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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 3, 1998
98-040
CONTACT: Larry Altose, (206) 649-7192, outreach specialist
Dale Jensen, (360) 407-6325, regional air-quality supervisor
VANCOUVER, WA - Automobile gas-cap inspections will be required again in Vancouver beginning on March 16.
The Department of Ecology (Ecology) suspended the cap checks in December 1997 after the new procedure caused delays and long lines for motorists. Since then, the privately operated Emission Check stations have been working to speed up the procedure.
"We wanted gas-cap tests to average less than a minute," said Dale Jensen, an air quality supervisor for Ecology. "We believe the test station staff has gained experience and speed, so the cap check shouldn’t cause delays any more."
The gas cap inspection will affect 1971 and newer cars and trucks. Gasoline vapors vent into the air through leaky gas caps, even when the vehicle is not running. The fumes are toxic and contribute to ozone smog. Gas-cap gaskets can leak even though they look and feel intact.
Inspectors remove each vehicle’s gas cap and place it on a testing device. If the cap fails the test, the inspection will end, there will be no charge, and the motorist will be directed to replace the leaky cap. When the vehicle returns, the full inspection will take place after the new cap passes a retest.
The cap check is part of a 10-year regional plan aimed at keeping smog levels in the Vancouver-Portland area within federal health standards. It is not required elsewhere in Washington.
Emission Check stations are operated by Envirotest Systems, Inc., under a competitively bid contract with the state.
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
