Dallas-Fort Worth
Air Quality Training Manual
An air quality manual designed for those who operate,
maintain, and manage local government fleet vehicles in the
Dallas-Fort Worth nine-county ozone nonattainment area.
Introduction
Hello!
Thank you for taking time to learn more about what your entity is doing to
help improve air quality in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area.
Your government entity has adopted a Clean Fleet Vehicle Policy stating that
the employees, fleet managers, and vehicle operators will establish and
abide by certain guidelines that pertain to on-road vehicles within their fleet.
Please take a moment to review this Air Quality Training Manual to learn
more about why your entity has chosen to adopt the Clean Fleet Vehicle
Policy and what you can do to help the DFW area reach a goal of cleaner air
for you and the citizens you serve.
Why adopt a Clean Fleet Vehicle Policy?
In 2004, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) instituted a new 8-hour
National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for the pollutant ozone.
Nine counties in the DFW area did not meet this new ozone standard and
are now classified as a moderate ozone nonattainment area.
The North Texas nonattainment region had until 2010
Denton
Collin
to reach attainment status for the pollutant
ozone, but failed to do so. As a result, EPA has
Rockwall
proposed to reclassify the area as a “serious”
Parker
Tarrant
Dallas
Kaufman
ozone nonattainment area; at the same time, EPA
is considering lowering the NAAQS for ozone to a
Johnson
Ellis
stricter level to be more protective of human health.
these two actions illustrate the necessity of continuing
DFW Nine-County Nonattainment Region
to implement strategies to reduce ozone-forming
emissions.
Your entity has elected to adopt a Clean Fleet Vehicle Policy in part to do its
share to clean the air. Your entity is also seen as a partner in the region’s air
quality efforts to help reduce emissions from vehicles and make the air
cleaner and healthier for everyone.
What is Ozone?
NOx + VOC +
= O3
Ozone is an odorless, invisible atmospheric gas, sometimes written as its chemical symbol, O3.
The ingredients for the perfect ozone recipe include sunlight, heat, Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) and a
group of chemicals called Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC). These chemicals combined with
the presence of sunlight and heat form ozone (O3).
I thought Ozone was good?
When we talk about ozone in the air quality sense, ground-level ozone is most likely being
referred to. This ground-level, or “bad” ozone is formed from pollutants where we live and work
and can be harmful to sensitive populations and plant life. The ozone located in the upper
atmosphere is “good” ozone because it provides humans and other life on earth protection from
the sun’s Ultraviolet (UV) radiation. All ozone referred to in this manual refers to the “bad”
ozone that is created in part by on-road cars and trucks.
What’s “Ozone Season”?
From March to October of each year, the summer heat, low
winds and dry skies create the perfect environment for ozone to
form and hover in the atmosphere above the DFW area. This
time of year is referred to “ozone season.” Ozone season is from
March 1 to October 31 of each year and is the time when the
conditions to form ozone are more likely to happen.
Where do the pollutants that form ozone come from?
Pollutants that contribute to ground-level ozone formation come from many
different types of sources. As you learned, these pollutants are NOx and
VOCs. The figure below shows the sources of these pollutants, which
include point and area sources such as electrical generation plants, non-road
engines such as lawnmowers and airplanes, on-road vehicles including cars
and trucks, and miscellaneous sources such as trees and fires.
Point and Area
Sources
Miscellaneous
Sources
+
NOx & VOC
=
In the DFW region pollution from cars
and trucks, or on-road vehicles,
contribute approximately 45 percent of
the NOx pollution that leads to ozone
formation.
Ozone
Non-Road
Engines
On-Road
Vehicles
2009 Nitrogen Oxide Emissions
25%
10%
45%
20%
0
On-Road Mobile
Area
Point
Off-Road Mobile
Source: Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
Why do we care about the ozone?
AQI Levels of Health
Concern
Very Unhealthy
The EPA sets federal standards for air
pollutants according to health-based
criteria. When levels are near or above
the National Ambient Air Quality
Standards (NAAQS) an Ozone Watch or
Warning is issued.
The EPA has established levels at which
ozone is unhealthy for humans. Ozone
irritates the lining of the lungs, can
aggravate respiratory conditions, and
can make breathing more difficult
for some people
such as young
children, seniors,
asthma sufferers and
those with respiratory
diseases.
Unhealthy
The Watch and
Warning system
Unhealthy for Sensitive
Groups
using the Air Quality
Index colors, was
Moderate
developed to notify
Good
citizens that ozone
concentrations are close to exceeding
or do exceed healthy levels of ozone
and that outside activities might be
unhealthy for sensitive groups. For
most of the population, exposure for
long periods of time to higher ozone
levels indicated by the color purple on
the AQI are unhealthy .
Your entity’s pledge to improve Air Quality
One strategy developed by the North Central Texas Council of Government’s
Regional Transportation Council (RTC) to help bring the DFW area into
attainment for ozone was the Clean Fleet Vehicle Policy. On October 13, 2005,
the RTC adopted a resolution supporting the RTC Clean Fleet Vehicle Policy.
This resolution supported the adoption of a Clean Fleet Vehicle Model
Ordinance by government entities in the nine-county nonattainment area.
Since, approximately 45 percent of ozone forming pollution comes from
on-road vehicles in the DFW area, this policy focuses on ways to reduce
pollution from governmental vehicles. The four main elements adopted by your
entity include:
Acquisitions
Operations
Maintenance
Compliance Verification
Each element includes specific actions to take during acquisitions, operations,
and maintenance of the fleet vehicles.
On the following pages are specific ways you and your entity can help improve
air quality by the actions directly outlined in the Model Ordinance.
Acquisitions
Your entity has adopted certain requirements for new vehicles that are replacing older
vehicles or for new vehicles purchased to expand the fleet. These include:
1.1 Vehicle acquisitions for fleet expansion or replacement of model year 2004
or newer, shall be newest model year or engine standard only.
The EPA has set emission standards that light-duty and heavy-duty vehicles must meet.
Emission standards for vehicle engines continue to become more stringent, which makes them
much cleaner. The Clean Fleet Vehicle Model Ordinance has specified certain year models
and emission requirements for vehicles that are being purchased for fleet expansion and
replacement by local government entities because usually used and older vehicles have higher
emissions.
1.2 Vehicle acquisitions to replace model year 2003 or older vehicles must show at least
a 25% reduction in Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) emissions rate compared to the vehicle being
replaced. (Waivers are possible when new technologies or achievements of the required
emission reduction are not possible.)
Reference tables developed by NCTCOG will help estimate whether a vehicle you would like
to purchase is 25% cleaner than the one you are replacing. To learn more about the
emissions rates and how to comply with this element, visit www.nctcog.org/fleetpolicy.
Acquisitions
Resources available at www.nctcog.org/fleetpolicy.
Acquisitions
1.3 Aftermarket technologies and conversions are acceptable for fleet expansion and
fleet replacements.
1.3.1 Aftermarket technologies and conversions must be Environment Protection Agency
(EPA) and/or California Air Resources Board (CARB) verified or certified or technology
equivalent or better, as determined by the North Central Texas Council of Governments
(NCTCOG) staff.
Certified or Verified? Verified technologies are technologies in that the EPA has taken the manufacturers
data and verified that the testing was completed correctly. CARB’s Verification Procedure ensures that
emission reductions for technologies used in the field are achieving the emission reductions that are
consistent with their verification.
Engines and new motor vehicles are certified by the EPA and/or CARB for emission compliance before it is
available for sale, use, or registration.
Additional Aftermarket Technology Information
Retrofits
Retrofits are also options that can be used to reduce emissions from internal combustion engines. In
general, retrofit technologies are used as devices to reduce exhaust emissions from vehicle tailpipes or to
improve fuel economy. Generally, these devices can be installed on trucks and buses, non-road vehicles and
equipment, and stationary diesel equipment after the vehicle has been manufactured.
Repowers
Repowering is typically done on heavy-duty vehicle engines and involves replacing the current engine with a
different engine but keeping the same vehicle body. Alternative fuel converted
vehicles are vehicles that were originally designed to operate on gasoline or diesel but have been altered to
run on an alternative fuel. The two most common types of alternative fuel vehicle conversions include
compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG, or propane).
Acquisitions
1.3.2 Conversions must comply with the provisions of EPA Memorandum 1A and
Addendum Revision (June 25, 1974 and June 1, 1998).
What is EPA Memorandum 1A? In June 1974, the U.S. EPA
issued Mobile Source Enforcement Memorandum 1A (Memo 1A).
The original purpose of Memo 1A was to enforce the tampering
prohibitions under Section 203(a)(3) of the Clean Air Act with
respect to maintenance and use of aftermarket parts. Memo
1A and its subsequent revisions also outline procedures for
converting vehicles to operate on alternative fuels while still
complying with the Clean Air Act's tampering prohibitions and
ensuring that emissions are not degraded through the conversion
process. All vehicle conversions must be certified according to
Mobile Source Enforcement Memorandum 1A, the Addendum to
Memo 1A, and the Revision to the Addendum to Memo 1A, which
were issued by EPA.
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)
engine that can be used to repower a
heavy-duty vehicle. Memorandum 1A
would apply to this engine being
inserted into a vehicle.
Helpful Links to find out more about Clean Vehicle and Technology Acquisitions:
• EPA Green Vehicle Guide -www.epa.gov/greenvehicles
• EPA Verified Retrofit Technologies - www.epa.gov/otaq/retrofit/verif-list.htm
• CARB Verified Retrofit Technologies - www.arb.ca.gov/diesel/verdev/verdev.htm
• Alternative Fuel and Advanced Vehicles Data Center - Vehicle Portal www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/vehicles/index.html
Operations
How a vehicle is operated has a direct influence on the amount of emissions the vehicle creates.
Your entity has adopted certain operational requirements for those driving vehicles such as:
grams per mile
2.1 Idling is only allowed for safety, emergency response, vehicle maintenance,
equipment activity, warm-up/operations in cold temperature, and manufacturer
recommended idle/warm-up time.
Unnecessary idling causes your vehicle to burn fuel and release emissions and can cause
stress on your vehicle’s engine. Please follow any limited idling guidelines set forth by your
fleet manager.
2.2 Vehicles with the lowest NOx emissions
that are capable of performing the required
18
Emissions increase at
16
operational demands shall drive the most
14
extremely low or high
miles.
12
speeds
Example: A gasoline-electric hybrid sedan
10
would emit less NOx than a diesel truck or
8
gasoline only sedan.
6
4
2
0
5
10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65
Speed (mph)
Gasoline Engine
Diesel Engine
2.3 Fleet manager shall abide by latest
refueling time/season guidance published
by NCTCOG Air Quality Planning.
2.4 Non-emergency vehicles shall drive
no more than the posted speed limit and
avoid rapid acceleration.
2.5 All drivers shall be trained on air quality appropriate operations requirements.
This manual is a tool to meet this requirement.
Refueling Guidance
Refueling creates opportunities for release of fuel vapors, which contain VOCs
that contribute to ground-level ozone formation. Certain best practices for
refueling can minimize these emissions.
Fill up in the evenings whenever possible; always avoid refueling in the
morning. As much as possible, avoid refueling on ozone watch/warning days.
Fuel vapors contain VOCs which are released into the atmosphere at various points of transfer
in the fuel distribution system. Refueling in the evening, when sunlight is less intense and
photochemical reactions occur more slowly, reduces the likelihood of ground-level ozone
formation.
Replace the gas cap tightly.
The gas cap is part of the vehicle’s emissions control system and prevents vapors from
escaping.
Refuel at stations with Stage I and Stage II vapor recovery systems as often as
possible.
Vapor recovery systems help capture fumes that escape during refueling. Stations in Collin,
Dallas, Denton, and Tarrant counties are required to have these systems; high-volume stations
(stations dispensing more than 10,000 gallons/month) in Ellis, Johnson, Kaufman, Parker, and
Rockwall counties are also subject to these requirements.
Optimize use of vehicles with on-board vapor recovery systems.
Again, these systems serve to capture fuel vapors. Requirements for use of these systems
phased in from 1998 to 2000 for light-duty cars, and from 2001-2006 for light duty trucks.
Refueling Guidance (continued)
Do not “top off” the fuel tank.
“Topping off” increases the chances of a fuel spill, which not only wastes fuel but produces
emissions as the fuel evaporates. It may also interfere with vapor recovery systems and pose
a safety hazard.
Use the owner’s manual to ensure the proper type of fuel is selected.
Fuels with higher octane may produce more emissions, so do not use fuel with a higher
octane rating than recommended by the manufacturer.
Follow all safety guidelines. Guidance is available from the American
Petroleum Institute website at www.api.org/ehs/health/home/index.cfm#pump.
Always turn the engine off
Never smoke or use other ignition sources
Do not re-enter the vehicle while refueling
Discharge static electricity before refueling by touching a metal part of the vehicle away from
the fuel tank
Do not top off the tank
When refueling containers, ensure that they are approved for such use and place on the
ground while refueling
If a fire starts, DO NOT remove the nozzle from the fuel tank. Walk away and turn off the
dispensers.
Maintenance
Your fleet manager will be responsible for the maintenance of the vehicles; however, as a driver of
a vehicle, it is your responsibility to let the maintenance department know when your vehicle is not
in the best operating condition. Your fleet manager will do the following:
3.1 Perform annual emission and safety inspections for all vehicles, even for vehicles
with no state mandated inspection requirement.
All Texas registered vehicles are required to receive an annual inspection. All inspections
include a comprehensive safety inspection; however, some vehicles are required to have an
emissions test in addition to the safety inspection.
• If your vehicle is smoking, the smoke color can indicate the problem
Black Smoke: Incomplete fuel combustion
Blue Smoke: Oil in combustion chamber
: Water/Coolant in combustion chamber
Grey Smoke: Indicates one of the problems indicated by black or blue smoke.
• Make sure the Check Engine light is not on. If it does come on, please report it to the
maintenance facility because this could be an indication that the vehicle’s emission
control devices are not working properly.
Texas Transportation Code 547.605 states the following so please be cautious of
smoking vehicles:
EMISSION SYSTEMS REQUIRED. (d) Except when travel conditions require the
downshifting or use of lower gears to maintain reasonable momentum, a person commits an
offence if the person operates, or as an owner knowingly permits another person to operate, a
vehicle that emits: (1) visible smoke for 10 seconds or longer; or (2) visible smoke that remains
suspended in the air for 10 seconds or longer before fully dissipating.
Maintenance
3.2 All vehicles with over 100,000 miles must have emission inspections every 25,000
miles thereafter.
Emission equipment will begin to degrade overtime and additional checks at
specified intervals will help insure the vehicle is operating at it’s best
condition.
3.3 Perform manufacturer’s recommended maintenance.
Routine oil changes, tire rotations, and properly inflated tires are just a few
of recommended maintenance procedures you can monitor when driving a
vehicle and that can greatly reduce the emissions from the vehicle.
3.4 Mandatory participation in any diesel or other Texas Commission on Environmental
Quality or NCTCOG inspection/maintenance program, including applicable test or pilot
programs. These could include:
 A diesel inspection/maintenance program
 In-use retrofit technology evaluation
This participation will ensure availability of vehicles to test new and innovative
technologies that may be helpful in reducing vehicular emissions.
Compliance Verification
Annual reporting is required of all adopting entities to help NCTCOG evaluate
best practices in the region, fleet characteristics and turnover, and seek
feedback from fleets regarding strategies they are pursuing and how NCTCOG
can best support them.
Part 1: Questionnaire
Part 2: Fleet Inventory
To find out more about reducing emissions from vehicles, visit:
Alternative Fuel and Advanced Vehicles Data Center www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/
Clean Cities Program - www1.eere.energy.gov/cleancities/
The mission of the Clean Cities Program is to advance the nation's economic, environmental, and
energy security by supporting local decisions to adopt practices that contribute to the reduction of
petroleum consumption.
Dallas-Fort Worth Clean Cities Coalition - www.nctcog.org/cleancities
The DFW Clean Cities is a locally based, private and public partnership group that works to advance the
economic, environmental, and energy security goals of the United States by supporting local decisions to
adopt practices that contribute to the reduction of petroleum consumption in the transportation sector.
North Central Texas Clean School Bus Program – www.nctcog.org/cleanschoolbus
to
The DFW Clean School Bus Program is a fuel neutral program that acts as a clearinghouse for product,
technology, fuel, and funding source information. Also, the program seeks to gather community resources
assist school districts in the DFW nonattainment area with improving air quality and children’s health.
Drive Clean Across Texas - www.drivecleanacrosstexas.org/
to
Drive Clean Across Texas is the nation’s first statewide public outreach and education campaign designed
raise awareness and change attitudes about air pollution. Ultimately Drive Clean Across Texas’ goal is to
inspire changes in driving behavior that will help clean up the air in Texas.
Environmental Protection Agency Office of Air and Radiation - www.epa.gov/oar/
The Office of Air and Radiation (OAR) develops national programs, technical policies, and regulations for
controlling air pollution and radiation exposure.
It All Ads Up to Cleaner Air - www.italladdsup.gov/index.html
It All Adds Up to Cleaner Air is a unique public education and partnership-building initiative developed
collaboratively by several federal agencies to help regional, state and community efforts to reduce traffic
congestion and air pollution.
NCTCOG Clean Vehicle Website - www.nctcog.org/cleanvehicles
The Clean Vehicle program is responsible for supporting policies, practices, and technologies that help
improve air quality in the North Texas region through the use of clean fuel and clean vehicle technology.
North Texas Clean Air Coalition - www.northtexasair.org
NTCAC's mission is to promote voluntary actions among businesses to improve air quality in North Texas.