I/M Effectiveness as Directly Measured by Ambient CO Data

The effectiveness of a centralized Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) program, implemented in a major U.S. metropolitan area in 1991, is directly measured through ambient CO monitor data. A multi-factoral analysis is developed which quantifies effects due to the interaction of hourly traffic levels with wind vector and ambient temperature conditions, allowing a better measure of I/M effectiveness. The time-trend of the measured CO levels is seen to closely match those predicted by the analysis throughout the 7 year study period. An average ambient CO reduction of 1.3 ± 1.4 percent attributable to I/M is measured, with individual results of +1.5 percent, +5.8 percent, and -3.4 percent obtained for the three monitor locations studied.