EPA v. WEAKLAND'S MECHANIC SHOP, INC.

Case summary

On March 24, 2024, a Consent Agreement and Final Order entered into by EPA and Weakland's Mechanic Shop, Inc. ( Respondent ) was filed with the Regional Hearing Clerk settling alleged violations of the CAA. The violations were discovered as a result of an investigation into activities at Respondent s shop located at 144 Eckenrode Mill Road in Chest Springs, Pennsylvania where it was determined that Respondent knowingly removed or rendered inoperative certified emission controls installed on at least 122 unique light, medium and heavy-duty diesel trucks and engines, and sold at least 190 parts or components that defeat certified emission controls on light, medium and heavy-duty diesel trucks and engines in 2019 and 2020. As these emissions controls are devices or elements of design installed by vehicle and engine manufacturers in compliance with regulations under the Title II of the CAA, Respondent?s conduct constitutes both illegal ?tampering? under Section 203(a)(3)(A) of the CAA and illegal sales of ?defeat devices? under Section 203(a)(3)(B) of the CAA. Respondent?s conduct created a potential harm to human health by defeating controls on emissions of particulate matter and ozone which are linked to a number of health effects as well as premature death; carbon monoxide which can cause headaches, dizziness, vomiting, nausea, loss of consciousness, and heart disease; and nitrogen oxides which can aggravate respiratory diseases. Respondent?s illegal sales also create a potential for to the CAA regulatory program by removing or rendering inoperative a vehicle or engine?s emission-related elements of design so they no longer match the configuration certified by the original manufacturer, likely resulting in increased emissions. This case concerns the sale of devices that have the effect of altering the engine?s fueling strategy, or mechanically bypassing vehicle emission controls on motor vehicles. These vehicles are mobile sources of air pollution that will emit excess emissions wherever they are driven. They will harm people?s health consistently across the United States. They pose no unique threats to any particular community or communities, and therefore do not unfairly affect any communities compared to others based on race, color, national origin, or income. This case presents no particular environmental justice concerns. The parties reached an agreement on a civil penalty of NINETY THOUSAND dollars ($90,000). The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has been notified of this action and has raised no objection.

Defendants (1)

• WEAKLAND'S MECHANIC SHOP, INC.Named in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (1)

• WEAKLAND'S MECHANIC SHOP, INC.

  144 ECKENRODE MILLS RD, CHEST SPRINGS, PA, 16624

  Registry ID: 110070945337

Statutes cited

• CAA 203 — Prohibited Acts - Motor Vehicle & Motor Vehicle Engines

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• WEAKLAND'S MECHANIC SHOP, INC.entered 2024-04-24

  Primary law: CAA

  Federal penalty: $90,000

Timeline (3 milestones)

• 2024-04-24Complaint Filed/Proposed Order
• 2024-04-24Final Order Issued
• 2024-04-25Enforcement Action Data Entered