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FoodBev Media
4 August 2008
DS Waters fined for dirty trucks in California
A trucking company and a bottled water maker, DS Waters, recently agreed to pay thousands of dollars for violating air quality standards in California.
DS Waters, an Atlanta-based bottled water company, did not inspect its diesel truck fleet for emissions or document those inspections, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) fleet audit discovered. California requires heavy-duty vehicles to be inspected. According to the Board, the violations occurred in 21 California cities.
The trucking company, Don E. Keith Transportation, was fined $9,750 for diesel truck emission violations that occurred in 2005. The majority of the settlement funds – $55,687.50 – will go to the California Air Pollution Control Fund. The remainder will go to the Peralta Community College District, which funds the statewide diesel technology education training program.
In addition to the fine, DS Waters will require all staff responsible for compliance to attend diesel emissions education courses and provide compliance reports for the next four years.
“Shrewd business owners carry out regular inspections and ensure employees are up-to-speed on clean air requirements,” CARB Chairman Mary Nichols said in a written statement. “The penalties for not doing so can cost a business money and their reputation.”