Marc Bascompta

Directive 2017/164/EU proposed a drastic reduction of nitrogen monoxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels, thereby fortifying the health protection framework within the mining industry. Despite the commendable record of non-road emissions standards (Stage IV and V) in continuing to reduce NOx emissions, concerns remain about compliance with the directive’s strict limits, particularly in demanding tunnels and mining fields. To illustrate this problem, this study undertakes a comprehensive assessment of the practical feasibility surrounding the implementation of these proposed limits in a 6.2 internal diameter tunnel-boring machine (TBM) tunnel constructed with Stage III emission locomotives. The results cast light upon the formidable challenges entailed in achieving strict compliance with the envisioned limits, with a substantial number of measurements notably surpassing these thresholds, primarily concerning NO2 emissions from Stage III engines. To address these challenges, this study highlights the key role of moving to Stage IV-V locomotives or introducing electric locomotives to effectively reduce NOx emissions, ensure compliance with the directive, and avoid delays in tunnel construction.