Pepsi truck firm hit with major fine by CARB

Pepsi truck firm hit with major fine by CARB California air quality regulators have fined a Pepsi trucking contractor for failing to properly inspect the firm's fleet of heavy-duty trucks and violating the state's air quality laws in 2006-2007.
   Officials from the California Air Resources Board said Friday it had reached a settlement with Indianapolis-based New Bern Transport Corp. for $280,125 over the violations, which the agency said led to increased air pollution.
   “These routine inspections make sure that diesel trucks stay within their target emission levels,” said ARB Chairman Mary Nichols. “Companies that break the law will be held accountable and should also carry the burden of putting public health at risk.”
   According to CARB, New Bern failed to inspect its heavy-duty trucks, resulting in increased emissions in more than two dozen California cities including San Diego, Stockton, San Fernando, Carson and Ventura.
   CARB enforcement personnel discovered the violations during routine inspections of New Bern's truck smoke testing records.
   In addition to the fine, most of which will be placed in the California Air Pollution Control Fund, New Bern agreed to send its employees to mandatory diesel education and technology classes, label its vehicles with emission control labels, bring all heavy-duty vehicles up to federal emission standards, and provide proper smoke inspection documentation for the next four years.
   The $210,094 to be placed in the CAPC fund from the settlement will go toward conducting air pollution research, pollution education and the funding of emission reduction programs. The remaining $70,031 will go to the Peralta Community College District to support diesel education classes.