SAIPAN — The Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality (BECQ) Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is enjoying some new equipment and they’re making the environment feel a little better about it, too.
A new 2024 Tier 4 John Deere tractor is now being used by the CNMI Department of Lands and Natural Resources’ Parks and Recreation Division after grant funding helped replace an older 2006 Tier 2 Kubota tractor.
The equipment upgrade was supported through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) State Grants program, which funds replacement, upgrades, or retirement of older diesel engines and equipment to cut air pollution.
Clean Air Program Manager Justin Pangelinan said Tier 4 engines meet stricter emissions standards and reduce pollutants including nitrogen oxides and fine particulate matter, calling the upgrade a step intended to improve air quality and public health in areas where diesel equipment is heavily used.
Parks and Recreation Director Michael Cruz said the tractor will support daily operations at the Marpi Public Cemetery, including opening and closing plot covers, and will also be used for ground maintenance at other public spaces around the island.
