Treasure Valley Vehicle Emissions Testing
Vehicles are one of the largest contributors to harmful air pollution that leads to adverse health effects. A vehicle inspection program is a proven, cost-effective way to reduce air pollution and maintain good air quality. Two emissions testing programs exist in the Treasure Valley: one in Ada County, which is managed by the Air Quality Board (an entity of Ada County), and one in Canyon County and the city of Kuna (within Ada County), managed by the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and its contractor Applus Technologies Inc. To obtain specific program information (inspection station locations, vehicles subject to testing, exempt vehicles, and waiver requirements), contact the appropriate program office or visit their webpage.
Ada County - Air Quality Board
41 S. Baltic Place, Ste 200
Meridian, Idaho 83542
(208) 377-9191
www.emissiontest.org
Canyon County and the City of Kuna - Applus Technologies Inc.
2216 Cortland Place
Nampa, Idaho 83687
(208) 461-1232
www.idahovip.org
Background
In April 2008, the Idaho Legislature enacted and the governor signed into law Idaho Code §39-116B, “Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Program,” laying the groundwork for requiring vehicle emissions testing in areas of the state where air quality is compromised and motor vehicle emissions constitute one of the top two contributing sources to the pollution. Ada and Canyon Counties meet the criteria specified in the law, as data show the design value for ozone exceeds 85% of the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) and vehicle emissions constitute one of the top two emission sources contributing to ozone concentrations in the Treasure Valley. In 2010, vehicle emissions testing became a requirement in Canyon County and the city of Kuna in Ada County. DEQ contracts with Applus Technologies Inc. to operate the program.
Ada County has had a vehicle emissions testing program in operation since 1984. The program is managed by the Air Quality Board.
Program Effectiveness
Every year, DEQ reviews the effectiveness of the two-county emission testing programs by looking at the annual testing results and using the latest emissions modeling. The emission reductions are compared to the initial modeling reductions that were estimated in 2008 when Idaho Code §39-116B was enacted. Each year, the program has seen a reduction in ozone precursors (volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides). With each annual review demonstrating greater emission reductions than estimated in 2008, the vehicle inspection programs in Ada and Canyon Counties continue to be an effective control measure to minimizing harmful pollutants.