ODA to insist on use of particulate filters

The Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) has confirmed it will implement the London Best Practice Guidance on its sites in Stratford, including fitting diesel particulate filters (DPFs) to plant over 37kW.

Its spokesperson told CJ: "We will be implementing the Best Practice Guidance and are working with the Greater London Authority (GLA) and other stakeholders to ensure that contractors are aware of the accreditation scheme.

"We will be reducing the number of vehicles on site by using rail and water where possible to transport construction materials, and will also be using ultra-low sulphur diesel for site vehicles."

The confirmation is a victory for the Environmental Industries Commission (the lobbying and trade body for particulate manufacturers), which had prompted 29 MPs to sign an Early Day Motion calling on the ODA "to fulfil its pledge to tackle harmful emissions from equipment used on site".

With up to 2,000 machines expected to work on the Olympics, the cost of retrofitting DPFs will exceed £6m.

Colin Wood, chief executive of the Construction Plant-hire Association, said: "The GLA's own study proves that the benefits of fitting DPFs are negligible outside the site and when we surveyed our members there was little enthusiasm from them to fit these filters to their machines."

Tim Faithful, of plant manufacturer's association the CEA, said: "These installations will cause warranty issues and could have safety and visibility implications, too."

The Energy Savings Trust, which has to approve both the filter and the installation, told CJ there would be nine or 10 filters on the approved register before the end of the week.