Gas Can Exchange Program a Success(posted Nov 11) The pilot program to exchange old portable gas cans with newer minimal permeable materials was rated a success. The can exchanged took place at the Department of Public Works West Street fueling station on November 10. Steve Hardiman, DPW public information officer, explained the older plastic cans allow gas vapors to be emitted into the air which lowers air quality. Newer designed cans have environmental features which eliminate secondary vent holes and have shut off valves. He also noted the newer cans are designed to prevent spills when pouring gas into lawn mowers. He said Indianapolis is not the first city in the country to do this type of project, noting that Illinois has conducted a similar program. He credited RW Armstrong for its partnership in the program. "We've all been aware of the problem for quite awhile and wanted to do something, but the logistics to organizing the event took some time," Hardiman said. RW Armstrong has been a good supporter of the Knozone program and recently joined the Central Indiana Clean Air Partnership that helps create an awareness for businesses to do more for clean air. The 275 cans replaced in the pilot program are a prelude to the city's goal of a 10,000 can replacement over a two-year period. The environmental goal is to reduce volatile organic compounds (know as VOCs) from being emitted into the air. According to DPW Director Kumar Menon, this could be equivalent to removing the environmental damage of 195,000 cars. |