Division of Air Quality Air Non-Point and Mobile Sources

Questions & Answers: Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) - Small Refiner

Frequently Asked Questions on EPA-approved Small Refiner Provisions

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Are there any importers/refiners in Alaska producing 500ppm sulfur content diesel fuel?

There is one EPA-approved small refiner/importer that is allowed to produce 500ppm sulfur content non-road and locomotive (NRLM) diesel fuel until June 1, 2014.

Who can the EPA-approved small refiner/importer distribute or otherwise sell 500ppm sulfur content NRLM diesel fuel to?

EPA-approved small refiner/importers can distribute or otherwise sell 500ppm sulfur content NRLM diesel fuel to all appropriate legal end-users in Alaska, including:

1. Owners and operators of locomotive and marine engines in urban Alaska until June 1, 2012
2. Owners and operators of stationary compression ignition (CI) internal combustion engines greater than or equal to 30 l/cyl in urban Alaska
3. Owners and operators of pre-model 2014 stationary diesel engines in rural Alaska
4. A supplier that follows the compliance plan of the EPA-approved small refiner and distributes 500ppm standard sulfur to the appropriate legal end-user

How should 500ppm sulfur standard non-road, locomotive and marine (NRLM) diesel fuel be treated?

All 500ppm sulfur standard NRLM diesel fuel must be properly labeled and segregated from other fuels.

Can 500ppm sulfur content NRLM diesel fuel be used for highway?

NRLM diesel fuel containing 500ppm sulfur cannot be used for highway.

Can 500ppm sulfur content NRLM diesel fuel be used in 2007 or later model diesel vehicles and non- road engines between June 1, 2010 and mid 2014?

NRLM diesel fuel containing 500ppm sulfur cannot be used in 2007 or later model diesel vehicles and non-road engines.

Can EPA-approved small refiner produce, import or otherwise distribute 500 ppm NRLM diesel fuel for heating use and electrical generation?

ULSD fuel enables the use of cleaner technology diesel engines and vehicles with advanced emissions control devices, resulting in significantly improved air quality. Annual emission reductions will be equivalent to removing the pollution from more than 90 percent of today's trucks and buses, when the current heavy-duty vehicle fleet has been completely replaced in 2030.

Contact Adeyemi Alimi or phone: 907-269-6953 if you have questions regarding ultra-low sulfur diesel and DEC's role.