The City of Mesa, Ariz., will convert some of its fleet vehicles to compressed natural gas (CNG) and plans to build a CNG fueling station to share with other local fleets.

The City's Solid Waste Management Department plans to incorporate 18 new CNG-powered refuse trucks into its existing fleet over the next two years. The new trucks will replace older vehicles as they are taken out of service. 

City employees evaluated the technology of CNG vehicles and conducted a thorough economic analysis before making the decision to move to CNG. While CNG vehicles are more expensive to purchase and have modified maintenance requirements, the City does expect cost savings in the long run, as well as reduced vehicle emissions, said Michael Comstock, solid waste management director.

Mesa's Energy Resources Department will supply the CNG. The city will install a temporary fuelling station and plans to construct a permanent CNG fuelling station.

"Our low costs to provide CNG service and the capability to develop the CNG station as a part of Solid Waste's conversion to CNG are services that we want to extend to all of Mesa's natural gas utility customers, especially our local fleets," said Frank McRae, energy resources director.

Fuelling stations use natural gas that is delivered by a pipeline to the fueling station, where it's compressed to 3600 psi for dispensing.