California fines for diesel emission violations

The California Air Resources Board has penalized three state trucking companies a total of $43,000 for diesel truck violations.

On Feb. 17, CARB announced it had fined Golden State Lumber $20,000 for failing to inspect trucks for compliance with state smoke emissions standards during 2007 and 2008.

The California Air Pollution Control Fund, established to mitigate pollution through education and cleaner technology, will receive $15,000, and the remaining $5,000 will go to the Peralta Community College District to fund statewide diesel education classes.

Under the penalty, the carrier is required to take several steps, including completing upgrades on engine software and control technology and labeling engines to ensure compliance with the engine emissions certification program regulations.

On Feb. 11, board officials said it fined Chemical Transfer Co. $6,500 for not properly inspecting their trucks during 2008 and 2009. CAPCF received $4.875 for projects and research to improve air quality and Peralta received $1,625 to fund emissions education classes.

Among other things, the company will be required to ensure its trucks have software updated with the latest oxides of nitrogen emissions programming and that all trucks meet federal emission standards for its model years and labeled with emission control labels.  

Lastly on Feb. 10, CARB announced it had fined Rapid Harvest Co. $16,500 for failing to properly inspect their diesel trucks in 2005.

Of these penalties, $12,375 will go to the CAPF for air quality improvement projects and research and $4,125 will fund emissions education classes through Peralta.

The board required the company to make amends, including ensuring trucks have software updated with current oxides of nitrogen emissions programming and that these vehicles meet federal emission standards for its model years and have emission control labels.