Ecology Sets Hearing On Emission Testing

The Washington Department of Ecology has scheduled a Spokane hearing to discuss proposed changes to its statewide vehicle emissions testing program.

The enhanced Emission Check program will boost Spokane’s efforts to control carbon monoxide emissions, said Ecology’s Larry Altose.

Spokane failed federal standards for carbon monoxide four times last year, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has proposed downgrading the city from “moderate” to “serious” air quality violator.

That means Spokane has to make greater efforts to clean up its air. The revised inspection plan will start early next year.

Ecology’s proposed changes in the program will not increase the $12 test fee or add to the time needed for each inspection, Altose said.

It will allow Ecology to:

Better identify high-polluting vehicles with a new test, which more accurately simulates driving conditions.

Check the internal computerized diagnostic systems on new cars, because computer glitches can result in extremely high emissions without the driver being aware of the problem.

The Spokane hearing is scheduled July 18 at 7 p.m. in the Spokane County Health District auditorium, W. 1101 College Ave.

, DataTimes