EPA fines Arizona companies for selling devices that negate emissions control systems
Dec 22, 2021, 4:15 AM | Updated: 1:30 pm
(Pexels photo)
(Pexels photo)
PHOENIX — Two Arizona automotive parts companies are paying thousands of dollars in fines after settling with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency over illegally selling parts that bypass or disable required emissions control systems.
Dykstra Inc., located in Gilbert and Casa Grande, paid $29,814 after selling or installing the parts, known as defeat devices, and tuning the software of heavy-duty diesel trucks and nonroad diesel tractors, the EPA said in a press release on Tuesday.
Phoenix-based Dudu Oja Ije, LLC. agreed to pay $25,000 for selling the aftermarket defeat devices for highway motor vehicles, with the civil penalty being reduced due to financial hardship of the company.
“These settlements are a very significant step toward stopping the sale of illegal aftermarket defeat devices,” Amy Miller, EPA Pacific Southwest regional director of the Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division, said in the release.
“These unlawful products cause harmful pollution on our roads and in our communities.”
The EPA said the large amounts of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter emitted by tampered vehicles contribute to health problems in the country including premature mortality, aggravation of respiratory and cardiovascular disease, aggravation of existing asthma, acute respiratory symptoms, chronic bronchitis and decreased lung function.
The estimated increase of emissions due to the illegal parts and tuning software sold by the companies would have equaled the emissions from an additional 1,830 vehicles on the road, the EPA said.
Those who believe someone is manufacturing, selling or installing defeat devices can contact the EPA by email.
