In 2003 Hamilton, Marion and Meigs counties in Tennessee banded with Catoosa and Walker counties in Georgia to form an Early Action Compact (EAC). This coalition is working to achieve cleaner air by 2007, and in the process avoiding the stigma of being declared "non-attainment" for ozone by the EPA. Being out of compliance with the federal standards can cost counties jobs, federal money and new roads.

As part of the EAC, Hamilton County is enacting four voluntary clean-air initiatives:

• Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program
• Seasonal Burning Restrictions (No burning May 1 through September 30)
• Stage 1 Vapor Recovery
• Pollution Solution Community Awareness Program

State Vehicle Emissions Testing

Beginning April 1, 2005, gasoline-and diesel-powered passenger vehicles must pass an emissions test before they can be registered in Hamilton County. While the majority of vehicles will be subject to testing, electric cars, motorcycles and antiques are among a limited group of exempt vehicles. Light duty motor vehicles are a major source of air pollution that leads to ozone, or smog. Ozone is a significant public health threat. Vehicle inspection programs safeguard public health and will help us attain the new federal air quality standards by reducing motor vehicle pollution. Most motorists have easy access to high-volume inspection stations within five miles of their home, or along their normal daily commute. The Vehicle Emissions Testing program is part of Hamilton County's Early Action Compact, which will help Hamilton County achieve federal air quality standards by 2007. For more information you may:

• Download the Fact Sheet
• Visit the TDEC website
• Call the state's toll-free Info Line at 1-866-329-9632 or Envirotest's toll-free Info Line at 1-877-477-0800.

For questions about tag renewal, including mail-in, online renewal and kiosks, contact Bill Knowles, County Clerk. For other information contact Amber McCorvie, PR Specialist or call 423-643-5989.

Who Gets Tested?
Gasoline- and diesel-powered vehicles, model year 1975 and newer, with a gross vehicle weight of 10,500 pounds or less (weight information is located on the vehicle's door jamb).

How Much Will It Cost?
Inspection stations accept cash only for the $10 test. (This is one of the lowest fees in the nation. If your car does not pass, the first re-test is free.) No bills larger than a $20 will be accepted.

Why Is This Test Necessary?
The air in Hamilton County does not meet new, stricter federal ozone standards. Light duty motor vehicles are a major source of air pollution that leads to ozone, or smog. Ozone is a significant public health threat. Vehicle inspection programs safeguard public health and will help the county attain the new federal air quality standards by reducing motor vehicle pollution. Most motorists have easy access to high-volume inspection stations within five miles of their home, or along their normal daily commute. Middle Tennessee began vehicle inspections in 1985 and the program there eliminated nearly 70,000 tons of pollution from 1996-2002.

Station Hours and Locations

*5206 Austin Road (North of Northgate Mall off Hixson Pike)
*720 Eastgate Loop (Southwest corner of Eastgate Town Center parking area)
     Tuesday - Friday 7:00 am -6:00 pm
     Saturday 7:00 am -2:30 pm
     Closed Sunday and Monday

*1620 Riverfront Parkway (Between West Main St. and 19th St.)
*7460 Bonnyshire Drive (Behind Drivers License Test Center off Bonny Oaks Drive)
     Monday - Friday 7:00 am -5:30 pm
     Closed Saturday, Sunday, and State Holidays

Can I Still Renew By Internet and By Mail?
Yes. These services remain intact.

Recycle Your Old Cell Phone
Want a free long-distance telephone calling card worth up to $5 or more? Just turn in your old cell phone at a vehicle emissions testing station. Recycling cell phones helps the environment by keeping toxic waste out of local landfills.

Quick Tips

• Emission test--$10 cash (NO BILLS LARGER THAN A $20, PLEASE)
• Bring or mail emission test certificate when renewing and/or titling your vehicle;
• Internet renewal--no change in this process-- compliance is checked electronically
• Test valid for 90 days. Results void if altered and cannot be replaced if lost or stolen

Stage 1 Vapor Recovery

Stage 1 vapor recovery is a means of collecting the displaced emissions when a tank truck fills an underground tank at the filling station.  Locally, most gasoline service stations already have the equipment in place to comply with this proposal.

This program went into effect in late 2004 and is already helping to improve air quality. If you're a partner in this program and would like more information, please contact Jim Weyler or download a Gasoline Dispensing Application.

For more information on Hamilton County's remaining initiatives, follow these links:

Seasonal Burning Restrictions

Pollution Solution-Community Awareness Program

To receive more information on the Early Action Compact, email Errol Reksten, Engineering Manager, or call (423) 643-5986.