Thousand Palms, CA. (May 21, 2001) – SunLine Services Group (SSG) has been awarded $249,124 in funding from the Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review Committee (MSRC) to offset the cost of 15 compressed natural gas heavy-duty vehicles. The MSRC is a committee responsible for funding transportation-related projects that reduce air pollution within Southern California. A joint powers authority affiliated with SunLine Transit Agency, SSG provides non-transit services to Coachella Valley cities and the county of Riverside.
SunLine plans to purchase two CNG street sweepers, five flatbed trucks, five sand removal vehicles and three force-feed loader vehicles. All of the vehicles use dedicated CNG engines that have been certified as low emission by the California Air Resources Board. The vehicles will be used to sweep almost 59,000 miles each year of regional and urban roadways in the designated blow sand areas of the Coachella Valley. The unique sand removal capabilities of the equipment will help eliminate 3.7 tons per year of particulates and 2.83 tons of nitrogen oxide emissions.
“Blowing sand is a huge problem for Coachella Valley residents and the particulates from these sandstorms have a detrimental effect on their health,” said MSRC Chairman and Palm Springs Mayor Will Kleindienst. “The purchase of clean fuel vehicles and sweepers will help reduce these harmful particulates.”
Particulates, known as PM10, consist of fine particles 10 microns or less in diameter and are easily inhaled into the lungs. Numerous medical studies have shown elevated levels of PM10 can be a contributor to increased death among people with respiratory or heart diseases. Studies have also shown that PM10 contributes to increased hospital admissions and school absences due to respiratory problems and increased use of asthma medications. In 1997, the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) implemented a PM10 reduction plan that included post-wind storm clean up, windbreaks, paving and chemical stabilization in addition to street sweeping. SSG utilizes specially designed regenerative sweepers that reduce PM10. Once sand is collected, it is cleaned and deposited in the Coachella Valley Fringe Toed Lizard Preserve where it rebuilds the endangered lizards’ habitat. “The MSRC funds will greatly enhanced our PM10 reduction efforts and help the valley meet federal air quality standards,” said William L. Clapper, Jr., executive director of SunLine Services Group. “In an area like the desert where sand is always going to be a problem, it’s important to continue to fund measures we know work.”
About SunLine
SunLine consists of two separate joint powers authorities, SunLine Transit Agency and SunLine Services Group, and a non-profit 501 (c) 3, Community Partnerships of the Desert. In 1994, SunLine became the first transit agency in the country to convert overnight to a fleet powered 100% by clean-burning alternate fuels. With private sector partner Pickens Fuel Corp., SunLine Services Group operates eight Sun Gas natural gas stations in the Coachella Valley. SSG also provides regional street sweeping and graffiti removal services.