AVON — With concerns about air quality and the affects they might have on it, CSX Transportation unveiled two ultra low-emission GenSet locomotives, which will operate full-time at the yard here.
“These are the only two of their kind in Indiana,” Tony Ingram, executive vice president and CEO of CSX, said. “We’re pleased with the help of the town, Avon, and their help in getting these engines here.”
Ingram said looks can be deceiving when it comes to this locomotive.
“You look at these engines and they look like the normal locomotives that you see working in the yard and doing the switches,” he said. “Actually, these locomotives have three separate engines in them. They are only called upon when they are needed. The technology of these locomotives are unbelievable. These are 80 percent more efficient with emissions than the ones they replace.”
Carl Gerhardstein, director of environmental systems for CSX, explained the emission reductions.
“On this locomotive, compared to the one that it’s replacing, it reduces the particulate matter by 86 percent,” Gerhardstein said. “It also reduces the (nitrous oxide) and ozone precursors by about 90 percent.”
Gerhardstein said the engines used in the locomotive are Cummins and they are ultra-low emissions and very fuel efficient.
“Also, we only produce the amount of power that we need, based on how many cars we are pulling around,” he said. “The locomotive is nothing more than a big electrical power plant. You have a diesel engine that produces electricity and the electricity goes to the traction motors to make the wheels move.”
Avon Town Council President Greg Zusan said the town applied for funding on behalf of CSX and was allotted funds from the state.
“The town of Avon appreciates the relationship with dealing with all of our corporate people, but certainly CSX,” Zusan said. “They are sort of at the heart of the town. The tracks go right through the town.”
Ingram said they appreciate the concessions made by residents here.
“We know that we make noise,” he said. “We know that we leave the lights on around the clock, but we are trying our best to be a good neighbor here.”
Jim Wurtz with National Railway Equipment said the new engines being used by CSX have been in service since 2007. He said it was developed in conjunction with the Air Resources Board in California for issues in the Los Angeles basin.
“These locomotives, we are obviously very proud of,” Wurtz said. “But they are good for everyone. We reduce emissions by over 85 percent. They clean the air and they make working and living around the yard healthier. We also reduce noise quite significantly, by over 85 percent.”
He added that they are “American” locomotives.
“Ninety-five percent of what you see today was built right here in America,” he said. “That’s labor and the material.”
ryan.palencer@flyergroup.com
Local News
Related Photos
-
CSX in Avon unveiled its two new low-emission locomotives. Ryan Palencer/Flyer Photo
CSX introduces cleaner locomotives
- Local News
-
-
Facebook page nets BPD a catch
Early returns on the Brownsburg Crime Tips Facebook page are positive as one of the suspects featured has already been identified.
-
Police investigate night time murder
Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers responded to a report of a person shot at the 3100 block of N. Guilford Ave. just before 10 p.m. Wednesday.
-
Women of Influence conference to target cancer
One of life’s most ruthless opponents will be the focus of the third annual Women of Influence conference set for 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. March 1 at Five Star Catering at Primo West in Plainfield.
-
SWAT team ends potential hostage situation
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department SWAT team took Zachary Pipes, 18, Indianapolis, into custody Wednesday morning, putting a non-violent cap on a contentious situation.
-
Pence makes first official campaign stop in Plainfield
Mike Pence filed paperwork on Monday to officially run for governor of Indiana. Then the Republican made his first campaign stop here, at The Coachman restaurant.
-
Steuerwald leads effort to bolster human trafficking laws
Rep. Greg Steuerwald (R-Avon) co-sponsored a bill strengthening Indiana's anti-human trafficking laws that Gov. Mitch Daniels signed just in time for the Super Bowl.
-
First Lady kicks off state employee food drive
First Lady Cheri Daniels recently announced the start of the annual Hoosiers Helping Hoosiers state employee food drive. During the month of February, 60 agencies and 261 divisions throughout Indiana state government will coordinate efforts to collect non-perishable items for local food banks and pantries.
-
Shoe recycling event going on this week
The Hendricks County Solid Waste Management District says old shoes that are discarded can spend more than 200 years in a landfill before decomposing, and shoes are in great demand in third world countries.
-
Hanging with Madonna
With hundreds of millions of people throughout the world watching Super Bowl XLVI, Avon made a nice splash.
-
Pizzeria opens in North Salem
As a Tri-West High School graduate, Bob Miller knows western Hendricks County well. It's this community he's most fond of.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Denver's Largest-Ever Drug Bust Nets Dozens
Marines: No Punishment for Nazi-like Flag
Vets Look to Translate Military Skills Into Jobs
Expert: Removing LA School's Staff 'Appropriate'
Raw Video: School Bus Burst Into Flames
LA School Reopens Amid Sex Abuse Scandal
$25B Settlement Reached Over Foreclosure Abuses
Pentagon: Allow Women Closer to Front Lines
Obama Gives Education Waivers to 10 States
Giffords Aide to Run for Her Seat
LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens
Winter Slamming North Asia, Parts of Europe
Syrian Forces Renew Bombardment of Homs
States, Banks Reach Foreclosure-abuse Settlement
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal
Raw Video: U.S. Pullout Celebration
Raw Video: Annual Empire State Building Run-Up
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
