Engine manufacturer Cummins was forced to settle a dispute with the Justice Department and US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding its exhaust after-treatment devices (ATD) for the 570,000 heavy duty diesel engines shipped in between 1998 and 2006.
According to the findings of the EPA investigation, Cummins shipped the engines without pollution control equipment included, thus violating the Clean Air Act. As a result, Cummins agreed to pay a $2.1 million penalty and recall 405 engines that were found to have reached the ultimate consumers without the correct ATDs.
"This settlement assures that the environment suffers no ill effects because it requires that Cummins not only install the proper pollution control devices but also mitigate the effects of the harmful emissions released as a result of its actions," Ignacia Moreno, Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department's Environment and Natural Resources Division said when announcing the settlement.
According to EPA's findings, Cummins' actions led to 167 excess tons of nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbon emissions, and 30 excess tons of particulate matter emissions over the lifetime of the non-conforming engines.
"Reliable and effective pollution control systems are essential to protect human health and the environment from harmful engine emissions," Cynthia Giles, Assistant Administrator for EPA's Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance concluded. "These requirements are a critical part of EPA's program to reduce air pollution and secure clean air so that all Americans can breathe easier."
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