California Fines Construction Firm for Truck Emissions

SACRAMENTO, CA --- The California Air Resources Board fined Dateland Construction Co. Inc $31,950 last month for emissions violations during 2007 and 2008. 

An ARB investigation concluded that Dateland Construction, based in Indio, Calif., failed to properly inspect its diesel trucks as required by California law. 

"Inspection and maintenance costs for a diesel truck fleet are far cheaper than paying penalties," said ARB Chairman Mary D. Nichols. "Public health suffers the consequences when a company ignores clean-air laws." 

Annual smoke emissions tests are required for diesel truck fleets, in conjunction with ARB's roadside smoke inspection program. The law ensures that all vehicles are properly maintained, tamper-free and free from excessive smoke emissions. 

As part of the settlement, Dateland Construction is required to:

• Guarantee employees responsible for conducting the inspections attend a training class on diesel emissions compliance testing and provide certificates of completion within one year
• Provide documentation to ARB that the inspections are being carried out for the next four years
• Ensure all heavy-duty diesel vehicles have their software updated with the latest low-NOx (oxides of nitrogen emissions) programming
• Instruct vehicle operators to comply with the state's idling regulations
• Ensure all diesel truck engines are up to federal emissions standards for the vehicle model year and are properly labeled with an emission control certification label.  

Dateland Construction agreed to pay $31,950 in penalties. A total of $23,962.50 will go to the California Air Pollution Control Fund for projects and research to improve California's air quality. The Peralta Community College District will receive $3,993.75 to fund emissions education classes conducted by participating California community colleges. The remaining $3,993.75 will go to the California Pollution Control Financing Authority, which guarantees loans to off-road vehicle fleets that need to buy exhaust retrofits to comply with state regulations.