Published: Aug 23, 2016 | 09:00 AM

IRWD Fleet Just Keeps Getting Greener

A new, clean machine has found its way into IRWD’s green fleet – a 2016 Vactor Plus 2100 Combination Sewer Cleaner.

The new Vactor was unveiled at the July 11 board meeting. It joins three other Vactors in the Collection Systems fleet and brings with it new technology. For one, it is powered by a single compressed natural gas (CNG) engine, which offers a 24 percent savings on fuel cost – approximately $60,000 over the life of the machine. It replaces a truck that had been in service since 1997.

The single engine reduces maintenance costs, according to John Dayer, manager of fleet operations. It’s also good for the environment – quiet operation and lower emissions. Line cleaning can use recycled or potable water, with separate fill systems to eliminate potential cross contamination.

The addition of a truck using CNG not only adds to IRWD’s green fleet, which includes hybrids, it is the first of eight heavy duty trucks slated to join the fleet using CNG.

“By the end of the year, 25 percent of our fleet will be green,” Dayer said.

Collections Manager Dorien McElroy appreciates the new safety features on the truck, as well as the technology.

“It’s actually a computerized truck,” McElroy said. “It has a chip that can diagnose any problems – just like the new cars.”

Crews operating the like the option of using potable or recycled water. There are recycled water hydrants dotted throughout Irvine, which were originally installed to serve the city’s street-sweeping fleet.