Orange County Board of County Commissioners announced the completion of the 308^th School Bus retrofitted with an emission control device us on Thursday, January 29, 2009 at the Hanging Moss School Bus Depot.

We already know that school buses are the safest way for children to get to school.  Through innovative partnerships, we can also ensure that school buses are the cleanest way to get to school.  In accordance with Mayor Crotty's Orange to Green initiative, a project to reduce diesel school bus emissions evolved. 

A collaboration between Orange County's Environmental Protection Division (EPD) and Orange County Public Schools (OCPS), along with a $200,000 grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, allowed for 308 school buses to be retrofitted with Diesel Oxidation Catalysts (DOCs) provided by Engine Control Systems.  These pollution control devices will reduce harmful exhaust emissions and help student riders breathe easier.  EPD dedicated over $100,000 in matching funds to demonstrate that a solution to diesel emissions is currently available and practical.  

DOCs, similar to the catalytic converters on cars, reduce emissions by capturing and incinerating unburned particles, preventing their release into the atmosphere.  These devices are capable of removing up to 40% of the particulate matter, 70% of the unburned hydrocarbons, and 40% of the carbon monoxide typically emitted by school buses. 

Through this project, EPD and the OCPS are taking steps toward cleaner air for our children and the community.  This is an opportunity to introduce Central Florida to the existing technologies for reducing emissions from diesel vehicles, with the hopes of launching additional voluntary efforts with area businesses and municipalities. 

For more information about this project, please contact the EPD at 407-836-1400.