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Company failed to test its California fleet’s diesel engine
emissions. 



Release #:11-33
Date:07/26/2011

ARB PIO: (916) 322-2990
CONTACT:

Karen Caesar
626-575-6728

kcaesar@arb.ca.gov






Key Energy Services pays $52,000 fine for smoke inspection
violations


SACRAMENTO - The California Air Resources Board announced today a
settlement from Key Energy Services LLC for air quality
violations.

Through an audit, ARB investigators found that Key Energy
Services, based in Houston, Texas, failed to test its California
fleet’s diesel engine emissions, as required by California law.

“Controlling diesel exhaust is vital to the health of every
Californian,” said ARB Enforcement Chief James Ryden. “It also
insures that all businesses that operate diesel vehicles are held
to the same standard.”

The violations by Key Energy Services, an energy production
service provider, occurred in 2008 and 2009. The settlement of
$51,750 was distributed between the California Air Pollution
Control Fund which received $38,812.50 for air quality
improvement projects, and the Peralta Community College District
received $12,937.50 for diesel education and technology
programs.

The settlement requires Key Energy Services to:

    * Provide testing and general compliance records to ARB for
the next two years;
    * Properly label engines to ensure compliance with the engine
emissions certification program regulations;
    * Instruct vehicle operators to comply with the state’s
idling regulations;
    * Within one year, have all appropriate staff attend a diesel
education and technology class  that instructs adherence with
state emission laws; and,
    * Complete heavy-duty diesel engine software and control
technology upgrades in compliance with regulations.

Diesel exhaust contains a variety of harmful gases and over 40
other known cancer-causing compounds. Research has identified
diesel particulate matter as a toxic air contaminant based on its
potential to cause cancer, premature death and other health
problems.

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.