Environmental Initiative

As part of our environmental commitment, our fleet uses biodiesel which is a renewable fuel that can be used in unmodified diesel engines.  Biodiesel is often blended with a concentration of petroleum base diesel.  The study involves the use of what is known as B20 blend; produced from 20 percent biodiesel and 80 percent petro diesel.  The use of biodiesel in a conventional diesel engine results in substantial reduction of unburned hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and particulate matter compared to emission from diesel fuel.  In addition the exhaust emissions of sulfur oxides and sulfates from biodiesel are essentially eliminated compared to diesel. 

Anti-idling Devices

By reducing engine idling time, we reduce exhaust emissions. Vancouver Island Powerline’s aerial device trucks have fibre optic engine start-stop devices as part of their standard specifications. This device allows aerial device operators to shut off and restart their truck engines from aloft, therefore reducing engine idling.

Recycling

Whenever possible Vancouver Island Powerline tries to reduce waste and find alternatives to those aspects of its operation, which creates waste. The aim of Vancouver Island Powerline is to minimize the amount of solid waste sent to the landfill. The materials currently recycled at Vancouver Island Powerline are cardboard, paper, metals, porcelain, and wood. All surplus material is segregated in our yard and recycled as required.

Fleet Maintenance

Because of the type of operation that our equipment encounters, routine maintenance is performed every 4 to 6 months depending on the circumstances and driving habits of the operators. The operation of most line equipment involves primarily low speeds and a lot of idle time.