SACRAMENTO - The California Air Resources Board (ARB) announced that SK Innovation Co. Ltd. (SKI) was fined $790,000 for selling diesel particulate filter systems in a non-verified configuration. These filter systems, featuring a metal substrate, are designed to trap diesel particulate matter contained in diesel engine exhaust.

An ARB investigation revealed that the units sold were produced with non-conforming warning systems that were not approved by ARB. ARB requires that all filter-based diesel emission control systems be installed with a backpressure monitor to notify the operator when the specified high pressure limit is approached. The notification must occur and be clearly visible to the operator while the vehicle or equipment is in use. Specifically, the “Peak Pressure of the Exhaust” (PPE) values were not the same as those originally approved by ARB.

In announcing the settlement, ARB enforcement Chief James Ryden stated, “SKI fully cooperated with ARB’s investigation and the resolution of this matter. However, violations of established California regulations relating to the control of diesel emissions have serious consequences in our state.”

As part of the settlement agreement, SKI agreed to pay a penalty which is consistent with penalties ARB has imposed in similar cases. SKI also agreed to a nationwide recall campaign that started on Jan. 3, 2014, with a deadline of June 30, 2014. SKI is contacting affected filter owners and will reimburse those owners up to the original purchase price for a replacement filter, as well as assist with scheduling the replacement of the filters.