fresno

Air officials inspecting Fresno big rigs to curb pollution

Wednesday, June 15, 2016

Nearly 1 million big rigs travel through California each year and that's why there state's Air Resources Board is cracking down on trucks emitting toxic fumes.

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Nearly 1 million big rigs travel through California each year and that's why the Air Resources Board is cracking down on trucks emitting toxic fumes.

The board cited trucks Tuesday for violations that lead to more pollutants in the Central Valley's air as part of inspections that are part of a statewide effort to reduce smog.

The random inspections are part of an effort by the ARB to keep smog levels down and to make sure big rigs are keeping up with regulations.

"We're also trying to provide information to the drivers about the necessary equipment and make sure they are not purchasing illegal or illegitimate equipment that could be more costly to them and it could damage their engines as well," Eloy Flores with the California Air Resources Board.

Flores is an air pollution specialist. He says a team of inspectors are not only checking the engine of the truck but also the engine of the truck's trailer.

Those also must meet certain emission reduction goals and must have must certain technology.

"And we see it quite common especially in agriculture areas like here in the Central Valley because fruit packers and vegetable packers they want to keep their fruit fresh as it is going to market," he said.

Not only are state-registered trucks subject to inspection, but trucks from out of state, Mexico, and Canada must comply with California laws.

After an inspection of under of the hood, the fuel tank and the particulate matter filter a green sticker is issued to vehicle's that passed showing that they are good to travel up and down California's highways for that quarter.

But the inspections continue throughout the year all over the state and Flores says these checkpoints are cleaning up the air we all breath.

"It is the middle of June and you can actually see the outline of the Sierra," Flores said. "Clear some of the efforts that we have put forwards are having an impact but we still have a long way to go but we're definitely making improvements."