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Operating Engineers are responsible for the safe operation and maintenance of heavy construction equipment such as cranes, backhoes, loaders, scrapers, bulldozers, rollers and other equipment. In the past, this equipment largely utilized diesel fuel, a mixture of compounds primarily distilled from petroleum. The combustion of diesel fuel emits a combination of gasses, carbon particles and various chemicals.
With this in mind, the Operating Engineers Local 66 Apprenticeship Program in New Alexandria, Pa., has undertaken efforts to green its approximately 50-piece heavy equipment training fleet and significantly reduce the consumption and subsequent pollution caused by the use of diesel fuel.
Recently, as part of a first phase, the Operators employed a local company, Fossil Free Fuel, to convert three of its front-line machines to run on B-100 (100% biodiesel fuel), a fuel that is produced from a combination of animal and/or plant sources. A refining process combined with the use of the appropriate additives makes the fuel suitable for use in diesel-powered equipment.
“The conversion process is a unique one and a variety of challenges (such as the impact of temperature) are being addressed,” said Apprenticeship Training Director Steve Columbus, “but implementation continues and the overall process has been working very successfully since March of this year.”
As this transition to bio-fuels progresses, conversions simultaneously serve as training aids for Operator and Mechanic apprentices, and a complete curriculum has been developed detailing the conversion process and use of biodiesel blends.
“And we’re not stopping there,” said Mr. Columbus. “We are also investigating the possibility of installing diesel particulate filters on the equipment that is not converted to biodiesel. These units, as the name implies, reduce the amount of airborne particulates emitted through the exhaust.”
Though it isn’t visible on the surface, Local 66’s Operating Engineers are nevertheless blazing a green trail and serving as model for the rest of the country while sharing their experiences and results with counterparts and contractors throughout the construction and building trades industry.
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| The Final Word - Exceeding Expectations |
When we started the construction of CONSOL Energy Center, we had very lofty expectations. As we reached substantial completion of the new arena, we can honestly say that it exceeded our expectations. The CONSOL Energy Center is one of the most technologically-advanced, environmentally-conscious, fan-friendly professional sports venues in the world. We are proud to unveil yet another iconic sports venue in the City of Pittsburgh. Undoubtedly, this would not have been possible without the dedication and commitment of the highly-skilled union workforce in this region.
From the outset, you could see the pride that each worker took in their aspect of the project. On our frequent tours of the construction site, it became apparent that they were building our home as though it was their home. This is evidenced by the quality and craftsmanship of their work. While we are extremely proud of the new arena, we are even prouder of the union workforce in this region. A project of this magnitude requires a total team effort and they performed like a Stanley Cup championship team.
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Union building trades members and their families are treated by the Pittsburgh Penguins to view their collectively finished work at the CONSOL Energy Center. More than 1,000 workers representing virtually every local building trade union participated in the project. |
| —Travis Williams, Senior Vice President, Business Affairs/General Counsel |
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