EPA ADOPTS NEW AIRCRAFT ENGINE EMISSION STANDARDS
Today, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) adopted several new aircraft engine emission standards for oxides of nitrogen (NOX), compliance flexibilities, and other requirements for aircraft turbofan or turbojet engines with rated thrusts greater than 26.7 kilonewtons. EPA also adopted certain other requirements for gas turbine engines that are subject to exhaust emission standards.
The final rule contains the following new provisions:
- Tier 6 NOX emission standards for newly certified-engine models, representing an approximate 12 percent reduction from current Tier 4 levels.
- Tier 8 NOX emission standards, representing an approximate 15 percent reduction from Tier 6 levels.
- Production cut-off requiring all newly manufactured engines meet at least Tier 6 NOX emission standards.
- Exceptions to the production cut-off requirement allowing manufacturers to request exemption for a designated number of engines within a prescribed time frame.
- Low-volume, time-limited exception excluding several engines from production cutoff.
- Special provisions for spare engines, provisions related to derivative engine models, test procedure specifications, and reporting requirements.
In particular, EPA clarified that when emission characteristics of new turbofan or turbojet engine models become different enough from its existing parent engine design, it must conform to the most current emission standards. Further, with regard to new reporting requirements, manufacturers of gas turbine engines, subject to any exhaust emission standard, must provide timely and consistent emission related information.
The final rules become effective July 18, 2012. If you have any questions regarding application of the final rules, please contact our office.