Motor Vehicle Idling/Air Enforcement: Conservation Law Foundation and Connecticut School Bus Operator Enter into Consent Decree

The Conservation Law Foundation, Inc. (“CLF”), and DATTCO, Inc. (“DATTCO”), entered into a Consent Decree (“CD”) addressing alleged violations of the Connecticut Clean Air Act State Implementation Plan provisions addressing motor vehicle idling limits.

DATTCO is described as a transportation company operating in the State of Connecticut.

The CD provides certain compliance measures with which DATTCO must adhere which include:

• Anti-idling policy
  • Review and update anti-idling policy for operations in the State of Connecticut
  • Require DATTCO vehicle operators to comply with the idling requirements (including an anti-idling policy statement)
  • Provide CLF the opportunity to review and comment on the updated anti-idling policy
  • Provide the updated anti-idling policy to all drivers and supervisors and provide training/reminders
  • Review all training materials and signage in the State of Connecticut to ensure they are consistent with the anti-idling policies and revise as necessary
• Automatic shut-off technology (install and operate automatic engine shut-off technology as specified to prevent idling for longer than three minutes)
• Idling monitoring measures
  • Site anti-idling monitoring
  • Corporate anti-idling monitoring
  • Recordkeeping and reporting
  • Submit semi-annual reports to CLF identifying all instances of idling greater than three minutes as identified in monthly reports
  • Send semi-annual annual reports to CLF as specified in the CD
  • If a regulatory exemption is invoked, provide to CLF information that the exemption applies
  • For a specified time period retain at least the previous six month’s data as specified in the CD
  • CLF may request that DATTCO share retained data with it no more frequently than three times per quarter calendar but no more than six times per calendar year
  • Retained data, semi-annual reports, or any other data or information provided to CLF pursuant to the CD is and shall remain confidential

A civil penalty of $10,000 is assessed.

DATTCO is required to spend an aggregate amount of $1.8 million over the term of the CD to advance its transition to zero emissions vehicles.

A copy of the CD can be downloaded here.