Calif. Fines Fleet for Emissions Violations

SACRAMENTO, CA --- The California Air Resources Board has fined a Fontana, Calif.-based heavy-duty diesel fleet $22,875 for failing to inspect its diesel trucks for compliance with the state's smoke emissions standards.

ARB investigators said that Dispatch Transportation Inc. failed to conduct diesel truck smoke tests in 2007 and 2008, as required by state law.

"To be competitive in today's economy, being a green business is essential," said ARB Chairman Mary D. Nichols. "Proprietors who think business-as-usual means bypassing California clean air laws are making a reputation as dirty dealers."

Under the penalty, Dispatch Transportation must:

• Ensure that staff responsible for compliance with the diesel truck emission inspection program attend diesel education courses and provide certificates of completion within one year
• Instruct vehicle operators to comply with the state's idling regulations
• Complete heavy-duty diesel engine software and control technology upgrades in compliance with regulations
• Supply all smoke inspection records to ARB for the next four years
• Properly label engines to ensure compliance with the engine emissions certification program regulations.

The California Air Pollution Control Fund, established to mitigate various sources of pollution through education and the advancement and use of cleaner technology, will receive $17,156.25. A total of $2,859.37 will go to the Peralta Community College District to fund diesel education classes, and the remaining $2,859.38 will go to the California Air Pollution Control Financing Authority.