Cemstone, Mendota Heights, Minn., an Upper Midwest provider of aggregates, decorative concrete and masonry products, has been selected by the Minnesota Environmental Initiative (MEI) and its Project Green Fleet program to upgrade 21 vehicles in its ready-mix concrete truck fleet.

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When retrofitting is completed in January 2010, the vehicles will have diesel oxidation catalysts (DOC) or diesel multi-stage filters that are expected to reduce engine emissions by up to 50%.

“We’re excited to have the opportunity to participate in this expansion of Project Green Fleet, as the program provides vital assistance to reduce the emissions of our concrete mixer truck fleet,” said Tim Becken, executive vice president of operations for Cemstone. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded a $3-million federal stimulus grant to MEI to fund Project Green Fleet initiatives throughout the state. MEI estimates that diesel vehicles account for 50% of all traffic-generated air pollution in Minnesota.

This past summer, five Cemstone ready-mix concrete trucks were fitted with special diesel emissions filters. Project Green Fleet covers the cost of installer training, installation and diesel-emission reduction equipment. All the upgraded trucks involved in the Cemstone fleet will be located in the Minneapolis metro area. To qualify, the trucks must remain in service for the next 5-7 years or longer.