What is the California Air Resources Board (CARB)?
General Discussion of CARB
In 1967, California's Legislature passed the Mulford-Carrell Act, which combined two Department of Health bureaus--the Bureau of Air Sanitation and the Motor Vehicle Pollution Control Board--to establish the Air Resources Board (ARB). On February 8, 1968, the first meeting of the CARB was held in Sacramento. Since its formation, CARB has worked with the public, the business sector and local governments to find solutions to California's air pollution problem. CARB established the nation's first motor vehicle emission standards in 1966. These standards produced bolt-on pollution controls, such as air pumps that improve combustion efficiency. In 1970, CARB required auto manufacturers to meet the first standards to control smog-forming hydrocarbon and nitrogen oxide emissions.
The resulting state air quality standards set by CARB continue to outpace the rest of the nation and have prompted the development of new antismog technology for industrial facilities and motor vehicles. ARB's mission is to promote and protect public health, welfare and ecological resources through the effective and efficient reduction of air pollutants, while recognizing and considering the effects on the state's economy.
The CARB also oversees the activities of 35 local and regional air pollution control districts. These districts regulate industrial pollution sources. They also issue permits, develop local plans to attain healthy air quality and ensure that the industries in their area adhere to air quality mandates. Currently, CARB employs over 1,000 staff as engineers, scientists, attorneys, automotive technicians, information specialists, administrative analysts, and clerical support.
CARB's efforts include:
· The nation's first motor vehicle emission standards in 1966. These standards produced bolt-on pollution controls, such as air pumps that improve combustion efficiency. In 1970, CARB required auto manufacturers to meet the first standards to control smog-forming hydrocarbon and nitrogen oxide emissions.
· The phase-out of lead because of concerns about its health impacts. Another benefit of this action was that manufacturers were then able to use catalytic converters to more effectively control tailpipe emissions.
· Efforts continue to reduce emissions of motor vehicles and fuels. Today's California gasoline contains less pollution-forming sulfur, benzene, aromatic hydrocarbons and olefins than most gasoline sold elsewhere in the nation. Use of cleaner-burning gasoline has removed the emissions equivalent of 3.5 million vehicles from California's roads. In 1999, CARB also approved a rule that bans the additive MTBE in gasoline.
· California diesel fuel regulations require limits on sulfur and aromatic hydrocarbons lower emissions of particulate matter and nitrogen oxides. Diesel-powered vehicles account for about 30 percent of the nitrogen oxides and 60 percent of particulate matter (PM) emitted from California vehicles. In 1993, the first steps were taken to clean up diesel fuel.
· To further control motor vehicle emissions and maintain pollution reductions to date, CARB is making efforts to place more zero emission vehicles (ZEVs) on the road. In 1990 CARB approved a rule to require that ten percent of all 2003 model year cars offered for sale in California be ZEVs. In February 2000, a similar ruling was adopted for transit buses, requiring transit agencies to demonstrate zero-emissions buses (ZEBs) in 2008 and to purchase 15 percent ZEBs for their fleets thereafter.
· California is also taking bold steps to cut its greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles. Transportation is California's largest source of carbon dioxide, with passenger vehicles and light duty trucks creating more than 30 percent of total climate change emissions. CARB has also adopted greenhouse gas emission standards for new passenger vehicles, effective with 2009 models.
Through CARB regulations, today's new cars pollute 99 percent less than their predecessors did thirty years ago. Still, over half of the state's current smog-forming emissions come from gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles.
Into the 21st Century
The United States is the highest emitter of greenhouse gases in the world, and with the looming threat of global warming, California is once again leading the charge to combat airborne threats. When Governor Schwarzenegger signed the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, he established the first-in-the-world comprehensive program to reduce greenhouse gases. CARB is tasked with the job of monitoring and reducing GHG emissions by 25 percent by 2020, and achieving 80 percent more in reductions by 2050.
What’s involved in obtaining CARB verification?
The following is an overview of the actions required for CARB verification for Viscon:
Initial Approval to Proceed
Provide evidence that Viscon is a potential candidate for CARB verification
Receive approval to proceed from CARB
Develop a Test Protocol to include:
Identification of a CARB recognized testing laboratory and testing equipment
Inclusion of the test facility’s SOP and Quality Control procedures
Identification of the engine(s), to include engine specifications, for testing
Identification of the fuel and submission of a laboratory fuel analysis report
Develop test procedures to include:
· Identification of the test modes to include weight factors and torque
· Identification of gaseous and Particulate Matter emissions data
· collection frequency and duration. e.g., second-by-second for 3 minutes per mode per individual iterative test
· Stipulation of engine mapping using untreated fuel (for comparison to subsequent mapping during testing of the Viscon treated fuel)
· Defining the conditioning/break-in period (in hours) using Viscon
Submit Test Protocol to CARB
Iteratively revise and re-submit accordingly
Baseline Testing
Map engine using untreated fuel (for comparison to subsequent mapping during
testing)
Conduct engine stabilization emissions tests
Map engine using untreated fuel
Perform Zero-Span calibration for the testing equipment
Conduct nine 8-mode baseline tests recording:
· Gaseous emissions:
Carbon Monoxide (CO), Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Nitrogen Oxide (NOx), Hydro Carbons (HO), and Non Methane Hydro Carbons (NMHC)
· Mode-by-Mode Particulate Matter (PM) weight
· Engine Horse Power, RPM and Torque, Humidity, Air Intake and Exhaust
· temperatures.
· Fuel Consumption
· Toxics emissions (Volatile Organic Compounds, Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons, and Carbonyls)
Analyze summary & second-by-second test results
Identify outliers in the test results
Pre-Durability Testing
Perform engine conditioning using Viscon treated fuel
Conduct Pre Durability testing (following the Baseline Testing items)
Prepare report and submit to CARB
1,000 Hour Durability Testing
Run engine with Viscon treated fuel for 1,000 hours
Post-Durability Testing
Perform engine conditioning using Viscon treated fuel
Conduct Post Durability testing using (following the Baseline Testing items)
Conduct Post Durability testing using ten times (10X) the Viscon dosage rate
Conduct Post Durability testing without Viscon in the fuel
Prepare report citing the difference between the Baseline data and the tests using Viscon, including Standard Operating Procedures and Quality Control procedures and submit to CARB
Multimedia Tests and Reporting
Multimedia Requirements
New fuels or potential additives must be evaluated not only with regard to engine performance and emission requirements but also with consideration of:
· Health and environmental criteria involving air emissions and associated health risks
· Ozone formation potential
· Hazardous waste generation
· Management and surface and groundwater contamination resulting from production, distribution, and use
· Fate, transport, and biodegradation in comparison to regular fuel diesels; and their impacts to the soil cleanup when a spill occurs
In addition, evidence that the same engine make and model used for the emissions, toxics, etc testing has been used in the field for at least two years. Supporting data required includes a written statement from the owner/operator assuring that Viscon does not damage the engine or cause malfunction, does not hinder or detract from the engine’s ability to perform its function. A discussion of maintenance, problems encountered, etc. were also required.
The Multimedia review is conducted by the Multimedia Working Group. This group is comprised of the following California EPA entities; California Air Resources Board, Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, Department of Toxic Substances Control, and the California Water Resources Control Board. The Multimedia review is structured as a three-tier review/analysis.
Tier I: Technical consultation and peer review to establish the risk assessment elements and issues
Tier II: Development and review of the risk assessment protocol for future actions and reports
Tier III: Implementation of a Final Multimedia Risk Assessment and submission of Final Report that is peer reviewed and is used as the basis for the Multimedia Working Group recommendations that goes to the Environmental Policy council
The above covers the full spectrum of Flora and Fauna effects with respect to Viscon. The Multimedia review is extensive with iterative submission, review and revision cycles.
The significance of CARB verification
California EPA’s Air Resources Board is recognized world-wide for establishing stringent air quality standards. Government agencies, including foreign countries, in many cases, look to CARB for guidance. Literally years of rigorous testing and providing scientific documentation have culminated in Viscon’s verification. To be verified by CARB places Viscon in a unique category. The fact that Viscon is the only Fuel Blending Component verified by CARB places Viscon in a category of its own. In today’s competitive posture, Viscon stand outs as a proven technology for our environment.
CARB has been aggressive in setting current and future goals for exhaust emissions, yet some of the technology required to attain the goals is not in place to date. Viscon’s technology is available today. Utilizing Viscon’s technology today will assist in overcoming future potential hurdles with respect to achieving emission reduction targets.
The following statements from members of the Multimedia Working Group emphasize Viscon’s potential.
California Air Resources Board
"The benefits associated with the significant decrease in toxic PM make Viscon a viable control strategy in improving air quality in California".
Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
"OEHHA staff concluded that the use of Viscon diesel fuel may reduce morbidity and mortality due to pulmonary diseases, including lung cancer in adults and allergic asthma in children, caused by substances in particles contained in diesel exhaust."
The endeavor to obtain CARB verification has spanned nearly ten years. From a corporate strategic planning point of view, achieving this goal is especially significant.
Viscon California, Bakersfield CA – 661-327-7061 – www.VisconUSA.com