CODE: EEAEG

This policy applies to the operation of every diesel-powered school bus.

Rationale:

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), exposure to diesel exhaust, even at low levels, is a serious health hazard and can cause respiratory problems such as asthma and bronchitis,  lung damage and increases the risk of lung cancer. Diesel emissions are well documented asthma triggers and may increase the severity of asthma attacks. Asthma is currently the number one cause of missed school days for American children with more than 1 in IO children in New England reporting asthma attacks. The Maine Departments of

Environmental Protection and Education actively support this initiative.

Our school district agrees to undertake the following steps immediately:

•          School bus drivers will shut off bus engines immediately upon reaching destination, and buses will not idle while waiting for passengers in the school yard. This rule applies to daily route travel, field trips, and transportation to and from athletic events. School buses will not be restarted until they are ready to depart and there is a clear path to exit the pick-up area.

•          School bus companies and drivers will limit idling time during early morning warm-up to the manufacturer's recommendation-generally 3-5 minutes in all but the coldest weather. Below are recommended guidelines, however, in warmer months idling is not necessary.

If the outside temperature is:             

Above 20 degrees F: 5 minute maximum

Between -10 and 20 degrees F: 15 minute maximum 

Below -10 degrees F: as necessary

•         Schools should provide an indoor waiting space for drivers who arrive early and need to keep warm. This reduces the need for bus idling.

•          School district bus drivers will complete a "no idling" training session. All bus drivers should receive a copy of this policy or equivalent educational materials at the beginning of every school year.

•          To reduce engine warm-up time, avoid starting difficulties, and help defrost windows, consider using block heaters that plug into electrical outlets or inline auxiliary fuel fired heaters.

        •         Exceptions to this policy are granted only when running the engine is necessary to operate required safety equipment or to maintain a safe environment for students with special health needs.

Adopted - 10/10/2007