Anheuser-Busch has committed itself to making sure that its new distribution facility at 500 Food Center Drive does not contribute to high asthma rate.
To that end, 15 of the company’s diesel trucks operating out of the new distribution center, opening later this year, will be outfitted with pollution reduction devices by Donaldson Filtration Solutions thanks to a $150,000 grant.
The grant, awarded by the Environmental Protection Agency on behalf of the Northeast Diesel Collaborative, will equip 20% of Anheuser-Busch’s local fleet – 15 trucks – with diesel multi-stage filter devices, along with closed crankcase filtration systems.
It is estimated that the diesel multi-stage filters, which utilize a two-stage metallic filter to trap and reduce exhaust emissions, will reduce particulate matter emissions by 70-80%.
“EPA is putting its money and expertise on tap to help reduce the diesel engine emissions that contribute to air pollution and respiratory problems,” said Alan Steinberg, regional administrator of the EPA.
Anheuser-Busch has also committed to using bio-diesel for its entire Hunts Point truck fleet.
Michael Lipson, chief-of-staff for Congressman Jose Serrano, praised Anheuser-Busch for their vision.
Lipson stated, “Congressman Serrano wants to make clear that government doesn’t always have all of the answers – sometimes we get answers from non-profits or the public sector.”
Heavy-duty diesel vehicles contribute to 15% of smog and 22% of soot emissions to the atmosphere. Soot emissions are one of the leading causes of asthma in children.
“NYSERDA has a long standing commitment to reduce vehicle emissions and improve the quality of life for all Bronx residents,” said Vincent Delorio of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.
In attention to its efforts to reduce smog and soot, Anheuser-Busch is also contributing 30-feet to the South Bronx greenway.
