The California Air Resources Board (CARB) began enforcing the Transport Refrigeration Unit (TRU) Airborne Toxic Control Measure (ATCM) in-use performance standards in early January 2010.
CARB has received many calls regarding rumors that the TRU ATCM is on hold. These rumors are false. In addition, many callers that have complied with the TRU ATCM are concerned that their competitors are not compliant.
The board’s inspectors have issued numerous citations with penalties up to $1,000 per violation. Compliance with the in-use performance standards is required for any TRU that operates in California, regardless of where it is based.
Inspectors also continue to issue citations to owners of California-based TRUs that have failed to register their TRUs in CARB’s Equipment Registration (ARBER) system, with penalties up to $500 per violation. Registration is required for TRUs based in California, but it is voluntary for TRUs based outside of California.
During the first two weeks of January 2010, inspectors issued close to 100 citations for violations of the TRU ATCM.
Inspections are occurring at border crossings, scales, roadside inspection stations, agricultural inspection stations, distribution centers, shippers, delivery points, ports, truck stops, intermodal facilities, and any place that TRUs may operate. Audits are being conducted at TRU fleet terminals to ensure in-use standard compliance has been achieved and that ARBER registration information is accurate. Any person who knowingly makes a false material statement, representation, or certification in any form or in any report required by the TRU regulation is subject to a fine up to $35,000 per violation.
Compliance assistance materials, including a list titled “Control Technology Options for Complying with the TRU ATCM” and a list titled “Compliance Assistance Contacts” are provided at www.arb.ca.gov/diesel/tru.htm.
Call the toll-free help line at 1-888-878-2826 with TRU ATCM-related compliance questions.
Questions on in-use performance standards may be e-mailed to [email protected]. Questions about registration may be e-mailed to [email protected].
