Tier 4 Final, or equivalent equipment will be required in New South Wales open cut coal mines

Over a number of recent years, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been consulting with the major engine and equipment OEM’s regarding their intention to require Tier 4 Final (T4F), or equivalent equipment for New South Wales open cut coal mines.

This move follows the lead of North America, where T4F machines are already required, and the European Union, where T4F machines will be required from 2019. The regulations are designed to drastically reduce two primary exhaust pollutants, particulate matter, or black soot, and nitrogen oxides (NOx) that can be emitted from an off-highway diesel engine. Tier 4 compliant engines reduce emissions by over 95 percent for most equipment and just over 86 percent for much larger applications.

The EPA understands that a sufficient notice period is critical for a successful transition and as such has proposed a two-year lead time. While a firm date cannot be currently provided, the EPA are intending to commence the transition by the end of 2018 and therefore the implementation date will be no earlier than the second half of 2020.

Click here for more information on Tier 4 emission standards for new equipment and the EPA’s analysis on emissions in NSW coal mines.

Freightplus will continue to monitor the progress of this transition and will keep our clients up to date with any new developments as they come to hand.