Way to go EPA!

Streakn1 · May 6, 2011

I wonder if the "Brainiacs" at the EPA [Environmental Protection? Agency] thought of this when they mandated stricter diesel emissions rules back in 2010 (see attached photo)?

In attempting to save the air we breath by removing the Nox produced by burning diesel fuel, and excepting DEF [Diesel Emissions Fluid] as the method in doing so, did they even consider the greater problem now facing us as a result?

Yes, I'm speaking of the thousands of empty DEF containers showing up everywhere at truck stops across America! Drivers must put DEF in their trucks, as that is the law. Then they must dispose of the empty containers. Can't fault them there! Truck stop owners must now deal with additional waste disposal due to the empty containers being left behind in their fuel islands. That creates higher disposal fees for the owners. Who do you think ends up paying for those additional fees? Not the truck stop owner, not EPA, not even the federal government. We do! The American trucker. Can't say that I blame the TS owner for passing on an additional operating expense he/she did not ask for to the truckers!

And for the air EPA has saved, what about the oxygen producing trees lost to produce the pretty boxes the plastic DEF container comes in that ends up in the already over flowing landfill sites? Plus any residual DEF left in the containers that leaches into the ground water supply at the land fill? With the negative image truckers and truck stops already have in the eye of much of the general public, do we truly need images such as in the photo taking it down another notch? Need I say more?

I thank God we have geniuses like the ones at EPA working hard everyday to save our planet from destruction! We couldn't live without them. Hey, EPA. Got anymore bright ideas on the horizon for us? LOL

Jack_Berry · May 6, 2011

but all those boxes and jugs can be returned to the mfg'er and reused. either that or just burn them.

greg334 · May 6, 2011

I think the American Trucker is at fault for this to begin with.

If they wouldn't settle for sub-standard services from truck stops and pull together as a group on the political front, and actually fight for things that don't have to do with charity but their livelihood then maybe some of these little issues would not exist.

When was the last time you say a convoy to protest EOBRs?

It is their fault, no one speaks within the diverse group of people to point out the problems they face and what they can do to change it. The fact is many are just drivers for companies and don't give a crap about anything but themselves while at the same time, there is somewhat of an idea we shouldn't say anything bad about the profession. I noticed that many won't even criticize the people like drivers who dump garbage and p*ss bottles in a truck stop or on the side of the road making it look like the fault sits somewhere else, the FMCSA, the Oil Companies, the Shippers, the Public, etc. ... but reality is this - if we all stay silent and not demand better out of the supplies who supply them, nothing will change.

Oh and the OOIDA does not represent us without our involvement.

xiggi · May 6, 2011

greg334 said:
I think the American Trucker is at fault for this to begin with.

If they wouldn't settle for sub-standard services from truck stops and pull together as a group on the political front, and actually fight for things that don't have to do with charity but their livelihood then maybe some of these little issues would not exist.

When was the last time you say a convoy to protest EOBRs?

It is their fault, no one speaks within the diverse group of people to point out the problems they face and what they can do to change it. The fact is many are just drivers for companies and don't give a crap about anything but themselves while at the same time, there is somewhat of an idea we shouldn't say anything bad about the profession. I noticed that many won't even criticize the people like drivers who dump garbage and p*ss bottles in a truck stop or on the side of the road making it look like the fault sits somewhere else, the FMCSA, the Oil Companies, the Shippers, the Public, etc. ... but reality is this - if we all stay silent and not demand better out of the supplies who supply them, nothing will change.

Oh and the OOIDA does not represent us without our involvement.

Yea that's the ticket, it's the drivers fault.

chefdennis · May 6, 2011

Xiggi wrote:

Yea that's the ticket, it's the drivers fault.

Well he at least he didn't blame "Bush"...

curmudgeon

greg334 · May 7, 2011

Well it is. Look at it this way, if they accept the service and products without telling the provider this is not a good idea or fight to have something changed, then what complaints can be made about the end result.

How many isle pumps are in place and running?

I counted one out of the ten truck stops I visited this year. If no one says a word, then they'll take their time installing them.

blackpup · May 7, 2011

Streakn1's, point might have been about the lack of foresight, on the part of the EPA ?

jimmy

tknight · May 7, 2011

Wondering how much profit is in one of those mandated jugs?Forced upon us, I'm sure there is profit involved somewhere, who invented this mystery juice, and how much did they invest in getting it approved and made law?

tk, a newbie here now

purgoose10 · May 7, 2011

It's all Bush's fault.

Streakn1 · May 7, 2011

blackpup said:
Streakn1's, point might have been about the lack of foresight, on the part of the EPA ?

jimmy

That is exactly my point. As in past genius ideas EPA has put in place to save the planet, they've quickly learned that their plan was greatly flawed, thus resulting in even bigger problems than the one they originally were trying to change. Then they are forced to spend millions of more of our hard earned tax dollars formulating a new plan to fix their error.

greg334 · May 7, 2011

Streakn1 said:
That is exactly my point. As in past genius ideas EPA has put in place to save the planet, they've quickly learned that their plan was greatly flawed, thus resulting in even bigger problems than the one they originally were trying to change. Then they are forced to spend millions of more of our hard earned tax dollars formulating a new plan to fix their error.

Well I don't see an error on their part other than thinking that cleaning up Diesels will help.

IT is up to the people who use the stuff to demand a solution - not the EPA. NO one forces someone to buy the jugs so if you don't like to buy them or to dispose of them, complain to the "travel centers" about having them install the pumps quicker.

bobwg · May 8, 2011

Just wondering why the driver cant put the box in the trash can??? I mean there are alot of drivers that dump their trash on the ground at the pumps and in the parking lot, as for the jugs is there something on the jug that says not to throw in the trash can??? sorry dont use def so not familiar with the product