GAINESVILLE - The Hall County School System was recognized by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) with the Georgia Diesel Emissions Reduction (GaDER) Green Award.<br />
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The GaDER award honors school systems that have reduced emissions in 25% or less of their school bus fleet through emissions control equipment and/or the use of alternative fuels. The GaDER School Bus Program assists Georgia school systems by offering grants, technical assistance and education. <br />
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The school system was honored at the Georgia Association for Pupil Transportation's (GAPT) 50th Annual Conference and Trade Show at Jekyll Island. <br />
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William Cook, EPD Environmental Engineer and Manager of the GaDER Program says, "Older diesel buses emit a high amount of particles in the exhaust. New buses and those that have been retrofitted with diesel particulate filters reduce these particulates by more than 85%, which results in a significant improvement in the air quality inside and around the school bus. Transportation Directors and their staff who receive a GaDER award should be celebrated for their hard work and dedication to ensure that school children are riding in the safest and cleanest buses available." <br />
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Executive Director of Operations for Hall County Schools, Jewel Armour, accepted the award.<br />
