Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 391-3-21-.15

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through October 29, 2024

Rule 391-3-21-.15 - Georgia Diesel Emissions Reduction Program

(1) Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) Georgia Diesel Emissions Reduction Program Scope and Purpose. Grants are available under the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) State Clean Diesel Grant Program for retrofitting diesel vehicles that are located or operated in the State of Georgia.

(a) General Terms and Conditions of the Grant.

1. Projects submitted for funding under this Grant must identify the vehicles for retrofit and the type of emission control equipment to be used.

2. Submitted projects must conform to all applicable programmatic and administrative conditions including, without limitation, coordination with EPD personnel; use of retrofit technologies that have been or will be verified or certified under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) Retrofit Program or by the California Air Resources Board (CARB); submission of quarterly reports when applicable; submission of a final report when applicable; compliance with applicable Federal procurement and subgrant procedures; certification that the emission control equipment was properly installed and is in working condition; use of data-logging in accordance with manufacturer specifications of diesel vehicles that will be equipped with emission control equipment on existing routes to ensure proper exhaust temperature profiles; proper maintenance of vehicles and retrofit equipment and enforcement of warranty claims against vendors if a maintenance problem arises; and use of the emission control equipment on the vehicles for a minimum of four years unless the equipment is damaged beyond repair or the vehicle becomes inoperable and is unable to be repaired.

(b) Eligible Recipients of the Grant. An eligible applicant is any Georgia public school system that proposes to install emission control devices on school buses the system owns and operates.

(c) Criteria for the Award. In the event that the costs of the applications submitted for eligible projects exceed the available funding, EPD will determine the projects to be selected as follows:

1. First priority will be given for public school systems whose fleets are based in counties that are adjacent to designated PM2.5 nonattainment or maintenance counties.

2. Second priority will be given for public school systems whose fleets are based in counties that have not been designated as nonattainment for PM2.5 and are not adjacent to designated PM2.5 nonattainment or maintenance counties.

3. Third priority will be given for public school systems whose fleets are based in counties that have been officially designated as nonattainment or maintenance for the PM2.5 standard.

Within each priority, applications will be ranked according to the following criteria:

1. Retrofit of school buses with devices that reduce PM2.5 by a minimum of 50% on school bus engines with model years ranging from 2001 through 2006; and

2. Cost effectiveness of the project (cost per ton of emission reduced over the lifetime of the project).

(d) Deadline For Submittal. EPD will issue the first solicitation for applications on or before April 18, 2011. Applications will be due within six weeks after release of the solicitation. Funding will be distributed based on the criteria for award between eligible applicants that reply within the first solicitation period. If funds remain after grants are awarded to all qualified projects from the first solicitation or additional funds are received for this program after the initial solicitation, additional solicitation(s) will be issued until all of the funds have been obligated. For each solicitation, retrofit projects will be awarded based on the priority and order in which projects rank within the criteria selection process. The applications will be evaluated based on the criteria stated in Subsection (c).

(e) Directions For Submitting Applications for the Georgia Diesel Emission Reduction Program. Requests for copies of the general guidelines and proposal forms and submittal of applications for the DERA Georgia Diesel Emission Reduction Program should be made to:

Georgia Environmental Protection Division

Mobile and Area Sources Program

Attn: Stacy Allman

4244 International Parkway, Suite 134

Atlanta, Georgia 30354

e-mail: stacy.allman@dnr.state.ga.us

(f) Award of the Georgia Diesel Emission Reduction Program grants is subject to Federal funding provided to EPD. EPD may fund individual projects less than the requested amounts if necessary to distribute funds among equally ranked projects or to reduce the project cost to the maximum allowable distribution.

(2) Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) Georgia Diesel Emissions Reduction Program Scope and Purpose. Grants are available under the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) State Clean Diesel Grant Program for retrofitting, replacing, repowering, and/or rebuilding diesel vehicles/engines that are located or operated in the State of Georgia.

(a) General Terms and Conditions of the Grant.

1. Projects submitted for funding under this Grant must identify the school bus(es) proposed for:

(i) Early replacement and the model year of the new replacement bus(es);

(ii) Repowering and the replacement engine manufacturer, model, model year, and fuel type for each proposed repowered bus;

(iii) Existing engine(s) to be rebuilt and the standard the rebuilt engine is expected to meet; and/or

(iv) Identify the school buses for installing emission control devices and type of emission control equipment to be used.

2. Submitted projects must conform to all applicable programmatic and administrative conditions including, without limitation.

(i) Coordination with EPD personnel.

(ii) Use of verified emission control technologies under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) Retrofit Program or the California Air Resources Board (CARB) for projects including emission control equipment.

(iii) Use of engines certified by EPA or CARB to 2010 or newer heavy duty engine standards for projects including the early replacement of school buses.

(iv) Use of replacement engines certified by EPA or CARB to a cleaner emission standard than the original engine for projects including the repowering of school bus engines.

(v) Use of rebuilt engines certified to a cleaner EPA or CARB emission standard than the original engines for projects including the rebuilding of existing school bus engines.

(vi) Funds under this award cannot be used for emission reductions that result from school bus replacements or repowers that would have occurred through normal attrition/fleet turnover within three years of October 1, 2012.

(vii) Funds under this award cannot be used for the purchase of school buses or engines to expand a fleet.

(viii) Any proposed replacement bus or engine must perform the same function and operation as the bus or engine that is being replaced.

(ix) Any proposed replacement bus or engine must be of the same type and similar gross vehicle weight rating or horsepower as the bus or engine being replaced.

(x) Any proposed engine to be replaced must be scrapped or rendered permanently disabled within ninety (90) days of the replacement, or returned to the original engine manufacturer for remanufacturing to a certified cleaner emission standard. Remanufacturing must be completed during the project period. Permanently disabling the engine while retaining possession of the engine is an acceptable scrapping method. Disabling the engine may be completed by drilling a hole in the engine block (the part of the engine containing the cylinders). Alternatively, disabling the engine may be completed by removing the engine oil from the crankcase, replacing it with a 40 percent solution of sodium silicate and running the engine for a short period of time at low speeds, thus rendering the engine inoperable. Remanufacturing of school bus engines requires that the engine be returned to the original engine manufacturer for remanufacturing to MY 2007 or newer certified emission standards. Other acceptable scrappage methods may be considered and will require prior Division approval. If scrapped or remanufactured engines are to be sold, program income requirements apply.

(xi) Any school bus to be replaced must be scrapped or rendered permanently disabled within ninety (90) days of the replacement, or its engine returned to the original engine manufacturer for remanufacturing to a certified cleaner emission standard. Remanufacturing must be completed during the project period. Permanently disabling the chassis and the engine (see (x) above) while retaining possession of the bus is an acceptable scrapping method. Disabling the chassis may be completed by cutting the chassis in half. Remanufacturing of a highway school bus requires that it be returned to the original engine manufacturer for remanufacturing to MY 2007 or newer certified emission standards. Other acceptable scrappage methods may be considered and will require prior Division approval. Components that are not part of the bus engine or chassis may be salvaged from the unit being replaced. If scrapped or remanufactured buses or salvaged bus chassis or components are to be sold, program income requirements apply.

(xii) Submit documentation on the decommissioning of the replaced school bus engine (as outlined in the above sections (x) and (xi)) in projects that include early bus replacement or bus repowering.

(xiii) Submission of quarterly and final reports when requested.

(xiv) Compliance with applicable Federal procurement and subgrant procedures.

(xv) Certification that the emission control equipment was properly installed and is in working condition when applicable.

(xvi) Use of data-logging in accordance with manufacturer specifications of diesel school buses that will be equipped with emission control equipment on existing routes to ensure proper exhaust temperature profiles.

(xvii) Proper maintenance of school buses and retrofit equipment and enforcement of warranty claims against vendors if a maintenance problem arises, as applicable.

(xviii) Use of the emission control equipment and/or rebuilt engine on the school buses and/or use of repowered and replacement school buses for a minimum of four years unless the equipment is damaged beyond repair and/or the vehicles become inoperable and are unable to be repaired.

(b) Eligible Recipients of the Grant. An eligible applicant is any Georgia public school system that owns and operates school buses. Eligible applicants can only receive funding for projects proposing to:

1. Retrofit school buses with pre-2007 model year engines with emission control devices;

2. Rebuild school bus pre-2007 engines to a cleaner engine standard;

3. Replace school buses with pre-2007 model year engines with school buses equipped with 2010 or newer model year engines; and/or

4. Repower school buses with pre-2007 model year engines with engines certified by EPA or CARB to a cleaner emission standard.

(c) Match Requirements. Project applicants shall be required to match a minimum of 50% of the project cost for purchasing and installing emissions control devices on diesel school buses and/or to rebuild school bus engines, to match a minimum of 65% of the project cost to purchase early replacement school buses, and/or match a minimum of 65% of the project cost to repower school bus engines.

(d) Criteria for the Award. In the event that the costs of the applications submitted for eligible projects exceed the available funding, EPD will determine the projects to be selected as follows:

1. First priority will be given for public school systems whose fleets are based in counties that are not designated as nonattainment or maintenance for PM2.5 and who submit projects to retrofit school buses with emission control devices.

2. Second priority will be given for public school systems whose fleets are based in counties that are not designated as nonattainment or maintenance for PM2.5 and who submit projects to replace school buses early, repower school buses, and/or rebuild school bus engines.

3. Third priority will be given for public school systems whose fleets are based in counties that are officially designated as nonattainment or maintenance for the PM2.5 standard and who submit projects to retrofit school buses with emission control devices.

4. Fourth priority will be given for public school systems whose fleets are based in counties that are officially designated as nonattainment or maintenance for the PM2.5 standard and who submit projects to replace school buses early, repower school buses, and/or rebuild school bus engines.

5. Within each priority, applications will be ranked according to cost effectiveness of the project (cost per ton of emission reduced over the lifetime of the project).

(e) Deadline For Submittal. EPD will issue the first solicitation for applications on or before June 1, 2013. Applications will be due within four weeks after release of the solicitation. Funding will be distributed based on the criteria for award between eligible applicants that reply within the first solicitation period. If funds remain after grants are awarded to all qualified projects from the first solicitation or additional funds are received for this program after the initial solicitation, additional solicitation(s) will be issued until all of the funds have been obligated. For each solicitation, retrofit projects will be awarded based on the priority and order in which projects rank within the criteria selection process. The applications will be evaluated based on the criteria stated in Subsection (c).

(f) Directions For Submitting Applications for the Georgia Diesel Emission Reduction Program. Requests for copies of the general guidelines and proposal forms and submittal of applications for the DERA Georgia Diesel Emission Reduction Program should be made to:

Georgia Environmental Protection Division

Mobile and Area Sources Program

Attn: Stacy Allman

4244 International Parkway, Suite 134

Atlanta, Georgia 30354

e-mail: stacy.allman@dnr.state.ga.us

(g) Award of the Georgia Diesel Emission Reduction Program grants is subject to Federal funding provided to EPD. EPD may fund individual projects less than the requested amounts if necessary to distribute funds among equally ranked projects or to reduce the project cost to the maximum allowable distribution.

(3) Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) Georgia Diesel Emissions Reduction Program Scope and Purpose. Grants are available under the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) State Clean Diesel Grant Program for replacing diesel vehicles that are located or operated in the State of Georgia.

(a) General Terms and Conditions of the Grant.

1. Projects submitted for funding under this Grant must identify the school bus(es) proposed for early replacement and the model year of the new replacement bus(es).

2. Submitted projects must conform to all applicable programmatic and administrative conditions including but not limited to those in this subsection.

(i) Coordination with EPD personnel.

(ii) Use of engines certified by EPA or CARB to 2010 or newer heavy duty engine standards for projects including the early replacement of school buses.

(iii) Any proposed school bus(es) to be replaced must be between model year 1991-2003.

(iv) Funds under this award cannot be used for emission reductions that result from school bus replacements that would have occurred through normal attrition/fleet turnover within three years of October 1, 2014.

(v) Funds under this award cannot be used for the purchase of school buses to expand a fleet.

(vi) Any proposed replacement bus must perform the same function and operation as the bus or engine that is being replaced.

(vii) Any proposed replacement bus must be of the same type and similar gross vehicle weight rating or horsepower as the bus being replaced.

(viii) For any proposed school bus to be replaced, the bus engine must be scrapped or rendered permanently disabled within ninety (90) days of the replacement, or returned to the original engine manufacturer for remanufacturing to a certified cleaner emission standard. Permanently disabling the engine, while retaining possession of the engine, is an acceptable scrapping method. Disabling the engine may be completed by drilling a hole in the engine block (the part of the engine containing the cylinders) and manifold. Alternatively, disabling the engine may be completed by removing the engine oil from the crankcase, replacing it with a 40 percent solution of sodium silicate and running the engine for a short period of time at low speeds, thus rendering the engine inoperable. Remanufacturing shall be performed by the original engine manufacturer, or by a dealership/distributor that has a service program that is sponsored/backed by original engine manufacturer warranties (i.e. the new, remanufactured and upgraded engine is warranted by the OEM). Bus engines shall be remanufactured to Model Year (MY) 2007 or newer certified emission standards. Remanufacturing must be completed during the project period. Other acceptable scrappage methods may be considered and will require prior Division approval. This grant does not cover the cost of scrapping or remanufacturing the bus engine. If scrapped or remanufactured engines are to be sold, program income requirements apply.

(ix) For any school bus to be replaced, the chassis must be scrapped or rendered permanently disabled within ninety (90) days of the replacement, or its engine returned to the original engine manufacturer for remanufacturing to a certified cleaner emission standard. Remanufacturing must be completed during the project period. Permanently disabling the chassis and the engine (see (viii) above), while retaining possession of the bus, is an acceptable scrapping method. Disabling the chassis may be completed by cutting through the frame/frame rails on each side at a point located between the front and rear axles. Other acceptable scrappage methods may be considered and will require prior Division approval. This grant does not cover the cost of scrapping or refurbishing the bus chassis. Components that are not part of the bus engine or chassis may be salvaged from the unit being replaced. If scrapped or remanufactured buses or salvaged bus chassis or components are to be sold, program income requirements apply.

(x) Submit documentation on the decommissioning of the replaced school bus engine (as outlined in the above sections (viii) and (ix)) in projects that include early bus replacement.

(xi) Submission of quarterly and final reports when requested.

(xii) Compliance with applicable Federal procurement and subgrant procedures.

(xiii) Use of the replacement school buses for a minimum of four years unless the vehicles become inoperable and are unable to be repaired.

(b) Eligible Recipients and Projects for the Grant.

1. An eligible applicant is any Georgia public school system that owns and operates school buses.

2. Eligible applicants can only receive funding for projects proposing to replace model year 1991-2003 school buses equipped with pre-2007 model year engines with school buses equipped with 2013 or newer model year engines.

(c) Match Requirements. Project applicants shall be required to match a minimum of 75% of the project cost to purchase early replacement school buses. Solicitations may include an additional voluntary cost share so that additional federal funds may be received.

1. First priority will be given for public school systems whose fleets are based in counties that have been designated as nonattainment or maintenance for PM2.5

2. Second priority will be given for public school systems whose fleets are based in counties that have not been designated as nonattainment or maintenance for PM2.5

3. Within each priority, applications will be ranked according to cost effectiveness of the project (cost per ton of emission reduced over the lifetime of the project).

(e) Deadline for Submittal. EPD will issue the first solicitation for applications on or before December 31, 2014. Applications will be due within four weeks after release of the solicitation. Funding will be distributed based on the criteria for award between eligible applicants that reply within the first solicitation period. If funds remain after grants are awarded to all qualified projects from the first solicitation or additional funds are received for this program after the initial solicitation, additional solicitation(s) will be issued until all of the funds have been obligated. For each solicitation, retrofit projects will be awarded based on the priority and order in which projects rank within the criteria selection process. The applications will be evaluated based on the criteria and requirements included in this Subsection 391-3-21-.15(3).

(f) Directions for Submitting Applications for the Georgia Diesel Emission Reduction Program. Requests for copies of the general guidelines and proposal forms and submittal of applications for the DERA Georgia Diesel Emission Reduction Program should be made to:

Georgia Environmental Protection Division

Mobile and Area Sources Program

Attn: Stacy Allman

4244 International Parkway, Suite 134

Atlanta, Georgia 30354

e-mail: stacy.allman@dnr.state.ga.us

(4) Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) Georgia Diesel Emissions Reduction Program Scope and Purpose. Grants are available under the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) State Clean Diesel Grant Program for replacing diesel vehicles that are located or operated in the State of Georgia.

(a) General Terms and Conditions of the Grant.

1. Projects submitted for funding under this Grant must identify the school bus(es) proposed for early replacement and the model year of the new replacement bus(es).

2. Submitted projects must conform to all applicable programmatic and administrative conditions including but not limited to those in this paragraph.

(i) Coordination with EPD personnel.

(ii) Use of engines certified by EPA or CARB to 2010 or newer heavy duty engine standards for projects including the early replacement of school buses.

(iii) Any proposed school bus(es) to be replaced must be between model year 1996-2006.

(v) Funds under this award cannot be used for the purchase of school buses to expand a fleet.

(vi) Any proposed replacement bus must perform the same function and operation as the bus or engine that is being replaced.

(vii) Any proposed replacement bus must be of the same type and similar gross vehicle weight rating or horsepower as the bus being replaced.

(x) Submit documentation on the decommissioning of the replaced school bus engine (as outlined in the above subparagraphs (viii) and (ix)) in projects that include early bus replacement.

(xi) Submission of quarterly and final reports when requested.

(xii) Compliance with applicable Federal procurement and subgrant procedures.

(xiii) Use of the replacement school buses for a minimum of four years unless the vehicles become inoperable and are unable to be repaired.

(b) Eligible Recipients and Projects for the Grant.

1. An eligible applicant is any Georgia public school system that owns and operates school buses.

2. Eligible applicants can only receive funding for projects proposing to replace model year 1996-2006 school buses equipped with pre-2007 model year engines with school buses equipped with 2017 or newer model year engines.

1. First priority will be given for public school systems whose fleets are based in counties that have been designated as nonattainment or maintenance for the 2008 or 2015 Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)

2. Second priority will be given for public school systems whose fleets are based in counties that have not been designated as nonattainment or maintenance for the 2008 or 2015 Ozone NAAQS

3. Within each priority, applications will be ranked according to cost effectiveness of the project (cost per ton of emission reduced over the lifetime of the project).

(e) Deadline for Submittal. EPD will issue the first solicitation for applications within 4 months of notice of criteria approval. Applications will be due within four weeks after release of the solicitation. Funding will be distributed based on the criteria for award between eligible applicants that reply within the first solicitation period. If funds remain after grants are awarded to all qualified projects from the first solicitation or additional funds are received for this program after the initial solicitation, additional solicitation(s) will be issued until all of the funds have been obligated. For each solicitation, retrofit projects will be awarded based on the priority and order in which projects rank within the criteria selection process. The applications will be evaluated based on the criteria and requirements included in this paragraph 391-3-21-.15(4).

Georgia Environmental Protection Division

Planning and Support Program

4244 International Parkway, Suite 134

Atlanta, Georgia 30354

(5) Scope and Purpose. Grants are available under the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) State Clean Diesel Grant Program for replacing diesel school buses that are located or operated in the State of Georgia.

(a) General Terms and Conditions of the Grant.

1. Projects submitted for funding under this Grant must identify the school bus(es) proposed for early replacement and the model year of the new replacement bus(es).

2. Submitted projects must conform to all applicable programmatic and administrative conditions including but not limited to those in this paragraph.

(i) Coordination with EPD personnel.

(ii) Use of engines certified by EPA or CARB to 2010 or newer heavy duty engine standards for projects including the early replacement of school buses.

(iii) Any proposed school bus(es) to be replaced must be between model year 1995-2006.

(v) Funds under this award cannot be used for the purchase of school buses to expand a fleet.

(vi) Any proposed replacement bus must perform the same function and operation as the bus or engine that is being replaced.

(vii) Any proposed replacement bus must be of the same type and similar gross vehicle weight rating or horsepower as the bus being replaced.

(x) Submit documentation on the decommissioning of the replaced school bus engine (as outlined in the above subparagraphs (viii) and (ix)) in projects that include early bus replacement.

(xi) Submission of quarterly and final reports when requested.

(xii) Compliance with applicable Federal procurement and subgrant procedures.

(xiii) Use of the replacement school buses for a minimum of four years unless the vehicles become inoperable and are unable to be repaired.

(b) Eligible Recipients and Projects for the Grant.

1. An eligible applicant is any Georgia public school system that owns and operates school buses.

2. Eligible applicants can only receive funding for projects proposing to replace model year 1995-2006 school buses equipped with pre-2007 model year engines with school buses equipped with 2017 or newer model year engines.

1. First priority will be given for public school systems whose fleets are based in counties that have been designated as nonattainment for the 2015 Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). The counties included are Bartow, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, and Henry.

2. Second priority will be given for public school systems whose fleets are based in counties that have been designated as maintenance for the 2008 Ozone NAAQS and attainment for the 2015 Ozone NAAQS. These counties are Cherokee, Coweta, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Newton, Paulding, and Rockdale.

3. Third priority will be given for public school systems whose fleets are based in counties that have not been designated as nonattainment or maintenance for the 2008 or 2015 Ozone NAAQS.

4. Within each priority, applications will be ranked according to cost effectiveness of the project (cost per ton of emission reduced over the lifetime of the project).

Georgia Environmental Protection Division

Planning and Support Program

4244 International Parkway, Suite 120

Atlanta, Georgia 30354

(6) Scope and Purpose. Grants are available under the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) State Clean Diesel Grant Program for replacing diesel school buses that are located or operated in the State of Georgia.

(a) General Terms and Conditions of the Grant.

1. Projects submitted for funding under this Grant must identify the school bus(es) proposed for early replacement and the model year of the new replacement bus(es).

2. Submitted projects must conform to all applicable programmatic and administrative conditions including but not limited to those in this paragraph.

(i) Coordination with EPD personnel.

(ii) Use of engines certified by EPA or CARB to 2010 or newer heavy-duty engine standards for projects including the early replacement of school buses.

(iii) Any proposed school bus(es) to be replaced must be between model year 1996-2018.

(v) Funds under this award cannot be used for the purchase of school buses to expand a fleet.

(vi) Any proposed replacement bus must perform the same function and operation as the bus or engine that is being replaced.

(vii) Any proposed replacement bus must be of the same type and similar gross vehicle weight rating or horsepower as the bus being replaced.

(viii) For any proposed school bus to be replaced, the bus engine must be scrapped or rendered permanently disabled within ninety (90) days of the replacement or returned to the original engine manufacturer for remanufacturing to a certified cleaner emission standard. Permanently disabling the engine, while retaining possession of the engine, is an acceptable scrapping method. Disabling the engine may be completed by drilling a hole in the engine block (the part of the engine containing the cylinders) and manifold. Other acceptable scrappage methods may be considered and will require prior Division approval. This grant does not cover the cost of scrapping or remanufacturing the bus engine. If scrapped or remanufactured engines are to be sold, program income requirements apply.

(x) Submit documentation on the decommissioning of the replaced school bus engine (as outlined in the above subparagraphs (viii) and (ix)) in projects that include early bus replacement.

(xi) Submission of quarterly and final reports when requested.

(xii) Compliance with applicable Federal procurement and subgrant procedures.

(xiii) Use of the replacement school buses for a minimum of four years unless the vehicles become inoperable and are unable to be repaired.

(b) Eligible Recipients and Projects for the Grant.

1. An eligible applicant is any Georgia public school system that owns and operates school buses.

2. Eligible applicants can only receive funding for projects proposing to replace model year 1996-2009 school buses with school buses equipped with 2016 or newer model year engines; or replace 1996-2018 diesel school buses with 2016 or newer near zero NOx or zero emissions school buses.

3. Third priority will be given for public school systems whose fleets are based in counties that have not been designated as nonattainment or maintenance for the 2008 or 2015 Ozone NAAQS.

4. Within each priority, applications will be ranked according to cost effectiveness of the project (cost per ton of emission reduced over the lifetime of the project).

(e) Deadline for Submittal. EPD will issue the first solicitation for applications within 4 months of notice of criteria approval. Applications will be due within four weeks after release of the solicitation. Funding will be distributed based on the criteria for award between eligible applicants that reply within the first solicitation period. If funds remain after grants are awarded to all qualified projects from the first solicitation or additional funds are received for this program after the initial solicitation, additional solicitation(s) will be issued until all the funds have been obligated. For each solicitation, retrofit projects will be awarded based on the priority and order in which projects rank within the criteria selection process. The applications will be evaluated based on the criteria and requirements included in this paragraph 391-3-21-.15(6).

Georgia Environmental Protection Division

Planning and Support Program

4244 International Parkway, Suite 120

Atlanta, Georgia 30354

(g) Award of the Georgia Diesel Emission Reduction Program grants is subject to Federal funding provided to EPD. EPD may fund individual projects less than the requested amounts, if necessary, to distribute funds among equally ranked projects or to reduce the project cost to the maximum allowable distribution.

(7) Scope and Purpose. Grants are available under the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) State Clean Diesel Grant Program for replacing diesel school buses that are located or operated in the State of Georgia.

(a) General Terms and Conditions of the Grant.

1. Projects submitted for funding under this Grant must identify the school bus(es) proposed for early replacement and the model year of the new replacement bus(es).

2. Submitted projects must conform to all applicable programmatic and administrative conditions including but not limited to those in this paragraph.

(i) Coordination with EPD personnel.

(ii) Any proposed school bus(es) must be certified by EPA or CARB to meet the eligibility requirements in (b)2.

(iii) Any proposed school bus(es) to be replaced must be diesel-powered and the model year must be between 1996-2020.

(v) Funds under this award cannot be used for the purchase of school buses to expand a fleet.

(vi) Any proposed replacement bus must perform the same function and operation as the bus or engine that is being replaced.

(vii) Any proposed replacement bus must be of the same type and similar gross vehicle weight rating or horsepower as the bus being replaced.

(viii) For any proposed school bus to be replaced, the bus engine must be scrapped or rendered permanently disabled within ninety (90) days of the replacement or returned to the original engine manufacturer for remanufacturing to a certified cleaner emission standard. Permanently disabling the engine, while retaining possession of the engine, is an acceptable scrapping method. Disabling the engine may be completed by cutting a three-inch hole in the engine block (the part of the engine containing the cylinders). Other acceptable scrappage methods may be considered and will require prior Division approval. This grant does not cover the cost of scrapping or remanufacturing the bus engine. If scrappage is to be sold, program income requirements apply.

(ix) For any school bus to be replaced, the chassis must be scrapped or rendered permanently disabled within ninety (90) days of the replacement. Permanently disabling the chassis and the engine (see (viii) above), while retaining possession of the bus, is an acceptable scrapping method. Disabling the chassis may be completed by cutting through the frame/frame rails on each side at a point located between the front and rear axles. Other acceptable scrappage methods may be considered and will require prior Division approval. This grant does not cover the cost of scrapping or refurbishing the bus chassis. Components that are not part of the bus engine or chassis may be salvaged from the unit being replaced. If scrappage is to be sold, program income requirements apply.

(x) Submit documentation on the decommissioning of the replaced school bus engine (as outlined in the above subparagraphs (viii) and (ix)) in projects that include early bus replacement.

(xi) Submission of quarterly and final reports when requested.

(xii) Compliance with applicable Federal procurement and subgrant procedures.

(xiii) Use of the replacement school buses for a minimum of four years unless the vehicles become inoperable and are unable to be repaired.

(xiv) If a 2010 engine model year (EMY) or newer bus is replaced, the 2010 EMY or newer bus may be retained by selling the bus within Georgia provided the 2010 EMY or newer bus replaces a 1996-2009 EMY bus, and the 1996-2009 EMY bus is scrapped. The retained bus must be sold, and the 1996-2006 replacement bus must be located within Georgia. It is preferred that the scrapped unit currently operates within the same project location(s) as the 2010 EMY or newer vehicle currently operates, however alternative scenarios will be considered. The option to sell a bus is only allowed if the NOx emission reduction benefits are retained or improved compared to the original application. A detailed scrappage plan must be submitted and approved by the Division prior to the sale. If the bus is sold, program income requirements apply.

(b) Eligible Recipients and Projects for the Grant.

1. An eligible applicant is any Georgia public school system that owns and operates school buses.

2. Eligible applicants can only receive funding for projects proposing to replace model year 1996-2009 diesel school buses with school buses equipped with 2016 or newer model year engines; or replace 1996-2020 diesel school buses with 2016 or newer low-NOx or zero emissions school buses.

3. Third priority will be given for public school systems whose fleets are based in counties that have not been designated as nonattainment or maintenance for the 2008 or 2015 Ozone NAAQS.

4. Within each priority, applications will be ranked according to cost effectiveness of the project (cost per ton of emission reduced over the lifetime of the project).

(e) Deadline for Submittal. EPD will issue the first solicitation for applications within 4 months of notice of criteria approval. Applications will be due within four weeks after release of the solicitation. Funding will be distributed based on the criteria for award between eligible applicants that reply within the first solicitation period. If funds remain after grants are awarded to all qualified projects from the first solicitation or additional funds are received for this program after the initial solicitation, additional solicitation(s) will be issued until all the funds have been obligated. For each solicitation, retrofit projects will be awarded based on the priority and order in which projects rank within the criteria selection process. The applications will be evaluated based on the criteria and requirements included in this paragraph 391-3-21-.15(7).

Georgia Environmental Protection Division

Planning and Support Program

4244 International Parkway, Suite 120

Atlanta, Georgia 30354

(g) Award of the Georgia Diesel Emission Reduction Program grants is subject to Federal funding provided to EPD. EPD may fund individual projects less than the requested amounts, if necessary, to distribute funds among equally ranked projects or to reduce the project cost to the maximum allowable distribution.

(8) Scope and Purpose. Grants are available under the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) State Clean Diesel Grant Program for replacing diesel school buses that are located or operated in the State of Georgia.

(a) General Terms and Conditions of the Grant.

1. Projects submitted for funding under this Grant must identify the school bus(es) proposed for early replacement and the model year of the new replacement bus(es).

2. Submitted projects must conform to all applicable programmatic and administrative conditions including but not limited to those in this paragraph.

(i) Coordination with EPD personnel.

(ii) Any proposed school bus(es) must be certified by EPA or CARB to meet the eligibility requirements in (b)2.

(iii) Any proposed school bus(es) to be replaced must be diesel-powered and the model year must be 2021 or older.

(v) Funds under this award cannot be used for the purchase of school buses to expand a fleet.

(vi) Any proposed replacement bus must perform the same function and operation as the bus or engine that is being replaced.

(vii) Any proposed replacement bus must be of the same type and similar gross vehicle weight rating or horsepower as the bus being replaced (e.g., replace Type D bus with another Type D bus). Alternately, the proposed replacement bus may be one type smaller and of less gross vehicle weight rating or horsepower as the bus being replaced (e.g., replace Type D bus with a Type C bus).

(viii) For any proposed school bus to be replaced, the bus engine must be scrapped or rendered permanently disabled within ninety (90) days of the replacement or returned to the original engine manufacturer for remanufacturing to a certified cleaner emission standard. Permanently disabling the engine, while retaining possession of the engine, is an acceptable scrapping method. Disabling the engine may be completed by cutting a three-inch hole in the engine block (the part of the engine containing the cylinders). Other acceptable scrappage methods may be considered and will require prior Division approval. This grant does not cover the cost of scrapping or remanufacturing the bus engine. If scrappage is to be sold, program income requirements apply.

(x) Submit documentation on the decommissioning of the replaced school bus engine (as outlined in the above subparagraphs (viii) and (ix)) in projects that include early bus replacement.

(xi) Submission of quarterly and final reports when requested.

(xii) Compliance with applicable Federal procurement and subgrant procedures.

(xiii) Use of the replacement school buses for a minimum of four years unless the vehicles become inoperable and are unable to be repaired.

(xiv) If a 2010 engine model year (EMY) or newer bus is replaced, the 2010 EMY or newer bus may be retained by selling the bus within Georgia provided the 2010 EMY or newer bus replaces a pre-2009 EMY bus, and the pre-2009 EMY bus is scrapped. The retained bus must be sold, and the pre-2009 replacement bus must be located within Georgia. It is preferred that the scrapped unit currently operates within the same project location(s) as the 2010 EMY or newer vehicle currently operates, however alternative scenarios will be considered. The option to sell a bus is only allowed if the NOx emission reduction benefits are retained or improved compared to the original application. A detailed scrappage plan must be submitted and approved by the Division prior to the sale. If the bus is sold, program income requirements apply.

(b) Eligible Recipients and Projects for the Grant.

1. An eligible applicant is any Georgia public school system that owns and operates school buses.

2. Eligible applicants can only receive funding for projects proposing to replace model year 2009 or older diesel school buses with school buses equipped with 2019 or newer model year engines; or replace 2021 or older diesel school buses with 2019 or newer low-NOx or zero emissions school buses.

3. Third priority will be given for public school systems whose fleets are based in counties that have not been designated as nonattainment or maintenance for the 2008 or 2015 Ozone NAAQS.

4. Within each priority, applications will be ranked according to cost effectiveness of the project (cost per ton of emission reduced over the lifetime of the project).

(e) Deadline for Submittal. EPD will issue the first solicitation for applications within 4 months of notice of criteria approval. Applications will be due within four weeks after release of the solicitation. Funding will be distributed based on the criteria for award between eligible applicants that reply within the first solicitation period. If funds remain after grants are awarded to all qualified projects from the first solicitation or additional funds are received for this program after the initial solicitation, additional solicitation(s) will be issued until all the funds have been obligated. For each solicitation, retrofit projects will be awarded based on the priority and order in which projects rank within the criteria selection process. The applications will be evaluated based on the criteria and requirements included in this paragraph 391-3-21-.15(8).

Georgia Environmental Protection Division

Planning and Support Program

4244 International Parkway, Suite 120

Atlanta, Georgia 30354

(g) Award of the Georgia Diesel Emission Reduction Program grants is subject to Federal funding provided to EPD. EPD may fund individual projects less than the requested amounts, if necessary, to distribute funds among equally ranked projects or to reduce the project cost to the maximum allowable distribution.

(9) Scope and Purpose. Grants are available under the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) State Clean Diesel Grant Program for replacing diesel school buses that are located or operated in the State of Georgia.

(a) General Terms and Conditions of the Grant.

1. Projects submitted for funding under this Grant must identify the school bus(es) proposed for early replacement and the model year of the new replacement bus(es).

2. Submitted projects must conform to all applicable programmatic and administrative conditions including but not limited to those in this paragraph.

(i) Coordination with EPD personnel.

(ii) Any proposed school bus(es) must be certified by EPA or CARB to meet the eligibility requirements in (b)2.

(iii) Any proposed school bus(es) to be replaced must be diesel-powered and the model year must be 2022 or older.

(v) Funds under this award cannot be used for the purchase of school buses to expand a fleet.

(vi) Any proposed replacement bus must perform the same function and operation as the bus or engine that is being replaced.

(viii) For any proposed school bus to be replaced, the bus engine must be scrapped or rendered permanently disabled within ninety (90) days of the replacement or returned to the original engine manufacturer for remanufacturing to a certified cleaner emission standard. Permanently disabling the engine, while retaining possession of the engine, is an acceptable scrapping method. Disabling the engine may be completed by cutting a three-inch hole in the engine block (the part of the engine containing the cylinders). Other acceptable scrappage methods may be considered and will require prior Division approval. This grant does not cover the cost of scrapping or remanufacturing the bus engine. If scrappage is to be sold, program income requirements apply.

(x) Submit documentation on the decommissioning of the replaced school bus engine (as outlined in the above subparagraphs (viii) and (ix)) in projects that include early bus replacement.

(xi) Submission of quarterly and final reports when requested.

(xii) Compliance with applicable Federal procurement and subgrant procedures.

(xiii) Use of the replacement school buses for a minimum of four years unless the vehicles become inoperable and are unable to be repaired.

(xiv) If a 2010 engine model year (EMY) or newer bus is replaced, the 2010 EMY or newer bus may be retained by selling the bus within Georgia provided the 2010 EMY or newer bus replaces a pre-2009 EMY bus, and the pre-2009 EMY bus is scrapped. The retained bus must be sold, and the pre-2009 replacement bus must be located within Georgia. It is preferred that the scrapped unit currently operates within the same project location(s) as the 2010 EMY or newer vehicle currently operates, however alternative scenarios will be considered. The option to sell a bus is only allowed if the NOx emission reduction benefits are retained or improved compared to the original application. A detailed scrappage plan must be submitted and approved by the Division prior to the sale. If the bus is sold, program income requirements apply.

(b) Eligible Recipients and Projects for the Grant.

1. An eligible applicant is any Georgia public school system that owns and operates school buses.

2. Eligible applicants can only receive funding for projects proposing to replace engine model year 2009 or older diesel school buses with school buses equipped with 2019 or newer model year engines; or replace 2022 or older diesel school buses with 2019 or newer low-NOx or zero emissions school buses.

3. Third priority will be given for public school systems whose fleets are based in counties that have not been designated as nonattainment or maintenance for the 2008 or 2015 Ozone NAAQS.

4. Within each priority, applications will be ranked according to cost effectiveness of the project (cost per ton of emission reduced over the lifetime of the project).

(e) Deadline for Submittal. EPD will issue the first solicitation for applications within 4 months of notice of criteria approval. Applications will be due within four weeks after release of the solicitation. Funding will be distributed based on the criteria for award between eligible applicants that reply within the first solicitation period. If funds remain after grants are awarded to all qualified projects from the first solicitation or additional funds are received for this program after the initial solicitation, additional solicitation(s) will be issued until all the funds have been obligated. For each solicitation, retrofit projects will be awarded based on the priority and order in which projects rank within the criteria selection process. The applications will be evaluated based on the criteria and requirements included in this paragraph 391-3-21-.15(9).

Georgia Environmental Protection Division

Planning and Support Program

4244 International Parkway, Suite 120

Atlanta, Georgia 30354

(g) Award of the Georgia Diesel Emission Reduction Program grants is subject to Federal funding provided to EPD. EPD may fund individual projects less than the requested amounts, if necessary, to distribute funds among equally ranked projects or to reduce the project cost to the maximum allowable distribution.

(10) Scope and Purpose. Grants are available under the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) State Clean Diesel Grant Program for replacing diesel school buses that are located or operated in the State of Georgia.

(a) General Terms and Conditions of the Grant.

1. Projects submitted for funding under this Grant must identify the school bus(es) proposed for early replacement and the model year of the new replacement bus(es).

2. Submitted projects must conform to all applicable programmatic and administrative conditions including but not limited to those in this paragraph.

(i) Coordination with EPD personnel.

(ii) Any proposed school bus(es) must be certified by EPA or CARB to meet the eligibility requirements in (b)2.

(iii) Any proposed school bus(es) to be replaced must be diesel-powered and the model year must be 2023 or older.

(v) Funds under this award cannot be used for the purchase of school buses to expand a fleet.

(vi) Any proposed replacement bus must perform the same function and operation as the bus or engine that is being replaced.

(viii) For any proposed school bus to be replaced, the bus engine must be scrapped or rendered permanently disabled within ninety (90) days of the replacement or returned to the original engine manufacturer for remanufacturing to a certified cleaner emission standard. Permanently disabling the engine, while retaining possession of the engine, is an acceptable scrapping method. Disabling the engine may be completed by cutting a three-inch hole in the engine block (the part of the engine containing the cylinders). Other acceptable scrappage methods may be considered and will require prior Division approval. This grant does not cover the cost of scrapping or remanufacturing the bus engine. If scrappage is to be sold, program income requirements apply.

(ix) For any school bus to be replaced, the chassis must be scrapped or rendered permanently disabled within ninety (90) days of the replacement. Permanently disabling the chassis and the engine (see (viii) above), while retaining possession of the bus, is an acceptable scrapping method. Cutting a three-inch-by-three-inch hole in the engine block (the part containing the cylinders) is the preferred scrapping method. Disabling the chassis may be completed by cutting through the frame/frame rails on each side at a point located between the front and rear axles. Other acceptable scrappage methods may be considered and will require prior Division approval. This grant does not cover the cost of scrapping or refurbishing the bus chassis. Components that are not part of the bus engine or chassis may be salvaged from the unit being replaced. If scrappage is to be sold, program income requirements apply.

(x) Submit documentation on the decommissioning of the replaced school bus engine (as outlined in the above subparagraphs (viii) and (ix)) in projects that include early bus replacement.

(xi) Submission of quarterly and final reports when requested.

(xii) Compliance with applicable Federal procurement and subgrant procedures.

(xiii) Use of the replacement school buses for a minimum of four years unless the vehicles become inoperable and are unable to be repaired.

(xiv) If a 2010 engine model year (EMY) or newer bus is replaced, the 2010 EMY or newer bus may be retained by selling the bus within Georgia provided the 2010 EMY or newer bus replaces a pre-2009 EMY bus, and the pre-2009 EMY bus is scrapped. The retained bus must be sold, and the pre-2009 replacement bus must be located within Georgia. It is preferred that the scrapped unit currently operates within the same project location(s) as the 2010 EMY or newer vehicle currently operates, however alternative scenarios will be considered. The option to sell a bus is only allowed if the NOx emission reduction benefits are retained or improved compared to the original application. A detailed scrappage plan must be submitted and approved by the EPA prior to the sale. If the bus is sold, program income requirements apply.

(b) Eligible Recipients and Projects for the Grant.

1. An eligible applicant is any Georgia public school system that owns and operates school buses.

2. Eligible applicants can only receive funding for projects proposing to replace engine model year 2009 or older diesel school buses with school buses equipped with 2021 or newer model year engines; or replace 2023 or older diesel school buses with 2021 or newer low-NOx or zero emissions school buses.

1. First priority will be given for public school systems whose fleets are based in counties that have been designated as maintenance for the 2015 Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). The counties included are Bartow, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, and Henry.

3. Third priority will be given for public school systems whose fleets are based in counties that have not been designated as nonattainment or maintenance for the 2008 or 2015 Ozone NAAQS.

4. Within each priority, applications will be ranked according to cost effectiveness of the project (cost per ton of emission reduced over the lifetime of the project).

(e) Deadline for Submittal. EPD will issue the first solicitation for applications within 4 months of notice of criteria approval. Applications will be due within four weeks after release of the solicitation. Funding will be distributed based on the criteria for award between eligible applicants that reply within the first solicitation period. If funds remain after grants are awarded to all qualified projects from the first solicitation or additional funds are received for this program after the initial solicitation, additional solicitation(s) will be issued until all the funds have been obligated. For each solicitation, retrofit projects will be awarded based on the priority and order in which projects rank within the criteria selection process. The applications will be evaluated based on the criteria and requirements included in this paragraph 391-3-21-.15(10).

Georgia Environmental Protection Division

Planning and Support Program

4244 International Parkway, Suite 120

Atlanta, Georgia 30354

(g) Award of the Georgia Diesel Emission Reduction Program grants is subject to Federal funding provided to EPD. EPD may fund individual projects less than the requested amounts, if necessary, to distribute funds among equally ranked projects or to reduce the project cost to the maximum allowable distribution.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 391-3-21-.15

O.C.G.A. § 12-9-1 et seq., as amended.

Original grant description entitled "Georgia Diesel Emissions Reduction Program" submitted May 16, 2011.

Submitted: May 2, 2013.

Submitted: Nov. 10, 2017.

Submitted: Oct. 29, 2018.

Submitted: Sep. 6, 2019.

Submitted: Sep. 15, 2020.

Submitted: Oct. 13, 2021.

Submitted: Nov. 10, 2022.

Submitted: Oct. 30, 2023.