Washington, DC - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) announced a settlement with recreational vehicle manufacturer, American
Suzuki Motor Corporation and Suzuki Motor Corporation, to pay an $885,000
penalty for allegedly importing and selling 25,458 uncertified all-terrain
vehicles (ATVs) and off-road motorcycles in the United States.
ATVs and motorcycles that are not certified may be operating
without proper emissions controls and can emit excess hydrocarbons and nitrogen
oxides that can cause respiratory illnesses, aggravate asthma and contribute to
the formation of ground level ozone, or smog.
Overview
This settlement agreement resolves an administrative enforcement
action against Suzuki Motor Corporation and American Suzuki Motor Corporation
(collectively "Suzuki") for importing and selling or causing the importation
and sale of 25,458 uncertified all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and nonroad
motorcycles in violation of the Clean Air Act (CAA).
American Suzuki Motor Corporation is a California
corporation in Brea, CA,
and is the U.S.
affiliate of Suzuki Motor Corporation. Suzuki Motor Corporation, based in Japan, is a
multinational manufacturer and supplier of automobiles, highway motorcycles,
marine engines, and nonroad recreational vehicles.
Suzuki violated the mobile source provisions of the CAA by
importing and selling uncertified ATVs and nonroad motorcycles. These vehicles
were uncertified because they were manufactured with an undisclosed electronic
emission control configuration that allows them to be modified for increased
horsepower through the installation of an aftermarket part. This modification
leads to increased emissions of hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides. Design
features that may effect emissions must be disclosed in certificate
applications. Vehicles that do not conform in all material respects to the
design specifications in their certificate applications are not covered by a
certificate. These violations were identified and self-disclosed by Suzuki.
Violations
Suzuki imported or caused the importation and introduction
of uncertified ATVs and off-road motorcycles into U.S. commerce between 2006 and
2010. The introduction or causing the introduction of each of the vehicles or
motorcycles into commerce is a violation of § 203(a)(1) of the CAA, 42
U.S.C. § 7522(a)(1), and 40 C.F.R. § 1068.101(a)(1), (b)(5) and (c).
Administrative Settlement
- Suzuki will pay a civil penalty of $885,000 for the certification
violations.
- Additionally, Suzuki will implement three emission
mitigation projects to reduce hydrocarbon emissions by 210 tons or more:
1. Suzuki will work with local jurisdictions in the U.S. to provide
portable fuel containers (PFCs) that comply with current EPA regulatory
requirements. These containers will replace older unregulated PFCs that do not
meet current standards. This project will reduce hydrocarbon emissions by 42.02
tons or more.
2. Suzuki will discontinue its sale in the U.S. of high-permeability
fuel line hoses, and instead will sell only low-permeability fuel line hoses
for all Model Year 2006 and 2007 Suzuki on-road motorcycles, nonroad
motorcycles and ATVs. These replacement hoses will meet current EPA
specifications for replacement fuel line hoses. This project will reduce
hydrocarbon emissions by 14.2 tons or more.
3. Suzuki will equip at least 1,924 Model Year 2013 Suzuki
on-road motorcycles, to be sold throughout the U.S.
except California,
to meet California Air Resources Board evaporative emission requirements. This
project will reduce hydrocarbon emissions by 155.6 tons or more.
- Suzuki also will modify its Warranty Policy and Owner's
Manual for ATVs and Off-Road Motorcycles. These modifications will increase
awareness of the possible consequences of modifications to emissions control
systems, environmental regulations, prohibited modifications, and acts that
could result in loss of warranty coverage.
Health
and Environmental Effects
Hydrocarbons are a precursor to ground-level ozone, a
serious air pollutant in cities across the U.S. A key component of smog,
ground-level ozone is formed by reactions involving hydrocarbons and nitrogen
oxides in the presence of sunlight. Hydrocarbon emissions result from
incomplete fuel combustion and from fuel evaporation. Ground-level ozone causes
health problems such as difficulty breathing, lung damage and reduced
cardiovascular function. Further, a number of hydrocarbons are also considered
toxic, meaning they can cause cancer or other health problems.
