Best Practice Action 23.3
GreenStep City Best Practices: Environmental Management
Local Air Quality No. 23
Prevent generation of local air contaminants so as to improve community health.
Best Practice Action Detail
Best Practice Action 3
Decrease air emissions from vehicle idling, gasoline filling stations, business trucking, and pollutants/noise from stationary engines/back-up generators.
Use the MPCA Air Pollution Score on the Environmental Justice Areas of Concern Map (MPCA) to locate areas for targeted policy, assistance, and incentives.
Vehicle Idling & Exhaust:
- Anti-idling resources from the MN Pollution Control Agency, including model policies and educational materials for schools and a comprehensive city policy from Minneapolis.
- Guide to Selecting Generators and Stationary Engines: Smart Choices can Minimize Impacts (MPCA, 2017) includes useful tips for food trucks and back-up generator users to reduce noise, pollutants and costs.
- An estimated 25% of passenger vehicles cause 90% of local mobile air pollution, mostly due to older cars having outdated or broken emission controls and exhaust equipment. Environmental Initiative has started Project CAR to help address this problem for people with low-incomes.
- MPCA’s webpage on vehicle tampering has great information to learn about the issue and recognize the places where it happens.
Gasoline Filling Stations:
- Gasoline vapors contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone. In 2014 alone, gasoline service stations throughout Minnesota accounted for 10.7 million pounds of VOC emissions.
- Apply for a grant: The MPCA seeks proposals from eligible applicants for projects that aim to reduce emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during the filling of underground storage tanks at gasoline dispensing facilities.
- The city of Coon Rapids installed a coaxial VRS in July 2019. Annually, they are able to eliminate over 700 pounds of air emissions from their underground tank. The system was installed for just over $1,500, with half of the funding covered by a grant from the PCA.
- The city of Edina has an underground storage tank with annual throughput of over 100,000 gallons. Installing a stage 1 vapor recovery system in 2019 complemented the city’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Annually, the stage one vapor recovery system will divert 710 pounds of VOC emissions, adding up to 3.5 tons over ten years.
Trucking:
- Project GreenFleet is a collaborative effort led by Minnesota's Environmental Initiative, to help business, government agencies and non-profit organizations work together to improve air quality and protect public health by reducing emissions, currently focused on diesel-fueled heavy construction vehicles.
- Since 2004 the U.S. EPA's SmartWay transportation program has helped companies - shippers, carriers, logistic companies - save money and advance supply chain sustainability by measuring, benchmarking, and improving freight transportation efficiency. Cities can reach out to encourage local companies to use SmartWay tools, and can recognize and publicize the good works of SmartWay participants.
Generators:
- Emergency generators and stationary engines recommended practices (MPCA)
- MPCA financing for auxiliary power units is done through its Small Business Environmental Improvement Loan program.
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Document results from your vehicle-idling actions: for example, no idling in the downtown core or around schools; educate vehicle owners about the importance of vehicle anti-tampering; document results from the voluntary Stage 1 vapor recovery systems at public gasoline filling stations. Report no-idling policies for city and school fleets in BP 13. |
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Report on your campaign with retail stores OR gasoline-replacement efforts; conduct an educational campaign that focuses on reducing air pollution in environmental justice areas of concern; work with food trucks to decrease noise/pollutants; provide incentives to repair ‘smoker cars’ (older model/high polluting vehicles); installation of public/private voluntary Stage 1 vapor recovery systems at gasoline filling stations; provide tools to vehicle owners that deter vehicle tampering; installation by the city or businesses of auxiliary power units (APUs) and/or electrified parking spaces that reduce truck and bus idling. Report APUs for city fleets under BPA 13.6. |
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Decrease pollutants from back-up generators by shared generators, fuel cells, etc.; document that any gasoline filling stations located within jurisdiction have been inspected and installed Stage 1 vapor recovery systems in place; participation of 1 or more trucking or shipping or logistic companies based in your city in U.S. EPA's SmartWay Transport program. |
Who's doing it
Bemidji -
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d.) In 2010, students at Bemidji State University approached administration to implement a 100% smoke free campus. A smoking ban was implemented for all of campus including the residential halls in April of 2011.
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Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: http://www.bemidjistate.edu/about/tobacco_free/history/
For more information contact:
Michelle Miller (City staff) | michelle.miller@ci.bemidji.mn.us | 218-759-3561
Partners:
Hutchinson -
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The ice resurfacers for the two City owned and operated indoor ice rinks are now completely electric-operated, thereby eliminating dangerous indoor air pollution from the resurfacers in the rink areas.
Additionally, the publicly owned Park Towers multi-family residential home is smoke-free, as are most of the multi-family housing units located around the City.
Additionally, the publicly owned Park Towers multi-family residential home is smoke-free, as are most of the multi-family housing units located around the City.
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For more information contact:
John Paulson (City staff) | jpaulson@ci.hutchinson.mn.us | 320-234-5682
Partners: Hutchinson HRA
Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe -
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Leech lake Housing authority has a no smoking policy in certain community developments.
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For more information contact:
Brandy Toft (City staff) | air@lldrm.org | 218-335-7429
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New Prague -
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Year action initially completed: 2015
Implementation details:
In 2015, the City installed catalysts on all of its generators, including the electric utility generators, to reduce emissions while they are being used.
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For more information contact:
Joshua Tetzlaff (City Staff) | jtetzlaff@ci.new-prague.mn.us | 952.758.4401
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Red Wing -
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The Red Wing Housing Authority established a no-smoking policy for public housing in full for the indoors and at restricted times and at only certain places on the property outside.
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For more information contact:
Paul Drotos (City staff) | paul.drotos@ci.red-wing.mn.us | 651-410-6744
Partners:
Golden Valley -
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Golden Valley adopted a Smoke Free Environment ordinance (Section 14-21 of City Code) in 2005. The ordinance prohibits smoking in: both indoor and outdoor dining areas of liquor and food establishments, within 25 feet of any outdoor dining area at any liquor or food establishment, public places, places of work, within 25 feet of entrances, exits, open windows, and ventilation intakes of public places and places of work, and in public parks and recreation facilities.
In 2008, Golden Valley adopted a no-idling policy for the police department and other City departments with vehicles. In the first summer with the new policy, the police realized a savings of $1,600 per month due to decreased fuel use. In addition to cost savings, and benefits to the environment, the policy helps to extend the life of the vehicle fleet.
In 2008, Golden Valley adopted a no-idling policy for the police department and other City departments with vehicles. In the first summer with the new policy, the police realized a savings of $1,600 per month due to decreased fuel use. In addition to cost savings, and benefits to the environment, the policy helps to extend the life of the vehicle fleet.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: https://library.municode.com/mn/golden_valley/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIGEOR_CH14HESA_ARTIISM_S14-21SMRE
For more information contact:
Jason Zimmerman (City staff) | jzimmerman@goldenvalleymn.gov | (763)-593-8099
Partners:
New Hope -
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Year action initially completed: 2012
Implementation details:
From 2011-2012, the city replaced 3 inefficient inspectors vehicles with energy-efficient Ford Fusion cars.
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For more information contact:
Jeff Alger (City Staff) | jalger@newhopemn.gov | 763-531-5119
Partners:
Prairie Island Indian Community -
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Year action initially completed: 2017
Implementation details:
Prairie Island Indian Community adopted the Healthier Environment Tobacco Policy (Tribal Council -Resolution No. 17-03-08-35) in 2017. The policy limits the use of commercial tobacco products in public spaces. It states that there shall be no commercial tobacco use of any kind within 50 feet of all non-commercial buildings and entities owned by the Prairie Island Indian community as well as no use of commercial tobacco products in community playgrounds and outdoor recreational areas. The use of sacred traditional tobacco for prayer, ceremony and memorial on Community property and buildings is allowed, promoted, and supported by the policy.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
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For more information contact:
Leya Charles (City Staff) | Leya.Charles@piic.org | 6513854115
Partners:
Richfield -
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The City Code at 840.13 states, "No person may use tobacco, tobacco products, tobacco-related devices, electronic delivery devices, or nicotine or lobelia delivery products, as these items are defined in section 1146 of this Code, on City-owned parks, conservation areas, open spaces, or recreational facilities, including without limitation: trails within parks used for walking and biking, picnic shelters, athletic fields, and play areas. This subsection does not apply to the use of tobacco, tobacco products, tobacco-related devices, electronic delivery devices, or nicotine or lobelia delivery products inside motor vehicles parked on the premises of City-owned parks, conservation areas, open spaces or recreational facilities."
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Descriptive links: https://library.municode.com/mn/richfield/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CHVIIISTALPUGR_S840PUPA_840.13USTOPRPR
For more information contact:
Jennifer Anderson (City staff) | jenniferanderson@richfieldmn.gov | 612-861-9881
Partners:
Sartell -
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Year action initially completed: 2016
Implementation details:
The city implemented a comprehensive ban on Tobacco and E-Cigarette Use at all City-owned properties (greenways, parks, City Hall, etc.)
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For more information contact:
Nate Keller (City staff) | nate.keller@sartellmn.com | 320-258-7316
Partners: BLEND - CentraCare
Eagan -
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The City has a No Idling policy for city fleet, with few exceptions due to inclement weather. The policy has resulted in a significant decrease in idling and has been a cultural and behavioral change across all departments.
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For more information contact:
Andrew Pimental (City Staff) | apimental@cityofeagan.com | 651-675-5506
Partners:
Edina -
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The Energy and Environment Commission has installed signs around school drop off and pick up areas and encouraged a ‘no idling’ education effort.
The City provides local air quality and electric vehicle education on its website in partnership with a MPCA local air quality grant.
The City provides local air quality and electric vehicle education on its website in partnership with a MPCA local air quality grant.
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Descriptive links: http://edinamn.gov/index.php?section=go_green_edina
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Partners:
Fergus Falls -
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The City of Fergus Falls turns the downtown street lights to a flashing mode during the overnight hours to reduce the amount of idling. City policies against idling of vehicles are in place for the Public Works Department and the Police Department. The City of Fergus Falls is working with Partnership4 Health regarding a tobacco free policy.
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For more information contact:
Len Taylor (City Staff) | len.taylor@fergusfallsmn.gov | 218-332-5418
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Maplewood -
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The city of Maplewood has an Idling Policy in place for city vehicles.
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Descriptive links: http://www.ci.maplewood.mn.us/DocumentView.aspx?DID=2378
For more information contact:
Scott Schultz (City Staff) | scott.schultz@maplewoodmn.gov | (651) 249-2430
Partners:
Saint Cloud -
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The City has enacted a section of the Ordinance that prohibits that idling of vehicles longer than 5 minutes within a two-block long section of and main thoroughfare in the downtown area. The measure was enacted to implement the Citys transportation control plan for air quality improvements. Enforcement measures are directed toward the time period of greatest need for air quality improvement between 8am and 5pm.
The Public Works Department has implemented a No-Idling policy for city vehicles on coffee and restroom breaks and to keep travel distances to a minimum. The division continues to look for new ideas to conserve fuel and keep fuel costs to a minimum.
The Public Works Department has implemented a No-Idling policy for city vehicles on coffee and restroom breaks and to keep travel distances to a minimum. The division continues to look for new ideas to conserve fuel and keep fuel costs to a minimum.
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For more information contact:
Liz Kramer (City staff) | elizabeth.kramer@ci.stcloud.mn.us | 320-255-7226
Partners:
Greenstep Advisor
Tyler Ellis, Neighborhood Air Pollution Lead, MN Pollution Control Agency: 651/757-2191, tyler.ellis@state.mn.us