Health department receives funds to help people meet emission standards

FILE PHOTO: David Etheridge II, a vehicle inspector at DEQ, is shown during a tailpipe emission Thursday, June 22, 2006, in Hillsboro, Ore.  (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)  

For several years an emission testing program has been administered by the Bear River Health Department in an effort to help maintain better air quality in the area. It helps vehicle owners learn what they need to do in order to meet the required standards.

At Tuesday’s meeting of the Cache County Council, health department director Lloyd Berentzen had some good news. He said the department just received a $2.5 million grant from the Environmental Protection Agency. He said it is to be used over a five year period.

“Eighty-four percent of that money is going to go directly to replacement and repair of vehicles for those who cannot qualify, or who otherwise do not have the ability to do those things,” Berentzen said. “I think this is a wonderful thing for our folks in our valley.

“It really is an answer to the main question that was really difficult for us, and that was some of those who couldn’t pass, who couldn’t meet the qualifications now maybe have something to fall back on.”

Berentzen said he does not have the details yet on how it will work out, but he will let the council know more when he has more information.

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