CARLISLE, IA - American Power Group (APA) has signed an EPA test vehicle agreement with Casella Waste Systems Inc. to convert one of its refuse trucks to an APA dual-fuel system and begin on-the-road test trials and emission-compliance approval.  

APG, a subsidiary of GreenMan Technologies, recently received an EPA exemption required for public highway access for the testing and verification of APG's dual-fuel upgrade system on aftermarket diesel truck and tractor engines. APG's dual-fuel system converts diesel engines and diesel generators to function more efficiently and at a lower operating cost (net fuel cost savings of 25-35 percent) by displacing 40-70 percent of the normal diesel fuel consumption with CNG, LNG or bio-methane. The system is non-invasive to the OEM engine and operates within all OEM performance controls with the flexibility to return to full diesel operation at any time, APG said. 

Casella Waste Systems Inc. is a regional solid waste services company serving the eastern United States. The company owns or operates 31 solid waste collection operations, 30 transfer stations and 34 recycling facilities supported by a fleet of more than 1,000 vehicles.   

APG's dual-fuel conversion and emissions reduction systems can help users achieve their sustainability goals through lower carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide and particulate matter emissions, the company said. In addition, the introduction of natural gas through APG's dual fuel system does not impact diesel engine power or pulling torque and will assist in extending the engine's oil life since natural gas is a cleaner-burning fuel compared to diesel. 

The EPA test exemptions will allow APG to gather critical engine performance and emission data on a pre-dual fuel and post-dual fuel basis to support EPA approval requirements and begin commercialization of the company's dual-fuel upgrade system in the United States. The initial vehicle to be tested for Casella Waste Systems Inc. will be a 2003 DT530 8.6 liter/275HP International refuse truck. 

"We recognize that our industry is evolving towards a model that rewards an approach to resource renewal and sustainability," said John W. Casella, chairman and CEO of Casella Waste Systems. "This includes, for us, developing a 'greener' fleet as we work towards reducing our diesel emissions 10 percent by 2013. To get there, we are using innovation to rethink every aspect of our business and we look forward to working with American Power Group to test and determine the utilization of their alternative fuel technology in the Casella fleet network."  

GreenMan Technologies, through its subsidiaries, provides technology and marketing programs for alternative energy, renewable fuels and recycled products.