Mass. Waste Removal Company Faces EPA Penalty for Excessive Truck Idling in Revere

A waste removal company in eastern Massachusetts is facing EPA fines for exceeding the state idling limit in Massachusetts. In a complaint filed by EPA’s New England office, Capitol Waste Services, Inc. of East Boston may pay a penalty of up to $107,300 for excessive engine idling of Capitol’s garbage trucks at the company’s truck lot in Revere, Mass.

“Pollution from idling engines contributes to ozone smog, fine particle pollution, and increased carbon dioxide emissions – all of which are critical concerns for peoples’ health and well-being in New England,” said Robert Varney, regional administrator of EPA’s New England office. “Our actions to enforce the anti-idling regulations are sending a message that excessive idling will not be tolerated.”

This action is part of an ongoing effort by EPA to reduce unnecessary idling, which wastes fuel, degrades air quality and emits greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change.

Diesel engines emit pollutants that can cause or aggravate a variety of health problems including asthma and other respiratory diseases. Extended exposure to diesel exhaust can also cause lung cancer. People with asthma or other respiratory/cardiac conditions, and children whose lungs are still developing, are particularly vulnerable.

Capitol’s lot in Revere is adjacent to a residential area. An EPA inspector observed 100 instances of excessive idling of Capitol’s garbage trucks over two days at this facility.

Four New England states have idling limits – Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island. EPA has authority to help enforce idling limits in Massachusetts and Connecticut.

EPA offers assistance to companies and facilities in implementing alternatives to idling. Idling typically wastes almost a gallon of fuel per hour, and puts much more wear and tear on the engine than driving.