[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 68 (Thursday, April 9, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Pages 17411-17414]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-9387]



[[Page 17411]]

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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[FRL-5993-2]


Retrofit/Rebuild Requirements for 1993 and Earlier Model Year 
Urban Buses; Public Review of a Notification of Intent To Certify 
Equipment

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notice of agency receipt of a notification of intent to certify 
equipment and initiation of 45-day public review and comment period.

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SUMMARY: Engelhard Corporation (Engelhard) has submitted to EPA a 
notification of intent to certify urban bus retrofit/rebuild equipment 
pursuant to 40 CFR part 85, subpart O. EPA is making the notification 
(application) available for public review and comment for a 45-day 
period.
    Engelhard intends that this equipment be certified to the 0.10 
grams per brake-horsepower-hour (g/bhp-hr) particulate matter standard 
for 1988-1993 model year Detroit Diesel Corporation (DDC) 6V92TA 
engines equipped with Detroit Diesel Electronic Control (DDEC). Also, 
Engelhard submits life cycle cost information and guarantees that this 
equipment will be made available to all affected bus operators for less 
than the applicable life cycle cost ceiling. If the candidate equipment 
is the first to be certified as to meet this standard for less than the 
applicable life cycle cost, then it would ``trigger'' the 0.10 g/bhp-hr 
standard for the applicable engines.
    The application describes equipment that is based upon a 6V92TA 
DDEC II engine that is rebuilt to a standard 1991 to 1993 DDC 
specification of 277 horsepower (hp). However, when the engine is 
rebuilt it will utilize ETX specific coated cylinder heads, coated 
valves, cylinder kits incorporating coated piston domes, an improved 
turbocharger, and a CMX-5 catalytic muffler.
    As described in the application, Engelhard would provide the coated 
cylinder heads, coated cylinder kits, improved turbocharger, catalytic 
muffler, and ECM upgrade (only for 1988 through 1990 model year 
engines). To complete the kit, an operator would have to acquire on its 
own, the other required engine rebuild parts: fuel injectors, blower, 
and camshafts.
    Pursuant to section 85.1407(a)(7), today's Federal Register 
document summarizes the application, announces that it is available for 
public review and comment, and initiates a 45-day period during which 
comments can be submitted. EPA will review this notification of intent 
to certify, as well any comments it receives, to determine whether the 
equipment described in the notification of intent to certify should be 
certified. If certified, the equipment can be used by urban bus 
operators to reduce the particulate matter of urban bus engines.
    The notification of intent to certify, as well as other materials 
specifically relevant to it, are contained in Category XXII of Public 
Docket A-93-42, entitled ``Certification of Urban Bus Retrofit/Rebuild 
Equipment''. This docket is located at the address listed below.
    Today's notice initiates a 45-day period during which EPA will 
accept written comments relevant to whether or not the equipment 
included in this notification of intent to certify should be certified. 
Comments should be provided in writing to the addresses below.
DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before May 26, 1998.
ADDRESSES: Submit separate copies of comments to each of the two 
following addresses:
1. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Public Docket A-93-42 
(Category XXII-A), Room M-1500, 401 M Street S.W., Washington, DC 20460
2. William Rutledge, Engine Compliance Programs Group, Engine Programs 
and Compliance Division (6403J), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 
401 ``M'' Street S.W., Washington, DC 20460
    The Engelhard notification of intent to certify, as well as other 
materials specifically relevant to it, are contained in the public 
docket indicated above. Docket items may be inspected from 8:00 a.m. 
until 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. As provided in 40 CFR part 2, a 
reasonable fee may be charged by EPA for copying docket materials.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: William Rutledge, Engine Programs and 
Compliance Division (6403J), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 401 
M St. SW, Washington, D.C. 20460. Telephone: (202) 564-9297.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Program Background

    On April 21, 1993, EPA published final Retrofit/Rebuild 
Requirements for 1993 and Earlier Model Year Urban Buses (58 FR 21359). 
The retrofit/rebuild program is intended to reduce the ambient levels 
of particulate matter (PM) in urban areas and is limited to 1993 and 
earlier model year (MY) urban buses operating in metropolitan areas 
with 1980 populations of 750,000 or more, whose engines are rebuilt or 
replaced after January 1, 1995. Operators of the affected buses are 
required to choose between two compliance options: Option 1 sets 
particulate matter emissions requirements for each urban bus engine in 
an operator's fleet which is rebuilt or replaced; Option 2 is a fleet 
averaging program that sets out a specific annual target level for 
average PM emissions from urban buses in an operator's fleet.
    A key aspect of the program is the certification of retrofit/
rebuild equipment. To meet either of the two compliance options, 
operators of the affected buses must use equipment which has been 
certified by EPA. Emissions requirements under either of the two 
options depend on the availability of retrofit/rebuild equipment 
certified for each engine model. To be used for Option 1, equipment 
must be certified as meeting a 0.10 g/bhp-hr PM standard or as 
achieving a 25 percent reduction in PM. Equipment used for Option 2 
must be certified as providing some level of PM reduction that would in 
turn be claimed by urban bus operators when calculating their average 
fleet PM levels attained under the program.
    Under Option 1, additional information regarding cost must be 
submitted in the application for certification, in order for 
certification of that equipment to initiate (or trigger) program 
requirements for a particular engine model. In order for the equipment 
to serve as a trigger, the certifier must guarantee that the equipment 
will be offered to affected operators for $7,940 or less at the 0.10 g/
bhp-hr PM level, or for $2,000 or less for the 25 percent or greater 
reduction in PM. Both of the above amounts are based on 1992 dollars 
and include life cycle costs incremental to the cost of a standard 
rebuild.

II. Application For Certification

    Engelhard Corporation has applied for certification of equipment, 
referred to as the ETX rebuild kit, that is applicable to 1988 through 
1993 model year Detroit Diesel Corporation 6V92TA diesel engines 
equipped with Detroit Diesel Electronic Control (DDEC). The application 
states that the candidate equipment achieves a particulate matter (PM) 
level of 0.10 g/bhp-hr. Life cycle costs, incremental to the cost of a 
standard rebuild, are stated to be less than $7,940 (in 1992 dollars) 
for all affected operators. The use of the equipment by transit 
operators to meet program requirements is discussed further below.
    The GPX  and CMXTM technology in the candidate 
kit are identical to the technology of the kit that EPA certified

[[Page 17412]]

earlier (62 FR 12166; March 14, 1997) to the 0.10 g/bhp-hr standard for 
Detroit Diesel Corporation (DDC) 6V92TA model engines that use 
mechanical unit injectors.
    The application states that the candidate ETX rebuild kit is 
designed to update all electronically controlled DDC 6V92TA DDEC II 
engines to one standard 277 Hp ETX configuration. The kit incorporates 
engine components (cylinder head fire deck, valve faces and piston 
crowns) that are coated with Engelhard's proprietary GPX technology, a 
CMX catalytic muffler, and an improved turbocharger.
    The basis for the kit is a 6V92TA DDEC II engine that is rebuilt to 
a standard 1991 to 1993 DDC specification of 277 horsepower (hp). 
However, when the engine is rebuilt it will utilize ETX-specific coated 
cylinder heads, coated valves, cylinder kits incorporating coated 
piston domes, an improved turbocharger, and a CMX-5 catalytic muffler. 
The 1988 to 1990 model year engines receive an upgraded control program 
for the electronic control module.
    Engelhard indicates that the coated engine components utilize 
unique properties to improve the combustion efficiency of the engine to 
reduce the engine-out emissions of particulate matter (PM). The 
improved turbocharger operates like a typical turbocharger but with 
improved efficiency and airflow. The improved airflow improves 
combustion efficiency which reduces engine-out PM. The CMX-5 catalytic 
muffler incorporates Engelhard's oxidation catalyst technology to 
reduce PM emissions in the exhaust.
    The specific catalytic converter part to be used depends on the 
type of coach as well as the type of engine. Engelhard's notification 
provides a table listing the various catalytic converter kits available 
for different engine/coach combinations. The catalytic converter used 
in this equipment package is not the same as the Engelhard catalytic 
converter previously certified by EPA to reduce PM by 25 percent (60 FR 
28402, May 31, 1995). Therefore, transit operators cannot use the 
previously certified converter in place of the new converter in the 
candidate kit.
    Engelhard presents emissions data from testing two baseline 
engines, one rebuilt to a 1988 configuration, and the other rebuilt to 
a 1991 to 1993 model year DDC DDEC II standard configuration (using a 
DDC DDEC II upgrade kit ). A certification test was performed on the 
engine after being rebuilt with the ETX Rebuild Kit. Lists of parts 
used in the rebuilds are provided in a letter dated February 9, 1998, 
from Engelhard. This letter can be found in the public docket at the 
address listed above. Transient testing was performed in accordance 
with the federal test procedure of 40 CFR part 86, subparts N and I.
    The certification testing document a PM emissions level of 0.09 g/
bhp-hr, and also show that emissions of hydrocarbon (HC), carbon 
monoxide (CO), oxides of nitrogen (NOx), and smoke are within the 
applicable standards.
    The emissions data of the application are summarized below in Table 
1. Based on this testing demonstration, EPA believes that all ETX-
equipped engines would meet the 0.10 g/bhp-hr PM standard because 
installation of the kit results in the replacement of all emissions 
related parts with a specific set of parts, the combination of which 
results in a documented PM level of 0.09 g/bhp-hr. The PM emissions 
level of an original engine, prior to installation of the Engelhard 
kit, may be irrelevant since all emissions-related parts are required 
to be replaced upon installation of the kit. EPA requests comments on 
whether or not all engines for which certification is intended will 
meet the 0.10 g/bhp-hr PM standard.
    The baseline test engines also produced fuel consumption values 
which are important to evaluate any fuel consumption impact of the 
candidate equipment. This is discussed further below, as it relates to 
the life cycle cost analysis.

                                     Table 1.-- Summary of Engelhard Testing                                    
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                      g/bhp-hr                                  
                                   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                HDDE standards                           1991-1993              
                                   --------------------------------------- 1988 6V92TA  6V92TA DDEC  6V92TA DDEC
                                                                             DDEC II         II      II with ETX
                                        1988         1990         1991     Baseline\1\  Baseline\2\      kit    
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gaseous and Particulate Test:                                                                                   
    HC............................          1.3          1.3          1.3          0.8          0.5          0.2
    CQ............................         15.5         15.5         15.5          1.4          1.9          0.6
    NOX...........................         10.7          6.0          5.0          5.5          4.7          5.0
    PM............................         0.60         0.60         0.25         0.43         0.28        0.094
    BSFC\3\.......................  ...........  ...........  ...........        0.481        0.498        0.503
    HP (R/O)\4\...................  ...........  ...........  ...........      277/273      277/281      277/266
Smoke Test:                                                                                                     
(2)Standards                                                                                                    
(percent)                                                                                                       
    ACCEL.........................                                                                              
(2)20                               ...........  ...........          3.6                                       
    LUG...........................                                                                              
(2)15                               ...........  ...........          0.6                                       
    PEAK..........................                                                                              
(2)50                               ...........  ...........          8.1                                       
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ All 6V92TA testing was performed on engine identification number 6VF-118287.                                
\2\ The DDC upgrade kit (25% reduction) configures an engine to the 1991 model year.                            
\3\ Brake Specific Fuel Consumption (BSFC) is measured in units of lb/bhp-hr.                                   
\4\ Horsepower (Rated/Observed during testing).                                                                 

    Engelhard's application includes life cycle cost information which 
is required pursuant to 40 CFR 85.1407 in order to trigger the program 
standard of 0.10 g/bhp-hr for applicable engines. The following table 
summarizes the life cycle cost information presented by Engelhard, with 
some EPA clarifications and notations.

[[Page 17413]]



               Table 2.--Life Cycle Costs in 1992 Dollars               
              [For 1988 to 1990 model year DDEC engines \1\             
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        Maximum cost to bus operator    
                                  --------------------------------------
               Item                  Standard                           
                                   rebuild \1\    ETX Kit     Difference
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Standard Rebuild Non-ETX Parts                                          
 \1\.............................       $3,045       $3,045             
Standard Rebuild, ETX Parts \1\..        3,921  ...........             
CMX Installation (6 hours @                                             
 $35.00/hour)....................  ...........          210             
ETX Purchase Price...............  ...........       10,280             
Fuel Penalty.....................  ...........        1,315             
                                  --------------------------------------
      Total......................    6,966 \1\       14,850        7,884
                                                                        
ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½                                      
                For 1991 to 1993 Model Year DDEC Engines                
ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½                                      
                                                                        
Standard Rebuild Non ETX Parts                                          
 \1\.............................        3,045        3,045             
Standard Rebuild, ETX Parts \1\..        3,921  ...........             
CMX Installation (6 hours @                                             
 $35.00/hour)....................  ...........          210             
ETX Kit Purchase Price...........  ...........       11,595             
Fuel Penalty \2\.................  ...........            0             
                                  --------------------------------------
      Total......................    6,966 \1\       14,850       7,884 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ DDC itemized the prices of individual parts of a ``standard''       
  rebuild in its notification of intent to certify (with an issue date  
  of December 22, 1995) its 25-percent reduction upgrade kit.           
\2\ The $1,315 penalty (1992 dollars) is due to the 4.7 percent fuel    
  penalty related to the DDC upgrade kit. This penalty (4.7 percent) is 
  from DDC's notification of intent to certify with issue date of       
  December 22, 1995.                                                    

    The Engelhard application indicates that total life cycle cost of 
the candidate kit is $14,850 (in 1992 dollars) for all applicable model 
year engines. For 1988 through 1990 model year engines, this includes 
$10,280 to purchase the candidate kit, $210 for installation of the 
catalytic converter muffler, a fuel economy penalty of $1,315, and 
$3,045 to purchase the required emission-related engine rebuild parts 
that are not provided with the kit. For 1991 through 1993 model year 
engines, this includes $11,595 to purchase the candidate kit, $210 for 
installation of the catalytic converter muffler, no fuel economy 
penalty, and $3,045 to purchase the required emission-related engine 
rebuild parts that are not provided with the kit. Engelhard states that 
the labor to rebuild an engine will be the same for a ``standard'' 
rebuild and the candidate kit, with the exception of the additional 
labor required for installation of the catalytic converter muffler. 
Engelhard uses $6,966 as the cost a ``standard'' rebuild because this 
is the sum of the purchase prices of the individual parts of a 
``standard'' rebuild that DDC provided in its notification of intent to 
certify (with an issue date of December 22, 1995) its 25-percent 
reduction upgrade kit. The fuel consumption data for the candidate kit 
indicates roughly 4.6 percent fuel economy penalty when the candidate 
equipment is used with 1988/1989 model year engines. This percent 
penalty appears consistent with the 4.78 percent penalty determined by 
DDC in its notification of intent to certify its 25-percent reduction 
upgrade kit. This fuel economy impact increases life cycle costs about 
$1,315 (in 1992 dollars) only for 1988 and 1989 model year engines. 
Engelhard indicates that the total life cycle cost ($14,850) is less 
than $7,940 incremental to the cost of a ``standard'' rebuild (listed 
as $6,966) and therefore meets the life cycle cost requirements to 
trigger the 0.10 g/bhp-hr standard for the applicable engines.
    In accordance with program requirements, Engelhard's application 
includes emissions defect and emissions performance warranties.
    The candidate kit requires particular engine rebuild parts that are 
specified by Engelhard in order to upgrade applicable engines to a 277 
hp 1991 to 1993 model year configuration. As proposed in the 
application, Engelhard would provide certain engine components (the 
coated cylinder heads, coated valves, and cylinder kits incorporating 
coated piston domes), the catalytic converter muffler, and the 
turbocharger. The remaining required parts (fuel injectors, camshafts, 
and blower) would be purchased elsewhere or supplied separately by the 
transit operator, as long as such parts were the Engelhard-specified 
OEM components. Engelhard contends that the ``engine specified parts'' 
that an operator would acquire elsewhere are all ``standard'' engine 
parts that are not modified or influenced by the ETX components. 
Engelhard proposes that the candidate kit include a specified parts 
list, but not provide these ``standard'' parts. Additionally, EPA 
understands that Engelhard does not intend that the warranties provided 
by them would cover these parts, because these parts are normally 
replaced during a standard rebuild.
    EPA expects to evaluate this supply method and its impact on life 
cycle costs and whether it is appropriate pursuant to program 
requirements [such as 40 CFR 85.1403(a)(1)]. Also, EPA will evaluate 
whether this supply method would compromise the ability of the 
Engelhard kit to achieve 0.10 g/bhp-hr PM standard in the field. EPA 
requests comment on this supply method.
    At this point, EPA has not determined the accuracy of the life 
cycle cost information, including whether a fuel economy penalty 
exists, or the cost of a standard rebuild. EPA requests comment on the 
life cycle cost analysis. EPA will use information gathered through 
public comment and from the certifier to address any issues.
    If Engelhard cannot show that its equipment will be offered to all 
operators for less than $7,940 (in 1992 dollars) incremental to the 
cost of a standard rebuild, then certification may proceed but it would 
not trigger the 0.10 g/bhp-hr PM standard.
    If EPA certifies the candidate application, then urban bus 
operators who choose to comply with compliance Option 1 of this program 
will be required to use this equipment or other equipment certified to 
the 0.10 g/bhp-hr standard beginning six months after certification 
approval, when applicable engines are rebuilt or replaced.
    If EPA approves Engelhard's certification request, then bus 
operators

[[Page 17414]]

who chose to comply under compliance Option 2 of this program may also 
use the Engelhard equipment.
    In a final rule dated March 26, 1998 (63 FR 14626), the urban bus 
program regulations were amended to provide for EPA review of equipment 
certified by July 1, 1998, and revision of the post-rebuild levels used 
with Option 2 target level calculations, as necessary. This amendment 
was done to assure that the two compliance options of the urban bus 
program remain equivalent, and also because EPA expects equipment to be 
certified in early 1998 at a level of 0.10 g/bhp-hr for the 6V92TA DDEC 
engine models. If certification of the candidate kit is approved prior 
to July 1, 1998, then EPA expects to use the emission level of the 
Engelhard rebuild kit to revise the Option 2 post-rebuild levels for 
the applicable engines. While we believe that only a small number of 
operators use Option 2, we estimate that the engines affected by the 
candidate equipment are 40 percent of the urban bus fleet covered by 
the regulation.
    The date of today's notice initiates a 45-day period during which 
EPA will accept written comments relevant to whether or not the 
equipment described in the Engelhard application should be certified. 
Interested parties are encouraged to review this application, and 
provide comments related to whether or not the equipment described in 
it should be certified pursuant to the urban bus retrofit/rebuild 
program. Comments should be provided in writing to the address listed 
under the Addresses section of this document.
    EPA will review this notification of intent to certify, along with 
comments received from the interested parties, and attempt to resolve 
or clarify issues as necessary. During the review process, EPA may add 
additional documents to the docket as a result of the review process. 
These documents will also be available for public review and comment.

    Dated: April 3, 1998.
Richard D. Wilson,
Acting Assistant Administrator for Office of Air and Radiation.
[FR Doc. 98-9387 Filed 4-8-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P