Metro Vancouver is proposing an initiative to reduce diesel emissions from non-road diesel machines such as excavators, backhoes, forklifts and loaders. Non-road diesel machines are one of the primary contributors to emissions of diesel particulate matter in Metro Vancouver and are often emitted close to where people live, work and play – resulting in higher exposures and increased health risks.

The proposed Non-Road Diesel Engine Initiative includes:

• An emission regulation for non-road diesel machines with 25 hp or greater operating in Metro Vancouver; and
• An incentive fund to help owners upgrade polluting non-road diesel engines.

The Initiative is one component of Metro Vancouver’s Diesel Emission Reduction Program approved by the Metro Vancouver Board of Directors in February 2009. The Program also includes a regulation for public sector non-road diesel machines and collaborative initiatives with industry and senior government to reduce diesel emissions from marine vessels, railway locomotives and on-road vehicles.

Emissions of diesel particulate matter are responsible for 67% of the lifetime cancer risk from air pollution in Metro Vancouver.

Diesel emissions often occur at ground level and close to where people live, work and play – resulting in higher exposures and increased health risk. Exposure to diesel emissions and resulting air concentrations of diesel particulate matter tend to be higher near:

• Highways, major roads and interchanges;
• Cargo handling and truck loading areas;
• Construction sites with heavy equipment;
• Rail yards and terminals;
• Ports.