KSU Pollution Prevention Institute 17, 2005 Lawn Care for Clean Air Steve Travis, P.E. August 17, 2005

KSU Pollution Prevention Institute Why lawn and garden?

KSU Pollution Prevention Institute Lawn and garden is the largest non-road mobile category contributing VOCs

KSU Pollution Prevention Institute Kansas non-road mobile source emissions (2002 NEI)

KSU Pollution Prevention Institute Kansas commercial lawn and garden emissions (2002 NEI)

KSU Pollution Prevention Institute Kansas residential lawn and garden emissions (2002 NEI)

KSU Pollution Prevention Institute Kansas City ozone maintenance area

KSU Pollution Prevention Institute Some pollution facts Gas-powered tools contribute 5% of the U.S. air pollution. The average conventional lawn mower pollutes as much in an hour as 40 late-model cars. Lawn and garden equipment users spill 17 million gallons of fuel (more petroleum than spilled by the Exxon Valdez in the Gulf of Alaska) each year when refilling outdoor power equipment.

KSU Pollution Prevention Institute Overwhelmed?

KSU Pollution Prevention Institute Try pollution prevention (P2) P2 means preventing wastes rather than using expensive treatment and control technologies.

KSU Pollution Prevention Institute What are the benefits of P2? P2 benefits for the lawn care industry include the following: Lower emissions Better air quality Healthier environment An enhanced public image Money savings

KSU Pollution Prevention Institute How can I implement P2? Change the technology Change the process Change the material Consider…

KSU Pollution Prevention Institute Change the technology Gasoline equipment made after 1997 is built to meet higher emissions standards mandated by EPA. Four-stroke engines are more efficient than two-stroke engines. Overhead-valve engines are better at reducing the potential for fuel spills than side-valve engines.

KSU Pollution Prevention Institute Change the technology (cont.) Gasoline vapors may be reduced by as much as 75% by simply replacing traditional gas cans with shut-off valves or spill- proof cans.

KSU Pollution Prevention Institute Change the technology (cont.) Electric mowers may be able to fill a niche within the golf industry. Electric leaf blowers and trimmers are available with rechargeable battery packs.

KSU Pollution Prevention Institute Change the process Select a mower whose size is appropriate for the job (i.e., a mower with a larger mowing deck for a large job will reduce total mowing time, thus saving fuel and air pollution). Check the daily weather forecast or whether it is a Clean Air Action Day or not. If one has been called, evaluate your opportunities to reschedule lawn care activities.

KSU Pollution Prevention Institute Change the process (cont.) Get periodic tune-ups. Use maintenance-planning software. Keep all moving parts well-lubricated. Evaluate life-cycle costs of machinery use vs hand labor.

KSU Pollution Prevention Institute Change the material Use compost Retains soil moisture Provides insulation from freeze Slowly releases plant nutrients Provides immediate erosion control Suppresses weed growth

KSU Pollution Prevention Institute Change the material (cont.) Use low maintenance turf Use less fertilizer

KSU Pollution Prevention Institute Questions? Environmental hotline