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newsrel -- Periodic Smoke Inspection Program Violations

Posted: 14 Aug 2007 12:04:32
Please consider the following Air Resources Board press release
announcing the recent settlements with four companies that
failed to comply with the periodic smoke inspection program. 
You can review the release online at:
http://www.arb.ca.gov/newsrel/nr081407.htm .
Thank You
Dimitri Stanich
ARB/PIO

______________________________________________________________



Release 07-31
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 14, 2007

Dimitri Stanich
(916) 322-2990 
www.arb.ca.gov

ARB Settles Periodic Smoke Inspection Program Violations for
$321,875


SACRAMENTO -- The California Air Resources Board recently
settled with four companies operating in California for a
collective $321,875 for failing to properly inspect their diesel
truck fleets.

The Ratto Group, Hi-Grade Materials, Los Angeles Department of
Water and Power, and Toys "R" Us were in violation of the
California's Periodic Smoke Inspection Program, which requires
owners of California-registered truck and bus fleets to
regularly inspect their vehicles to ensure that their engine
emissions meet state air quality standards.

"Regular fleet inspections are a vital component to ensure
continued improvement in California's air quality," said ARB
Acting Executive Officer Tom Cackette. "These periodic
inspections are subject to review at any time by ARB enforcement
teams."

For their failure to comply, The Ratto Group paid a total of
$70,500 including $52,875 to the California Air Pollution
Control Fund and $17,625 to the Peralta Community College
District.

Also, Hi-Grade Materials and Los Angeles Department of Water and
Power have paid $27,375 and $208,000, respectively, to the fund.

Toys "R" Us paid a total of $16,000 - $12,000 to the fund and
$4,000 to the Peralta Community College District.

In addition to paying fines and agreeing to comply with the
smoke inspection program, these organizations will require all
fleet staff responsible for compliance with the ARB's
regulations to attend classes conducted by the California
Council on Diesel Education and Technology. Monies paid to the
Peralta Community College District will be distributed to
participating campuses to cover the training course costs.

The California Air Pollution Control Fund was established to
mitigate various sources of pollution through education and the
advancement and use of cleaner technology. By supporting various
pollution-related research projects, the fines collected will
help promote the ARB's goal of providing safe, clean air to all
Californians.

Diesel exhaust contains a variety of harmful gases and over 40
other known cancer-causing substances. In 1998, California
identified diesel exhaust as a toxic air contaminant based on
its potential to cause cancer, premature death, and other health
problems. People exposed to higher levels of emissions from
diesel-fueled engines are at higher risk.

The Air Resources Board is a department of the California
Environmental Protection Agency. ARB's mission is to promote and
protect public health, welfare, and ecological resources through
effective reduction of air pollutants while recognizing and
considering effects on the economy. The ARB oversees all air
pollution control efforts in California to attain and maintain
health based air quality standards.

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