Behavior of those vehicles will be characterized on a second-by-second basis during in-use operations at construction sites using portable emission measurement systems. Researchers at CERT will design standardized tasks, such as lifting a heavy object.

The performance of the hybrid vehicle will then be compared to that of conventional diesel-powered vehicles.

The project will help establish the methodology for making comparisons under such varied conditions. The project will also consider the differences between emerging hybrid implementations by leading manufacturers.

The project may provide data that could contribute to a hybrid incentive program under AB 118, a 2007 law that established a voluntary incentive program administered by CARB to fund clean vehicle and equipment projects, research on biofuels production and the air quality impacts of alternative fuels, and workforce training, according to CERT.

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Vulcan Helps a Virginia School Rock with Spirit

The Lorton, Va., location of Birmingham, Ala.-based Vulcan Materials donated a 14,000-pound “Spirit Rock” to Silverbrook Elementary School in Fairfax County, Va. For a video of the rock being delivered to the school, go to http://www.fairfaxstation.patch.com/articles/video-spirit-rock-dedicated-at-silverbrook-elementary-school.

Joe Bosco, assistant principal, and Dr. Melaney Mackin, principal of Silverbrook Elementary, were present with Vulcan employees Jim Cooper, plant manager of Graham Quarry, and Jess Brindisi, district sales manager for the operation.

Great Lakes Limestone trade up 2.4 percent in September from 2010

Shipments of limestone on the Great Lakes totaled 3.5 million net tons in September, a decrease of 6.7 percent from August, but an increase of 2.4 percent compared to a year ago, according to the Lake Carriers Association (LCA). September loadings were 4 percent off the month’s five-year average, LCA reports.

Shipments from U.S. quarries increased 10 percent compared to a year ago and were only marginally below the month’s five-year average, according to LCA. However, loadings at Canadian quarries were off more than 22 percent compared to a year ago and 8.5 percent below September’s five-year average. Through September, the limestone trade stands at 19.7 million tons, a decrease of 3.9 percent compared to the same point in 2010, and a drop of 13 percent compared to the five-year average for the for the first three quarters.

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