By Ryan Palencer
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
