United States Department of Agriculture
Natural Resources Conservation Service
Delaware Go to Accessibility Information
Skip to Page Content
Delaware Crop Field

 


Engine Replacement for Irrigation Pumps

Delaware Job Sheet

Delaware’s air quality is classified in the non-attainment category ozone precursors. Older diesel and gasoline engines used on farms to pump irrigation water contribute a significant amount of these pollutants, as shown in various studies from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The EPA has recently set increasingly stringent emission standards for off-road engines, including irrigation pump engines; standards that go into effect for different size and type engines over a period of years. These new emission standards (Table 1) will reduce harmful air pollution and help states meet the National Ambient Air Quality Standards, as required by the Clean Air Act.

The replacement of older engines, which emit high levels of NOx and PM from the exhaust, with new certified diesel engines will substantially reduce the emissions of NOx and PM into the air.

  Picture of a Diesel Irrigation Pump
  Diesel Irrigation Pump
   
 

 

NRCS will provide program payments through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) to qualified agricultural producers for the purchase of new diesel engines. Engines must replace existing stationary irrigation pumps. The program is open to all growers, regardless of farm size or commodity(s) grown.

Program Specifics

• The engine to be replaced must be a currently functioning stationary (non-self propelled) engine used for pumping irrigation water.
• Engines up to 150 HP are eligible for payment (see Table 2).
• Replacement engines must meet current EPA Tier standards for new diesel motors (see Table 1).
• Replacement engines or motors must be within 25 percent of existing engine’s horsepower rating.
• The replaced engine cannot be sold. The engine must be taken to a scrap yard and a receipt indicating the complete engine destruction must be completed and returned to the NRCS before payment can be dispersed.
• Fueling and/or electric infrastructure is not eligible for payment.
• Replacement engines or motors may only be used for its intended purpose on land under an EQIP contract.
• Periodic reviews will be conducted to confirm that the engine or motor is being used for its intended purpose.

Table 1: EPA Engine Tier Requirements (off-road and small marine)
Engine Power Tier Year Eligible? CO PM
Hp < 11 Tier 2 2005 No 6.0 0.6
Tier 4 2008 Yes 6.0 0.3
11 < = Hp < 25 Tier 2 2005 No 4.9 0.6
Tier 4 2008 Yes 4.9 0.3
25 < = Hp < 50 Tier 2 2004 No 4.1 0.45
Tier 4 2008 Yes 4.1 0.22
50 < = Hp < 100 Tier 2 2004 No 3.7 0.3
Tier 3 2008 Yes 3.7
100 < = Hp < 175 Tier 3 2007 Yes 3.7
Tier 4 2012-14 N/A .02

Picture of a Diesel Irrigation Pump   Documentation Required: Receipt documenting the purchase of a new diesel motor; AND certification that the purchased product meets the appropriate Tier standard; AND signed receipt indicating destruction of the replaced engine.
Diesel Irrigation Pump  

Table 2: 2008 Payment Rates
Engine Tier Payment
40 - 60 Hp Tier 3/4 $4,250
60 - 100 Hp Tier 3 $5,000
100 - 150 Hp Tier 3 $7,000

 


Last Modified:  12/03/2007 10:26:07 AM