A single-engine sweeper is an on-highway vehicle and subject to the 2010 regulations. Although Giles points out that the buyer (contractor or public agency) has no control over which technology an engine manufacturer uses, the buyer might be able to choose what manufacturer's engine he wants in his sweeper. Or the contractor can at least visit with his truck manufacturer to see what engine manufacturers are used or which truck manufacturers will build sweepers on their trucks.

"Privately-owned sweepers, whether they employ two engines or a PTO (power take-off), are part of California's Truck & Bus Regulation," Cox says. And the California Air Resources Board has recently posted its latest version of its Truck & Bus Regulation. Cox says sweeping contractors working in California should review this text, especially section 2025 (n) "Requirements for Two-Engine Sweepers." Contractors can find this document on the Air Resources Board's website (www.arb.ca.gov/regact/2008/truckbus08/attach1.pdf).

Cox says every truck engine manufacturer except Navistar is incorporating SCR technology to make their 2010 engines compliant. "Navistar has opted to employ what is called 'massive EGR,' which does not meet the EPA 2010 emissions standards but the company will use emissions credits they've accrued to allow them to sell these engines," Cox says.

If the single-engine truck is using SCR, contractors will need to be aware of the added maintenance required with the urea tank. But Giles doesn't see that as a major problem. "Sweeping contractors typically go back to the same garage every night. So all they'll have to do is have that supply of urea at that garage, and other than putting urea in it when you put fuel in it at the same time that's all there is to it," Giles says. "There are some concerns about cleaning and maintenance, but people will learn to deal with that and it will become second nature."

Because these new engines and technologies are not free, there will be an added cost to contractors who are purchasing these engines or purchasing sweeping trucks with these new engine technologies.

Cox estimates that it may add another $6,000 to $10,000 to the cost of new sweeping trucks depending on the technology and engine manufacturer. If the engine employs SCR technology, contractors will also have the added cost of purchasing urea, Cox adds.

What if you weren't planning on purchasing a new truck any time soon? At this point in time, Giles says he doesn't see the 2010 regulations affecting most previously purchased sweeping trucks, except in California. "Right now, California is the only state that says 'Yup, you bought that fairly new, perfectly functioning engine years ago but it's not legal anymore,'" Giles says. "However, I've seen no indication that 'life limits' on engines is going to happen outside of California." But contractors still need to be aware of these engine technologies because most likely they will be in place on any sweeping trucks a contractor purchases in the future.

Get the Latest Emissions Update at National Pavement Expo West 2009
At NPE West, Dec. 3-5 in Las Vegas, Charlie Cox of Ironman will present "Complying with California's New Exhaust and Emissions Regulations" to help further explain and answer questions about the emissions regulation rules and their impact on the sweeping industry. He'll also discuss important definitions all sweeping contractors need to know to understand compliance, and will delve into the technologies that will help bring your sweeper fleet into compliance. For more information or to register visit www.nationalpavementexpo.com and click on NPE West.