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$45,000 goes to community colleges, clean air projects. 


Release #:12-19
Date:05/15/2012

ARB PIO: (916) 322-2990
CONTACT:

Karen Caesar
626-575-6728

kcaesar@arb.ca.gov






Imperial Irrigation District fined for diesel truck fleet
violations

$45,000 goes to community colleges, clean air projects

SACRAMENTO - The California Air Resources Board fined the
Imperial Irrigation District $45,375 for operating its truck
fleet and other diesel equipment in conflict with air quality
regulations.

ARB investigators found that the Imperial Irrigation District
neglected to install particulate filters on its trucks, and to
record smoke emissions, as required by California law. The
district also failed to report its diesel equipment being used in
off-road activities.

“To preserve the quality of California’s air, we must all work to
curtail the emissions of diesel-powered vehicles,” said ARB
Enforcement Chief James Ryden. “Businesses and public agencies
alike are held to the same standards.”

The ARB requires all operators of diesel equipment to:

    Install best available emissions control technology, based on
the model year of the engine;
    Periodically test and record smoke emissions; and,
    Report all off-road vehicles in use, and label them with
engine identification numbers.


The Imperial Irrigation District has agreed to retrofit all
vehicles, and submit proof of compliance to ARB. The district
will also instruct employees operating diesel equipment to abide
by idling regulations.

Of the $45,000 paid, $34,000 will go to the California Air
Pollution Control Fund, which provides funding for projects and
research to improve California's air quality; $11,000 will go to
the Palomar Community College Foundation to support their diesel
technology program and, specifically, instruction in diesel
engine service and maintenance.  

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.

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.

Office of Communications 1001 I Street, Sacramento CA 95814. Ph:
(916) 322-2990