By Scott Harvey
– Drivers will see a few more emissions-sensing vans along North Texas highways throughout ozone season.
The vans are usually parked along freeway entrance ramps, and as drivers accelerate past it, a device records the amount of ozone-forming pollutants emitted from each vehicle. Owners of vehicles shown to be high-emitting or smoking receive a letter emphasizing the importance of vehicle maintenance.
The letter includes information about AirCheckTexas - a program offering eligible vehicle owners financial assistance for repairing or replacing a high-emitting vehicle.
The Environmental Protection Agency has declared a nine county region of North Texas as nonattainment for ozone levels. That includes Collin, Dallas, Kaufman and Rockwall counties.