The EPA has proposed new emission regulations for small engines, including those used in boats and personal watercraft. This follows the increasingly strict regulations being imposed on all forms of vehicles powered by internal combustion engines.
... recreational watercraft can emit as much (hourly pollution) as 348 cars an hour. By 2030, recreational watercraft powered by gasoline engines would see a 70 percent reduction in smog-forming hydrocarbon (HC) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), a 20 percent reduction in carbon monoxide (CO), and a 70 percent reduction in fuel evaporative emissions. When fully implemented, the rule would result in annual emission reductions of 630,000 tons of HC, 98,000 tons of NOx, 6,300 tons of direct particulate matter, and 2.7 million tons of CO.
The new standards will apply as early as 2009.
Proposed rules for Spark ignition engines and vessels:
We are proposing a more stringent level of emission standards for outboard and personal watercraft engines starting with the 2009 model year. The proposed standards for engines above 40 kW are 16 g/kW-hr for HC+NOx and 200 g/kW-hr for CO. For engines below 40 kW, the standards increase gradually based on the engine's maximum power. We expect manufacturers to meet these standards with improved fueling systems and other in-cylinder controls. The levels of the standards are consistent with the requirements recently adopted by California ARB with the advantage of a simplified form of the standard for different power ratings and with a CO standard.
We are proposing new exhaust emission standards for sterndrive and inboard marine engines. The proposed standards are 5 g/kW-hr for HC+NOx and 75 g/kW-hr for CO starting with the 2009 model year. We expect manufacturers to meet these standards with three-way catalysts and closed-loop fuel injection. To ensure proper functioning of these emission control systems in use, we are proposing a requirement that engines have a diagnostic system for detecting a failure in the emission control system. For sterndrive and inboard marine engines above 373 kW with high-performance characteristics (generally referred to as "SD/I high-performance engines"), we are proposing a CO standard of 350 g/kW-hr. We are also proposing a variety of other special provisions for these engines to reflect unique operating characteristics and to make it feasible to meet emission standards using emission credits. These standards are consistent with the requirements recently adopted by California ARB, with some adjustment to the provisions for SD/I high-performance engines and with a CO standard.
The emission standards described above relate to engine operation over a prescribed duty cycle for testing in the laboratory. We are also proposing “not-to-exceed” standards that require manufacturers to maintain a certain level of emission control when engines operate under normal speed-load combinations that are not included in the certification duty cycle.
We are proposing new standards to control evaporative emissions for all vessels using marine spark-ignition engines. The new standards include requirements to control fuel tank permeation, fuel line permeation, and diurnal emissions, including provisions to ensure that refueling emissions do not increase.
When fully implemented, the proposed standards would result in a 70 percent reduction in HC+NOx emissions, and a 20 percent reduction in CO from new engines’ exhaust. The proposed standards would result in a 70 percent reduction in evaporative emissions.
Link: EPA Rules Announcement
Link: Proposed EPA Standards
