GMAP Complaint Investigations
Geospatial Measurement of Air Pollution (GMAP) Complaint Investigations
CT DEEP’s GMAP vehicle used to demonstrate the impact of excessive idling on air quality:
In May of 2023, the GMAP vehicle was dispatched to New Haven County to investigate citizen complaints of tractor trailers idling, at a warehouse in Beacon Falls, Connecticut. Residents of the Town contacted CT DEEP’s air quality complaint line and expressed concerns about the excessive idling of semi-trucks at a facility, located on Pinesbridge Road. “Idling” means to run the engine of a motor vehicle when it is parked, or not in use. Connecticut regulations prohibit the idling of a motor vehicle in excess of three (3) consecutive minutes. There are exemptions to the rule, that include, but are not limited to, running the vehicle due to: traffic conditions, mechanical failures, maintenance, and for public health concerns.
The complaints prompted CT DEEP to launch an investigation. DEEP’s Air Investigation Unit conducted site inspections at the warehouse in May and August of 2023. During the investigation, DEEP staff documented multiple instances of tractor trailers idling at the warehouse. In one instance, a tractor trailer idled for forty (40) minutes; and thereby exceeded the 3-minute idling limit of Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies (RCSA) §22a-174-18(b)(C)(3). As a result, a Notice of Violation was issued to the facility on 8/15/2023.
As part of the investigation, DEEPs GMAP vehicle was dispatched to survey air quality along the border of the facility. The GMAP vehicle conducted four (4) runs along Pinesbridge Road, Molleur Drive, and Lancaster Drive on 5/4/2023. As shown in the map below, the GMAP vehicle recorded measurable increases in PM10 concentration, in the immediate area of the idling trucks.
Excessive idling of diesel and gas-powered motor vehicles can cause PM emissions to spike to levels that can harm the health of vulnerable citizens, including children and the elderly. Even short-term spikes in PM emissions can aggravate pre-exiting health conditions such as asthma, bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). CT DEEP has a long-standing campaign to reduce idling through various outreach, education, and enforcement programs. This link directs you to DEEP’s dedicated anti-idling webpage.
DEEPs investigation into this matter is ongoing. If you would like to report idling, please call DEEP’s Air Quality Complaint Line: (860) 424-3436.