| Fueling the Ferry A recent article in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer pointed out that the Puget Sound region is leading the shift to Low Sulfur Diesel (LSD) fuels to avoid the health and environmental consequences associated with High Sulfur Diesel (HSD) fuels. High Sulpur Diesel fuels contain 0.5% or less sulfur content, while Low Sulphur Diesel contains .05% or less sulphur. The EPA is mandating a 99% reduction in sulphur by 2010. According to the EPA: "Use of high sulfur diesel in motor vehicles increases the emissions of small particulate matter, which can lead to severe lung problems and increases susceptibility to respiratory infection such as pneumonia, aggravation of acute and chronic bronchitis, and asthma. Small particulate matter also contributes to the formation of the smoke that is widely associated with diesel engines." |
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| Asked
between May 5 - June 2, 2003.
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Steve
Flude, Skagit County Public Works Department, replies.
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| A recent article in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer pointed out that the Puget Sound region is leading the shift to Low Sulfur Diesel (LSD) fuels to avoid the health and environmental consequences associated with High Sulfur Diesel (HSD) fuels. For at least the last several years, the Guemes ferry has run on High Sulfur Diesel fuel. We understand that the County is considering switching to Low Sulphur Diesel fuels for environmental and health reasons. If so, when will you make the switch? |
We will switch on July 1 after the new fuel contract is awarded. |
What
is the cost difference between LSD and HSD? |
The cost differential varies from approximately 0.8 cents to 1.5 cents a gallon. |
What is the expected cost difference for a year's Ferry operation? |
Total cost increase should not exceed $500.00 and should not affect fares that much. |
Since
fuel costs are recovered in fares, do you expect a fuel cost difference
to have a measurable effect on fares? |
No |
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Do you expect other changes, to vessel maintenance costs for example, from switching to low sulfur diesel? |
No |
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Thanks for your help, Steve. |
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