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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Nov. 10, 1997
97-181
CONTACT: Larry Altose (425) 649-7192
John Raymond (360) 407-6856
Olympia, WA - After a series of strong-arm robberies in King and Pierce counties, Washington's auto Emission Check stations will no longer make change for bills larger than $20.
"Unfortunately, keeping extra cash on hand to make change for large bills makes any establishment inviting to criminals," said Joe Williams, manager of the Department of Ecology's Air Quality Program. "We regret any inconvenience this may cause for motorists, but believe it is a necessary step that will help protect the safety of employees and customers."
Washington's 20 Emission Check stations are operated by Envirotest Systems, Inc., under a competitively bid contract with the state. Emissions inspections are required every other year for 1968 and newer gasoline- and diesel-powered vehicles in metropolitan Clark, King, Pierce, Snohomish and Spokane counties. The test fee is $12 cash.
Holiday Closures
Emission Check stations will be closed for the following holiday observances:
Ecology Emission Check field offices will be closed Nov. 11, 27 and 28, 1997; Dec. 25, 1997; and Jan. 1, 1998.
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
