Norwalk Officials Break Ground on New Clean Fueling Station

By Pete Parker 

 

Local, state and federal officials gathered to break ground on a new clean fueling station in Norwalk last week that when completed will be one of the most modern facilities of its type in Southern California.

On March 6th Norwalk  Mayor Luigi Vernola lead a group of dignitaries to celebrate the beginning of the construction of the multi-million dollar CNG Fueling Station near the Norwalk Civic Center area.

Vernola hailed the new project as being a “major accomplishment” for the City of Norwalk in its effort to turn its popular transit fleet “totally green.”

The new, “environmentally friendly” (CNG) Compressed Natural Gas fueling station will be actually housed at the Norwalk Transportation and Public Services yard that is located off of Imperial Highway, just east of Norwalk City Hall. 

At this current time, Norwalk has a 14 CNG buses, and intends on converting the entire fixed route bus fleet with CNG buses.  

The new CNG station will have the ability to “fast fuel” a total of 30 CNG buses within a five hour time frame.

Compressed natural gas, is natural gas under pressure which remains clear, odorless, and non-corrosive. The corresponding cost of CNG over diesel fuel is roughly $1.25/unit, representing a substantial cost savings.  

According to Mike Egan, the City Manager of Norwalk, “This is a great project in which clean burning gas will eliminate hydrocarbons. Advances in clean hydrocarbon fuel processing will provide a wide-ranging and organized reference on the range of alternative conversion processes and technologies. It is important to keep the environment clean and also provide something beneficial for the city.”

Councilman Mike Mendez indicated that, “The most important thing is clean energy for the environment. Clean and safer air for everyone will lead to better health. Eventually we will see clean energy vehicles nationwide and it’s nice to know that we are helping out the community.”