OAR 340-256-0450: Emission Control System Inspection: Gas Analytical System Licensing Criteria for Basic Program

This rule documents licensing criteria for use of gas analytical systems in the Basic test method. (1) Computerized test systems are required equipment for performing any measurement on subject vehicles. The test equipment must be certified to meet the requirements and performance features contained in 40 CFR Part 51 Appendix D (November 5, 1992) and new equipment must be subjected to acceptance test procedures to ensure compliance with Oregon I/M Program specifications. (a) Emission test equipment must be capable of testing all subject vehicles and shall be updated from time to time to accommodate new technology vehicles as well as changes to the Oregon I/M Program. (b) At a minimum, emission test equipment must be: (A) Automated to the highest degree commercially available to minimize the potential for intentional fraud and/or human error; (B) Secure from tampering and/or abuse; (C) Based upon written specifications; and (D) Capable of simultaneously sampling dual exhaust vehicles. (c) The vehicle owner or driver must be provided with a computer-generated record of test results, including all of the items listed in 40 CFR Part 85, subpart W required on the test record. The test report must include: (A) A vehicle description, including license plate number, VIN, and odometer reading; (B) The date and time of the test; (C) The name or identification number of individual(s) performing the tests and the location of the test station and lane; (D) The type of test performed, including emission tests, visual checks for the presence of emission control components, and functional, evaporative checks; (E) The applicable test standards; (F) A statement indicating the availability of warranty coverage as required in section 207 of the Clean Air Act (1990); (G) Certification that tests were performed in accordance with the regulations of this Division; and (H) For vehicles that fail the tailpipe emission test, information on the possible causes of the specific pattern of high emission levels found during the test. (2) Functional characteristics of computerized test systems. The test system is composed of emission measurement devices and other motor vehicle test equipment controlled by a computer. (a) The test system must automatically: (A) Make a pass or fail decision for all measurements; (B) Record test data to an electronic medium; (C) Conduct regular self-testing of recording accuracy; (D) Perform electrical calibration and system integrity checks before each test, as applicable; and (E) Initiate system lockouts for: (i) Tampering with security aspects of the test system; (ii) Failing to conduct or pass periodic calibration or leak checks; and (iii) A full data recording medium or one that does not pass a cyclical redundancy check. (b) The test system must ensure accurate data collection by limiting, cross-checking; and/or confirming manual data entry. (3) Gas analytical systems used by Private Business Fleets or Public Agency Fleets must meet the criteria established in this rule. [NOTE: This rule is included in the State of Oregon Clean Air Act Implementation Plan that EQC adopted under OAR 340-200-0040.]