SACRAMENTO - The California Air Resources Board has fined Mex-Cal Truckline Inc. of Otay Mesa $300,000 for violating state air pollution laws by dispatching non-compliant vehicles that serve regulated intermodal rail yards in 2011 and 2012.

In the not too distant past, the short-haul trucks that picked up cargo from our busy ports and rail yards were among the oldest and dirtiest on the roads,” said ARB’s Enforcement Chief Jim Ryden.  “But thanks to the Drayage Truck Regulation adopted by the ARB in 2007, these vehicles must be upgraded according to a strict timetable.  This company learned an expensive lesson and we are hopeful that they will never have to pay us another fine.

Under the terms of the settlement, Mex-Cal will pay its fine to the California Air Pollution Control Fund to support air quality research.

Mex-Cal Truckline provides regional trucking services and intermodal trucking service from Mexico to California. The company has been cited previously for violations of the state’s Periodic Smoke Inspection Program which requires annual emissions testing. ARB referred that case to the Attorney General’s office and a court judgment and injunction against Mex-Cal was issued in 2008.  Mex-Cal has cooperated fully with ARB during this latest investigation.

As required by ARB’s Drayage Regulation all 1994 – 2004 engine model year Class 8 (33,001 lbs. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or greater) drayage trucks were required to have a diesel soot filter as of January 1, 2012.  In addition, they must meet 2007 engine-emissions standards as of January 1, 2014.  All 2007 – 2009 models are compliant through 2022; 2010 and newer model-year trucks are fully compliant. (Requirements for the lighter Class 7 trucks vary slightly.)  Drayage truck owners are encouraged to visit here for additional information: Drayage Truck Information (http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/onroad/porttruck/porttruck.htm)

Diesel exhaust contains a variety of harmful gases and over 40 other known cancer-causing compounds. In 1998, California identified diesel particulate matter as a toxic air contaminant based on its potential to cause cancer, premature death and other health problems.