Environmental Quality Changes Arising From The Replacement of Diesel Oil-Fueled Buses By Methanol-Fueld Buses

On the basis of existing and projected rates of emissions of presently regulated pollutants and accepted data concerning ozone formation, changes in local and regional air quality resulting from replacement of diesel oil-fueled buses by methanol-fueled buses are estimated for a representative urban area. Occupational exposures of bus garage workers are examined. Bus maintenance and refueling procedures that minimize the chances of deleterious occupational exposure are contrasted with those for diesel buses. Probable levels of urban-resident and bus company-worker pollutant exposure under good operating procedures for diesel and methanol-fueled buses are estimated, and an overall comparison of environmental quality is made, based on this information for both types of buses. A comparison is made of the environmental consequences of leaks and spills of methanol and diesel fuel during transportation and storage and in fueling the vehicles. Conclusions are reached about the net environmental advantages of methanol-fueled buses relative to diesel buses. Cost-benefit studies that place an economic value on the environmental benefits of methanol buses are examined, to develop a general indication of the ratios of methanol and diesel fuel prices that make adoption of methanol buses desirable.