Diesel exhaust is a combination of gases and particulates that are produced
during diesel fuel combustion. Particles emitted are called diesel particulate
matter (DPM) and comprise of solid elemental carbon (EC) combined with
organic carbon (OC), which included polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
(PAH). Although the CEP buffers the generators to locations north of the
generators, there is potential for the smoke to disperse outside of the
Keesler AFB fence line through weather factors, such as wind. Exposure to
the exhaust can lead to health risks.
Affairs Office for the 81st Training Wing is notified of the tests, which is
generally three to four days from the testing.
Another issue regarding the Keesler Medical Center diesel generators is
discussed in Noise Issue NOI‐1 in this chapter.
Findings
Keesler Medical Center employs backup generators situated outside
and proximate to the Oak Park residential neighborhood.
Source: https://www.osha.gov/ Generator testing creates smoke that disturbs residents in the
Oak Park neighborhood and may cause health risks.
Compatibility Assessment According to UFC 4‐510‐01 Design: Military Medical Facilities, engine
generator sets for Military Medical Facilities must be powered by diesel fuel.
Due to this criterion, Keesler Medical Center must use diesel generators,
which are the cause of the smoke. Keesler AFB must comply with UFC 4‐510‐01 for the type of
generators for Military Medical Facilities.
The smoke that is emitted from the generators is compliant with EPA
standards.
The Environmental Protection Agency regulates emissions from non‐road
diesel engines. Diesel engines are regulated by four tiers, each with its own
set of emission standards to ensure the mitigation of overall pollutants from
diesel engine operations. The emission standards are provided for carbon
monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), non‐methane hydrocarbons (NMHC),
nitrogen oxide (NOx), and PM by the power of the engine. The installation
has conducted tests, which conclude that the fumes and smoke emitted
from the CEP are compliant with EPA requirements.
Due to the nature of the tests, the neighborhood is notified by the Public
Affairs Office, via email, of the day and time that the generators will be
tested. The email notifications are provided to residents of the Oak Park
Neighborhood, as well as Biloxi City Councilmen, City of Biloxi Public Affairs,
and