Snowmobile - Engineer Challenges

Engineer challenges snowmobile myths
Fussell gears up for Clean Snowmobile Challenge with straight snowmobile talk.
By Rachel Odell, Jackson Hole News 2-02-00

Fact: snowmobiles emit more hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide than automobiles.
Fact: snowmobiles are equipped with two-stroke engines that discharge up to one-third of their fuel unburned into the environment.

Fiction: every weekend snowmobiles at Old Faithful create as much air pollution as do automobiles do all year in Yellowstone.

So began engineer Lori Fussell's speech last week on the truths and myths about snowmobiles. Speaking Jan. 26 at Snow King Resort, Fussell attempted to dispel some of the misunderstandings that abound about snowmobiles. Snowmobile truths and myths.

For instance, many people believe that snowmobiles are much more polluting than cars. But the machines actually release less nitrogen oxides - the elements blamed for causing acid rain - than cars. Snowmobile engines run on excess fuel but not extra air, which prevents the chemical process that creates nitrogen oxides, she said. Backing up an 8-question snowmobile pop quiz with scientific studies and data, Fussell told the crowd that the machines are polluting, but that some of the allegations of the damage they cause to the environment are exaggerated. Some people believe, based on a report released by the National Park Service this spring, that the national air quality standards for carbon monoxide have been violated at the west entrance of Yellowstone National Park. That is not true, Fussell said. "There is a monitor there and no violations have been recorded," she said. "But they are dangerously close."

Dangerous emissions

Last year the monitor recorded 8.9 parts per million of carbon monoxide and the standard is 9. Fussell fears that statements made by both pro and anti snowmobilers have clouded the issue of winter use with untruths. Ultimately, the public must understand that studies show that high amounts of exposure to carbon monoxide can fatigue a person and even cause cancer. In fact one study, which is currently undergoing peer review, shows that people who snowmobile every day have a reason to "be concerned about carcinogenic exposure," Fussell said.

False statements

She took issue with an environmental group's statement that studies confirm that snowmobile pollution increases the amount of nitrogen sulfate and hydrocarbons in the snow, and that "elevated levels of oxides of nitrogen contribute to acid rain and acid snow." "All of that is true, but there are no elevated levels of oxides of nitrogen as a result of snowmobiles," she said. "Their study says they found nitrates in the snow and that they found the same nitrate level throughout the park. The source of nitrate ions is more likely caused by regional sources like fertilizers."

Clean Snowmobile Challenge

Ultimately Fussell encouraged snowmobilers to use oxygenated fuel, synthetic lubricants and oil, and to keep their engines tuned. She also spoke about the Clean Snowmobile Challenge 2000, which will take place on March 28 - 31. The challenge is an intercollegiate design competition that requires student teams to re-engineer an existing snowmobile to improve emissions and noise while maintaining, or improving, the snowmobile's performance. During the competition, there will be an emission and noise test, as well as judging on acceleration, handling, and hill climbing. Judges also will assess the fuel efficiency of the altered machines.

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