Aug 4 2014
Envirotest, subsidiary of Opus Inspection, Inc., has been awarded a contract to provide enhanced “Remote Sensing (RS) Services,” to include “Clean Screen” (CS) and “High Emitter” (HE) identification as an integral part of the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Air Check Virginia emissions inspection program.
The initial contract term is three (3) years from the start of operation, with two (2) successive, two (2) year renewal options.
Using its patented technology, Envirotest will measure the exhaust emissions from vehicles in northern Virginia as they drive past portable sensing devices placed alongside of roadways. Envirotest will be able to sell passing certificates to as many as 30% of the vehicles normally subjected to periodic emissions inspections. Motorists will be notified by Envirotest if they are eligible to purchase a CS certificate in lieu of visiting an Air Check Virginia inspection station.
Over 750,000 vehicles are subject to emission inspection in northern Virginia each year. It is anticipated that CS certificates will be priced at $28.00, of which $4.50 is remitted to the Highway Maintenance and Operating Fund.
Additionally, Envirotest will provide DEQ with a list of the highest polluting vehicles measured by its RS systems, many of which DEQ will require to undergo an off-cycle emissions inspection at a fixed station.
“We are very pleased that DEQ has decided to contract with us for their new Remote Sensing program,” said Jim Sands, President of Envirotest. “Being able to offer Clean Screen certificates to motorists with clean vehicles will significantly improve customer convenience, resulting in a better public acceptance of the emission testing program. Now, inspection stations can focus more on polluting vehicles and vehicle maintenance to reduce their emission levels. We believe that Virginia will be a model program for other states and countries to follow.”