lower Manhattan.  The ensure compliance, LMCCC inspectors perform monthly checks at all major construction sites in Lower Manhattan to check that all diesel vehicles are retrofitted with DPFs.  Diesel particulate filters work best with ultra low-sulfur fuel and the use of USLD at all sites is also verified. The use of ULSD is mandated by New York City Local Law 77 of 2003 and also one of the agreed upon EPCs; LMCCC also verifies the use of USLD at construction sites under its compliance program.