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newsrel -- California sod company fined $9,500 for emissions violations
Posted: 21 Jul 2009 12:06:58
Camarillo, Calif., business fined for failing to properly inspect its diesel truck fleet for smoke emissions. Air Resources Board Release 09-65 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 21, 2009 CONTACT: Karen Caesar (626) 575-6728 www.arb.ca.gov California sod company fined $9,500 for emissions violations SACRAMENTO – The California Air Resources Board has fined a Camarillo, Calif., business $9,500 this month for failing to properly inspect its diesel truck fleet for smoke emissions. An ARB investigation showed Pacific Sod, a subsidiary of Pacific Earth Resources, failed to test, measure, record and maintain records for its diesel trucks in 2007 and 2008 at its Camarillo and Patterson, Calif., terminals. “Routine inspections ensure California meets clean air standards,” said ARB Chairman Mary D. Nichols. “Companies that fail to inspect their diesel vehicles can contribute to excess air pollution.” Annual smoke 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. As part of the penalty, Pacific Sod 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; and, • Ensure all diesel trucks are up to federal emissions standards for the vehicle model year and are properly labeled with an emission control label. Pacific Sod paid $9,500 in penalties: $7,125 went to the California Air Pollution Control Fund for projects and research to improve California's air quality; the Peralta Community College District received $1,187.50 to fund emissions education classes conducted by participating California community colleges; and, the remaining $1,187.50 went 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. Diesel exhaust contains a variety of harmful gases and over 40 other known cancer-causing compounds. In 1998, California identified diesel particulate matter as a toxic air contaminant based on its potential to cause cancer, premature death and other health problems. 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. ##### Re: ARB Website Content Survey The ARB is asking regular website users to take a few minutes to complete a brief survey about their experiences with our site. Your participation will help us improve our website to serve you better. Thank you. Link to Survey: http://www.zoomerang.com/recipient/survey-intro.zgi?p=WEB2298ML2JK9E