Are you compliant with the Australian diesel emissions regulations?

As the technology to reduce vehicle emissions has become readily available, it is necessary for the Australian government to ensure that businesses and vehicle owners are adopting it. In 2011, following similar environmental mandates by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the USA, Australia implemented regulations for vehicle emissions standards. The regulations might seem complex, but remaining compliant is simple and will help keep the air cleaner for everyone.

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There are two general bodies of legislation that govern diesel emissions: Federal and State. On-road diesel vehicles fall under the Australian vehicle standards, while non-road equipment (haul trucks, heavy machinery, fixed plant, etc.) come under state regulators for the mining and resources industries. But complying with the highest standard will ensure you’re running clean and lawful.

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ON-ROAD VEHICLES

With the intention to reduce air pollution, regulations have been introduced to limit the nitrous oxide (NOx) gases and particulate matter emitted from the exhaust of combustion engines.? The Australian legislation on emission control standards for light vehicles (ADR 79/04) and heavy vehicles (ADR 80/03), refers to on-road cars and trucks. It is a specific standard for new diesel engines that include the need for a particulate trap (diesel particulate filter), a reagent dosing system (AdBlue?), and an on-board diagnostic tool that monitors engine information such as calculated load and emissions limits.

Key points pf ADR 79/04 and ADR80/03:

-????????? Refers to 2010 models onwards

-????????? Vehicles require an exhaust after-treatment system

-????????? Vehicles require on-board diagnostics (ODB)

-????????? Selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems must utilise AUS32 grade fluid (AdBlue?)

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The good news is that since 2009, diesel vehicles have been manufactured with these aftertreatment systems as standard, and so most modern cars and trucks will already be compliant. It is worth noting that AdBlue? will need to be topped up approximately every 10,000km, so usually at its service intervals. And a diesel particulate filter (DPF) requires periodic long runs to regenerate, but this will mean they can last 200-300,000km before replacement.

So, while DPF and SCR systems are not technically compulsory in Australia, the strict regulations on emissions for modern diesel vehicles means they’re dependent on such technology to remain compliant. The main takeaway for owners is that the onus of compliance with the environmental regulations is on the manufacturer. If vehicles are well-maintained and serviced, then it is easy to do our part to reduce air pollution.

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INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY

Exhaust emissions from mining machinery such as heavy equipment and fixed plant have become a hot topic recently, with Europe and North America passing strict emissions laws to protect mine worker’s health and safety. Diesel particulate matter (DPM) that is emitted through diesel exhaust systems has been identified by the World Health Organisation as a Group 1 carcinogen, and it is also one of the most abundant airborne hazards in which mine workers are exposed. Because of this, Australian federal, state, and local governments have agreed to work together to regulate the emissions of non-road diesel engines. This collaboration between states was named the National Clean Air Agreement.

As part of the National Clean Air Agreement, an evaluation was conducted on non-road diesel-powered engines such as tractors, diggers, haul trucks, generators, and pumps. This evaluation found that the most effective approach to lower diesel emissions is to implement federal regulations that align with international best practices. This agreement gives authority to the individual states and territories to ensure efficient and practical response to air quality issues. It is important to note, these laws have not yet come into effect. Significant consultation with governments, industry, and the public have been carried out and will be evaluated in regard to the final bill. Following trends in other developed countries, businesses should prepare for its implementation. ?

The most effective way to be ready for these regulations is to carry out an emissions audit and ensure that modern technology is being utilised where possible. This could mean reducing the number of exposed workers by introducing automation, upgrading of ventilation systems, investing in battery-powered machinery, or using existing emission-capturing technology used in the automotive and haulage industries.

Exhaust aftertreatment devices such as a DPF and SCR systems capture the harmful exhaust gases on diesel-powered vehicles. The SCR uses diesel exhaust fluid to reduce NOx by 90%, while the DPF captures black carbon particulates, and together lower harmful emissions by up to 99.9%. This technology is already mandated for on-road vehicle, and so the shift to non-road and underground equipment follows suit.

Many mining companies have been working towards reducing emissions for a few years now, and the technology has been available for some time, but there is always more to do when it comes to keeping workers safe and protecting our air. These laws will ensure that our resources industry continues to strive for and maintain healthy air levels for everyone – and hold them accountable if they don’t. It is a step in the right direction for the health of mine workers and for the environment.

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Whether you drive a diesel car, or operate a fleet of dozers, controlling emissions is both important and lawful. Regulations ensure that everyone does their part to reduce air pollution, while innovation and technology make it simple.