The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said it is fining Estes Express Lines $100,000 for violating the California Truck and Bus Regulation governing diesel emission levels – specifically for failing to install diesel particulate filters (DPFs) on 73 of its tractors operating in the Golden State; some 15% of its California fleet.
The penalty stems from a citation issued by the EPA back in February, when the agency said it issued a “Notice of Violation” to Estes after an investigation found that the carrier failed to equip its older tractors operating in the Golden State with DPFs and failed to verify its compliance with California’s truck and bus rule.
That rule requires, among other things, that out-of-state trucking companies ensure both they and their subcontractors are using “emission compliant” vehicles; meaning the emission control systems on older equipment reduces oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) levels down to 2010 engine emissions standards or below.
The EPA noted that Estes now operates only new trucks in California.
The agency added that, in addition to the $100,000 fine, Estes agreed spend a further $290,400 towards projects to educate the out-of-state trucking industry on the regulation and for replacing old wood burning devices in the San Joaquin Valley.
