CARB fines companies


For 2007 actions, the California Air Resources Board has penalized Donaldson Co. $650,000 for selling mislabeled and illegal parts in California and Cablecom $19,800 for failing to inspect trucks for smoke emissions standards compliance. Minnesota-based Donaldson did not respond to requests for comment.

 



The board said Nov. 17 that Donaldson sold uncertified diesel emissions control systems, mislabeled some systems and did not provide each device its own serial number.

The penalties will go to the California Air Pollution Control Fund for air pollution research and the California Pollution Control Financing Authority to help guarantee loans to off-road vehicle fleets that need to buy exhaust retrofits to comply with the in-use off-road diesel vehicle regulation.

CARB will also require Donaldson to conduct corrective actions estimated to cost more than $1.5 million. Donaldson will have to remove the unverified particulate matter filter systems from trucks and replace them with verified systems. CARB also demands other actions, including correct labeling and serial number.

Washington-based Cablecom could not be reached for comment. CARB said the telecommunications contractor failed to conduct diesel truck smoke tests in 2007, as required by state law.

Under the penalty, Cablecom must conduct corrective actions, including upgrading emissions software and instructing vehicle operators to comply with the state’s idling regulations.
The penalty will benefit the California Air Pollution Control Fund and Peralta Community College District to fund diesel education classes.