In order to reduce local residents’ exposure to diesel exhaust, Southern California’s South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) has taken enforcement action against coach buses that the agency says idled excessively in a hotel parking lot.
Since May, SCAQMD inspectors have issued notices of violation to seven coach bus companies operating in the Studio City area of Los Angeles.
“Long-term exposure to diesel emissions can increase cancer risks and has been linked to
a number of respiratory and heart diseases. We are, therefore, doing our part to hold businesses accountable and prevent excess idling of diesel buses,” says Wayne Nastri, SCAQMD’s executive officer.
SCAQMD issued each bus company a notice of violation – using authority delegated by the California Air Resources Board – for idling a diesel-fueled auxiliary power system for more
than five minutes within 100 feet of a restricted area (in this case, a hotel). On-board auxiliary power systems provide electricity to the buses’ air conditioning units and outlets. SCAQMD used this authority for the first time earlier this year in citing a big-rig truck for excess idling.
SCAQMD inspectors cited the following coach bus companies at Sportsmen’s Lodge at
12825 Ventura Blvd. on three separate visits between May and June:
- All Access Coach Leasing LLC;
- FC Lawson Inc.;
- Hemphill Brothers Coach Co.;
- Pioneer Coach Inc.;
- Roberts Brothers Coach Leasing Co. Inc.;
- Russell Coach Co. LLC; and
- Taylor Tours LLC.
Citing facility representatives, SCAQMD says Sportsmen’s Lodge plans to install electrical hookups for coaches so that they will not have to idle to generate power for the buses while parked.
SCAQMD was alerted to the idling buses by a complaint. SCAQMD encourages anyone
who suspects an air pollution violation to report it via www.aqmd.gov or 1-800-CUT-SMOG.
