Bear Valley Unified School District provides pupil transportation services in the City of Big Bear Lake and surrounding communities. Bear Valley Unified participated in an MSRC-sponsored demonstration of CNG-fueled school buses in a mountain area - the purpose was to prove out the viability of using alternative fuels such as compressed natural gas in winter driving conditions and mountain roads with steep grades. The demonstration project was successful, and Bear Valley Unified is in the process of transitioning their fleet of older diesel-fueled school buses to new buses fueled with compressed natural gas. During the demonstration, a portable CNG refueling station was installed near the District's school bus maintenance facility.
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The District contracted with Siemens Industry, Inc. to design, engineer, construct and install the CNG fueling station. We chose Siemens based upon their expertise in the industry as well as their ability to deliver a "turnkey" process. More specifically, they could design, engineer and construct all aspects of the fueling station. This avoided any disconnect of the design, engineering and construction that sometimes occurs when architects, engineers and/or contractors disagree. It was successfully completed on October 29, 2013 and within budget. The system is fully operational and functioning effectively.
The objective of this project was to assist Bear Valley Unified School District in constructing a permanent onsite compressed natural gas (CNG) refueling station. Bear Valley Unified is transitioning their fleet of older diesel-fueled school buses to CNG buses, requiring access to a reliable source of CNG fuel.
As part of commitment under the grants, Bear Valley Unified affixed MSRC decals on the fueling station and conducted an outreach program. As part of our outreach program, Bear Valley USD held a ribbon cutting ceremony on October 29th, 2013. This event was covered by local media.
The station has been operating in daily bus refueling service with no technical issues reported.