Action Items from Recent CARB Smoke Opacity Workshops
CARB held multiple workshops in the past several weeks on modifications to the Periodic Smoke Inspection and Heavy Duty Vehicle Inspection Programs (PSIP/HDVIP) and potential new inspection and maintenance programs.
In summary, CARB is proposing to lower smoke opacity cut-points for PSIP/HDVIP to between 5-8% for DPF equipped trucks and are exploring requiring tester certification. Post-2020, CARB is looking to institute a new inspection and maintenance program.
CARB is requesting comments related to the potential HDVIP/PSIP regulatory amendments:
•Comments on recommended opacity limit for DPF equipped trucks
•Should the opacity limit be lowered for non-DPFequipped trucks?
•Thoughts on potential approaches for smoke tester certification
•Comments on OBD check pilot program to help inform future HD I/M program
CARB will also create workgroups to discuss the creation of future inspection and maintenance programs (e.g. "smog check for trucks"). NOx emissions from trucks are currently estimated to nearly double by the time they reach 500,000 miles. The purpose of an inspection and maintenance program would be to reduce these assumed emissions.