California Air Resources Board

SACRAMENTO – The California Air Resources Board (ARB) settled for $100,000 with the Portosan Company, LLC., a provider of portable restrooms, trailers and fences, for violating state smoke emission standards for heavy-duty trucks.

"ARB regulations are established to ensure that all of California's heavy-duty vehicles are properly maintained and free from excessive smoke," ARB Executive Officer, Catherine Witherspoon, said.

According to an ARB investigation, Portosan of El Monte, California, failed to properly self-inspect their diesel trucks as required by the Periodic Smoke Inspection Program. California-based truck and bus fleets are required to perform annual inspections of their vehicles to ensure that their engine emissions meet state air quality standards.

As part of the settlement, all of Portosan's trucks must have their computer software upgraded to reduce excess smog-forming emissions. All of Portosan's personnel responsible for compliance must also attend diesel education and technology classes.

The California Air Pollution Control Fund (APCF) received $75,000 of the settlement monies. This fund was established to mitigate various sources of pollution through education and the advancement and use of cleaner technology.

The remaining $25,000 was paid to the Peralta Community College District to fund diesel technology education programs at California Community Colleges.