Owner/Operator Buses Made More ‘Green’ Through EPA Grant

Owner/operator Phil Carroll watched as one of his buses received a new catalyst muffler to help control the number of pollutants emitted by the bus on Friday, August 6. According to Mr Carroll, the work and new muffler system were long-awaited.

All buses owned by Newtown’s owner/operator drivers that qualify to receive the mufflers will have them placed on the buses by the start of the school year, and, Mr Carroll said, all of the costs associated are covered through the grant from the Environmental Protection Agency. Mr Carroll was instrumental in applying for the grant, years ago, and after having letters written by multiple local officials and help from former First Selectman Herb Rosenthal, Newtown received the grant two years ago.

After two years, Mr Carroll was happy to see the installation being done on one of his buses. Newer buses, he said, do not need the mufflers.

Atlantic Detroit Diesel-Allison, LLC, is installing the systems, and the Donaldson Corporation makes the Spiracle Crankcase Filtration Systems being installed on the buses.

All work on the buses is being done at the Newtown Highway Department on Turkey Hill Road.