University of Maine
OP-2: Outdoor Air Quality

It is the policy of the University of Maine at Orono to continually improve the efficient use of vehicle fuels in an effort to reduce emissions and operating costs. To reduce overall emission on campus and improve air quality, all vehicles on university property are prohibited to idle unnecessarily. Vehicle operators will adhere to the following standards: 1. Idling is prohibited (with the limited exceptions listed below) when the ambient temperature is above 32°F. 2. 5 minute maximum idle time limit when ambient temperature is 32°F and below. 3. Vehicles will not be left idling when the operator is away from the vehicle (with the limited exceptions listed below). 4. Idling is prohibited in ‘No Idle Zones’. Signs indicate the location of these zones. The following exceptions apply to the above policy: 1. Emergency response vehicles when responding to an emergency. Vehicles that must remain a specific temperature for onboard materials. 2. Health or safety reasons (e.g., severe weather conditions, use of vehicle safety features). 3. Below 0°F for diesel vehicles. 4. Traffic conditions – Supervisors may approve exemptions for specific vehicles if necessary.

Emissions are compiled annually for emissions inventory reports submitted to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection. The various emissions were calculated as follows: 1. Emissions of criteria pollutants (i.e., SO2, NOx, PM, VOC, CO, Pb) from the University’s boilers were primarily calculated using emission factors obtained from EPA’s publication entitled “Compilation of Air Pollutant Emission Factors” (also known as “AP-42”). For certain boilers, NOx emissions were calculated using emission factors that were derived from on-site emissions test results. 2. Emissions of criteria pollutants from the University’s stationary electric generators were calculated using the maximum emission rates for these units as listed in the University’s air permit. 3. Emissions of greenhouse gas pollutants from the University’s boilers and stationary electric generators (i.e., CO2, CH4, and N2O) were calculated using emission factors provided by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection. 4. Emissions of greenhouse gas pollutants associated with refrigerant leaks (i.e., HFCs) were calculated based on a mass balance approach, as were the emissions of VOC from the University’s Printing Services Department.