KCK repair shop disabled emissions controls on nearly 100 vehicles. How EPA responded
A truck repair shop that disabled emission controls on nearly 100 vehicles has agreed to a settlement with the federal Environmental Protection Agency.
The EPA said KC Performance Diesel, LLC violated parts of the Clean Air Act.
Michael Shartzer, who started the business at 3002 S. 44th Street in 2014, said he “took immediate steps” when the agency alerted him that he was not following regulations.
“I’m complying,” he said when reached by phone Friday.
According to the agency’s consent agreement, EPA officials attempted to conduct an on-site inspection last August, but were denied access.
Later that month, they were allowed into the facility, but denied access to records related to compliance with the Clean Air Act.
The EPA then sent a request for information. The company sent a response in October stating it had sold or installed at least 96 exhaust kits that disabled emission controls on diesel trucks, the agreement said.
The EPA filed 97 counts against the business: one for refusing to allow an inspection and 96 related to the exhaust kits.
The agreement, signed last month, said the company was not able to pay a penalty and instead agreed to resolve the problems, including destroying any devices that bypass emission control systems and discontinuing their installment.
Tampering with car engines results in higher levels of particulate matter which contributes to respiratory and cardiovascular problems, according to the EPA.
“The installation of defeat devices or any illegal tampering of auto emissions controls is both a violation of federal law and a significant contributor of air pollution,” David Cozad, director of EPA Region 7’s enforcement and compliance assurance division, said in a statement.
“The federal government is serious about holding accountable individuals and companies who profit from these unlawful actions and protecting communities, particularly those that are already overburdened by pollution from harmful emissions.”
The EPA said KC Performance Diesel is located in an area identified by the agency as already having high levels of air pollution as well as socioeconomic burdens.
