BC diesel retrofit rule pushed to September

VICTORIA — With component availability still scarce, the B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure has once again postponed enforcement of its diesel exhaust retrofit requirement. 

The rule — which mandated that diesel engines in commercial truck models between 1989-1993 be retrofitted with emissions reduction devices such a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) filter –- is suspended until Sept.30, 2011 "or longer depending on component availability," the government stated in a memo to inspection stations.

The rule was originally scheduled for October 1, 2010, but was postponed six month until April 2011 for the same reason.

"Many of the required emission control components are currently unavailable for delivery to product dealers or are on back order and will not be available for installation prior to March 31, 2011," according to the ministry.

Vehicles that have not yet been fitted with a compliant device will not be penalized.

However, the "inspection form must indicate a “Pass With Caution” in the powertrain-exhaust section and a notation or comment indicating that requirements are applicable to the vehicle.

Vehicles that has been retrofitted will be inspected according to the appropriate criteria for the Diesel Retrofit control device.