SEVERAL PUBLIC sector agencies have joined forces in an island-wide enforcement and monitoring campaign to reduce air pollution from vehicular emissions.
The newly established National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA), the executive agency being established by amalgamation of the Natural Resources Conservation Authority (NRCA), the Town Planning Department (TPID) and the Land Development and Utilisation Commission (LDUC) have teamed up with the Environmental Warden Service, the Jamaica Constabulary Force, the Island Special Constabulary Force and the Island Traffic Authority.
Spot checks have already been carried out in the parishes of Manchester and St. Catherine and further random checks are planned for other locations islandwide.
During the first week of the operation, 18 motor vehicles were found to be emitting excessive visible exhaust, a breach of the Road Traffic Act. The registration plates were removed from these vehicles and their drivers issued with tickets and certificates requiring that they remedy the defect. An additional 47 vehicles had emission levels above the acceptable standard. The drivers of this category of vehicles were cautioned and advised to effect the necessary repairs.
Meanwhile NEPA/NRCA is urging all motorists to effect proper servicing of their vehicles and ensure that their vehicles are in compliance with emission standards. Motor vehicles emit nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide and particulate matter into the atmosphere. The particulate matter emissions enter the human respiratory tract and can create health problems. Some of the chemical compounds in vehicular emissions are carcinogenic and toxic.
Action has already been taken by government Ministries responsible for the environment, transport and trade to eliminate the use of leaded gas as where leaded gasolene is used, the particulate emissions contain lead compounds. New vehicular emission standards have been drafted and are expected to be promulgated later in 2000.
The present campaign of spot checks is being undertaken following numerous complaints to the NEPA/NRCA Helpline about the extent of visible emissions, and the deteriorating air quality in many areas due to vehicular emissions. Members of the public are being urged to continue to report cases of visible vehicular emissions to the NEPA/NRCA Help line at 1-888-991-5005.
