Technology and Environment Minister, the Honourable Mitch Murphy today announced that a Car Emissions Testing Clinic will be held at the Canadian Tire store in Summerside on August 11, 12 and 13th between the hours of 10am and 7pm (10am to 5pm Thurs. 13th). In cooperation with Environment Canada, Holland College, Canadian Tire, PEI Department of Transportation and Public Works and the PEI Lung Association, the clinic will provide an emissions testing service for motorists on a "No Fees - No Fines" basis.
Vehicles driving through the clinic will be subject to a visual inspection of emission control devices, so any tampering or deterioration can be signalled to the driver. The vehicle's gas cap is also inspected and tested to ensure it is maintaining a proper seal. Following the inspection, the vehicle's emissions are measured at low (idle) and high (2500rpm) throttle settings for carbon monoxide (CO) and Hydrocarbons (HC). Using BC cutpoints for idle emissions, the driver is given a pass/fail result for that particular vehicle. In the case of a vehicle that does not meet the emissions limits, the clinic staff uses the information acquired during the inspection to attempt to explain the vehicle's high emissions. Testing will also be available for light duty and heavy duty vehicles operating on diesel fuel.
The purpose of the emissions testing clinic is to promote public awareness of the damaging effects of automobile emissions on the environment as well as emphasize the importance of proper vehicle maintenance in controlling vehicle emissions.
Pollutants found in automobile emissions include Nitrogen Oxides, Carbon Monoxide, Carbon Dioxide, Hydrocarbons (including Volatile Organic Compounds), Ozone and Suspended Particulates. These emissions have detrimental effects on health and the environment and can be reduced quite readily by new technologies and proper maintenance. Carbon Dioxide (CO2), which is also a product of combustion, is the most significant greenhouse gas contributing to global warming. However, CO2 is the desired product of a combustion process and can only be reduced by ensuring the vehicle is well maintained and by reducing fuel consumption.
Canadian motor vehicle emissions standards have been made progressively more stringent since the early 1970's and in August 1997 these standards were comprehensively reviewed by Transport Canada to provide even more stringent regulations governing emission levels.
Prince Edward Island aims to be at the forefront of pollution reduction as we approach the millennium and projects like the Car Emissions Testing Clinic will enable Islanders to further understand the urgent need to reduce vehicle emissions.