The Gas Cap Testing and Replacement Program

Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments

SummaryReportSummaryReport

2002 Gas Cap Testing and Replacement Program

2002 GAS CAP TESTING AND REPLACEMENT PROGRAM SUMMARY REPORT

Introduction TMACOG (Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments), in partnership with the City of Toledo (the Designated Management Agency for Air Quality), developed and implemented a Gas Cap Testing and Replacement Program during the summer months of 2001 and 2002. This program tested and replaced gas caps in selected areas in Lucas and Wood Counties along with communities in Michigan; those being Monroe and Lenawee Counties. This seasonal program ran from May through August and focused on consumer education about mobile source emissions and the testing and replacement of faulty gas caps on gasoline-powered automobiles. Background The Gas Cap Replacement Program was implemented in areas that were not in compliance with EPA air quality standards and/or have mandatory vehicle inspection programs, commonly known as E-Checks. Although the Greater Toledo Area does fall within the compliance of the EPA standards of air quality, Lucas, Wood, Monroe and Lenawee Counties have been identified as high-risk areas for “non-attainment” of EPA air quality standards. Starting in 1995, Lucas and Wood Counties were designated as attainment areas for ozone standards. In those designated areas, if more than three ozone levels exceed any one monitoring site in a three-year span, the counties designation is lost and mandatory emissions checks for every car would be implemented. In 1999, Lucas and Wood Counties did have two ozone levels exceed the limit. If two more such violations occurred within a three-year span, it would have put Lucas and Wood Counties above acceptable limits set forth by the Federal Ozone Emission Standards. Going into the 2002 Gas Cap Testing and Replacement season, Lucas and Wood Counties maintained their three-year ozone level span, which meant that Lucas and Wood Counties did not exceed their ozone level limits. The purpose and overall goal of this program is to help lower emissions by replacing leaking gas caps and educate and inform the public on air quality in Lucas, Wood, Monroe, and Lenawee Counties. By testing and, when necessary, replacing leaking gas caps this program has helped to:

• Reduce the total amount of emissions and other pollutants in the air. • Educate the public regarding the harmful effects of high emissions and the overall

impact it has on our health.

• Generate opportunities to tell the public about the importance of automotive upkeep, advantages of car-pooling programs and to promote public transportation.

• Inform the public that a faulty gas cap can leak up to 200 pounds of emissions into

the air: costing drivers two tanks of gas a year.

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Sponsors

Financial sponsors: The Gas Cap Testing and Replacement Program began its sponsorship campaign for the 2002 season during the fall of 2001. Five industries participated as financial sponsors for the program. They included: BP Toledo Refinery, Sunoco Mid-America, Share A Ride, TIP (Transportation Improvement Projects), and SEMCOG (South Eastern Michigan Council of Government). Sponsors were listed on all Gas Cap Testing and Replacement Program promotional materials including: posters, t-shirts, flyers/pamphlets, and other informational items. Radio, television and print medias that promoted the Gas Cap Program included: WTWR Tower 98 (98.3) in Monroe, MI and The Zone (106.8) in Toledo, WTVG-TV 13 and WNWO-TV 24 and articles about the program were featured in the Sentinel Tribune and the Monroe Evening News.

Testing site sponsors: Eight companies sponsored testing sites for the program. They included: Sunoco, BP Oil Refinery, Shell, Barney’s Convenience Mart, Kroger, Meijer, Foodtown, and Fredrick Douglas Community Center. Most test site sponsors were contacted during the 2001 season; others were made at the start of the 2002 season. Each testing site sponsor allowed TMACOG volunteers to display promotional posters and flyers. They also donated items for the program that were given to people who participated in the program. (See graph below)

Number of times testing took place

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Shell Sunoco Foodtown Meijer BP Barney's Kroger

# of visits

Gas cap sponsor: The Gas Cap Testing and Replacement Program partnered with AutoZone to create a gas cap voucher system for gas caps that the program did not carry in inventory. In most cases, gas caps were immediately given to participants to replace leaking gas caps. However, if a gas cap was unavailable for a particular make of vehicle, participants were given a voucher (with a maximum value of $10) redeemable at any AutoZone. At the end of season, AutoZone billed the program for each voucher received.

Marketing Many marketing items were used to educate the public about the program and to increase public participation. It was determined various marketing and promotional items were needed for a successful program. These materials educated the public about the goal and the benefits of the program. Below is a brief description of the various marketing tools utilized during the 2002 season and the overall effect they had on the program.

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Gas Cap Man: The marketing and graphics department created Gas Cap Man as the mascot for the program. Gas Cap Man appeared on all informational and promotional items. The purpose of Gas Cap Man was to draw attention to the program and relate the mascot with the goals of the program.

Posters: At least two (2) weeks prior to the testing date, posters were displayed at

various testing sites that showed dates and times. The posters helped to stimulate public’s interest and served as an educational tool informing the public of the overall benefits of the program.

Flyers: A flyer highlighting information about the program was distributed to

shoppers as they entered grocery stores where testing was being conducted. These fliers improved the total number of caps being tested.

Buttons: Buttons displaying Gas Cap Man’s face along with the slogan; “I helped

put a cap on air pollution,” were distributed to the employees at each event location and also to individuals who participated in the test. Consumers inquired about the program even before they were approached in the parking lot to receive free gas cap tests based on buttons they saw other people wearing.

Raffle: Various items were donated to the program that was later raffled off at the

various test sites. These raffles proved to be effective because the public was more inclined to have their gas caps tested if they could win a prize. It also worked as a promotional tool. Raffle winners informed other people they won a prize just by getting their gas cap tested. (Raffle also addressed in media section of this report.)

A-Frame Sign: A-Frame signs displaying information about the program and

featured a picture of Gas Cap Man. These signs were displayed in front of grocery stores and gas stations. The signs informed the public about the program and gave times, dates and locations of various test sites in the area.

Media

Print: Various print medias promoted the Ozone Action Program; a program affiliated with the Gas Cap Testing and Replacement Program. Newspapers were contacted and provided with a gas cap schedule showing test dates, times, and locations. Articles about the program appeared in the Sentinel Tribune and the Monroe Evening News. These articles highlighted the goals of the program and informed the public of future testing locations. All other forms of print media were a result of Special Event Days.

Special Event Days: Special Event Days took place every month to attract media to gas cap testing events. Press releases were sent to local radio and television stations and newspapers to inform them of each special event day. Typically, the media would broadcast the date, time, and location of the event. These events helped to achieve support and recognition for the program from within the community.

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Radio: During the summer of 2002, four (4) live radio remotes were purchased from WKKO (K100). A live remote took place every month from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. during K100’s morning show. Typically, prizes were raffled off during the event. These remotes proved to be quite effective. To reinforce the live remotes, another event would be scheduled later that same day to allow the public to come out after work and receive a free gas cap test. The program also purchased 36 radio advertisements on WTWR (Tower 98) in Monroe, MI and The Zone (106.8) in Toledo. These advertisements informed the public of future testing locations.

TV: Due to a limited budget, television ads were not bought. However, the program was mentioned on local news broadcasts throughout the 2002 season. Outdoor: Lamar Advertising donated two (2) billboards during the 2002 season. The billboards ran from July through August and were located at the intersection of Douglas and Monroe Street, Reynolds Road and South Avenue. These billboards featured Gas Cap Man and stated the goals of the program. These billboards educated the public and built notoriety for the program.

Testing information A goal of testing 3200 gas caps by August was targeted for the 2002 season. In order to achieve this goal, the program scheduled a total of 45 events. This was an increase of 25 events from the 2001 season. By the end of August not only did we meet our goal, but exceeded it by 57 gas caps.

Targeting higher failure rate: During the 2002 season our program did not focus on increasing the failure rate from the 2001 season, but rather on achieving higher numbers in total caps tested and public education. However, as seen in our statistics, the failure rate may have been increased if the program targeted areas in Toledo that are more likely to have older running vehicles. Volunteers: The volunteer pool consisted of primarily TMACOG (Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Government) employees, Toledo city employees, Lucas County Commissioners, SEMCOG (South Eastern Michigan Council of Government) employees, BGSU (Bowling Green State University) students, and LMHA (Lucas Metropolitan Housing Authority) employees. City and County Vehicles: During the 2002 season, two (2) City of Toledo’s departmental fleets were tested; those included the Sewer Department and the Department of Streets, Bridges, and Harbors. As a result, 65 caps tested and resulted in a 20% failure rate. Other city departments had their fleet cars’ gas caps tested in 2001, it was not necessary to re-test those vehicles in 2002. Expanding into Monroe and Lenawee Counties: During the 2002 season the program invited the counties of Monroe and Lenawee to participate. SEMCOG donated $5,000 to expand gas cap testing into Monroe and Lenawee Counties. From the five events that were held throughout these counties, 282 caps were tested and a failure rate of 9.21%. The replacement of leaking gas caps in Monroe and Lenawee Counties helped to prevent 5,174 lbs. of pollution from entering the air annually.

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Testing Figures During the 2002 season, the Gas Cap Testing and Replacement Program recorded data into testing logs. These logs recorded information such as number of gas caps tested, caps that failed and the failure rate into five-year periods. This information helps to identify which cars leak the most emissions. These logs also help to show which areas in Lucas, Wood, Monroe and Lenawee Counties have the highest failure rate. (See graph below)

Number of cars tested by year of the car

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75-older

76-80 81-85 86-90 91-95 96-00 01-'03

# caps tested# caps passed# caps failed

Statistics and Results The Gas Cap Testing and Replacement Program did result in a measurable reduction in evaporated emissions for the Lucas, Wood, Monroe, and Lenawee Counties. As stated previously, over 3,200 gas caps were tested throughout the 2002 season and 270 leaking gas caps replaced. The number of gas caps replaced suggests that the program has eliminated 53,730 lbs. of evaporated emissions from entering the air annually. Listed on the following pages are statistics compiled throughout the 2002 season. This program did help educate many people about the importance of doing their part in the on-going battle against pollution. The 2002 Summer Gas Cap Testing and Replacement Program has proven to be immensely successful for TMACOG and the City of Toledo. The intent is to offer the program again in 2003 beginning in April with activities gearing up during Earth Week and running throughout the Gas Cap Testing and Replacement Season. This program proves to be a program with high visibility and public appeal with relatively low operating costs.

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2002 GAS CAP TESTING AND REPLACEMENT TESTING EVENTS AND RESULTS

5/14/02 TMACOG employee testing

14 caps tested 1 cap failed 13 caps passed 7% failure rate

5/17/02 Sunoco - Glendale Ave and Byrne Rd

57 caps tested 9 caps failed 48 caps passed 15.8% failure rate

5/21/02 Barney’s Convenience Mart - N Main Bowling Green

101 caps tested 9 caps failed 92 caps passed 9% failure rate

5/23/02 Barney’s Convenience Mart - Dixie Hwy


5/28/02 Barney’s Convenience Mart - 5821 Detroit Ave


5/30/02 Barney’s Convenience Mart - 7349 Central Ave


6/4/02 Foodtown- Monroe St


6/6/02 Barney’s Convenience Mart - Dussel Dr


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6/7/02 Barney’s Convenience Mart - 5104 Sauder Rd


6/11/02 Kroger - Woodville Rd


6/13/02 Friendly Center


6/14/02 Kroger – Navarre Ave, Oregon


6/17/02 Meijer – Wooster Rd, Bowling Green


6/18/02 Kroger - 559 Manhatten Ave


6/21/02 Barney’s Convenience Mart - S Main, Bowling Green


6/25/02 Kroger - 4533 Monroe St


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6/27/02 Sunoco - 2445 Alexis Rd


6/28/02 Kroger - 4935 Jackman Rd


7/1/02 Kroger - 5109 Glendale Ave

40 caps tested 1 cap failed 39 caps passed 2.5% failure rate

7/2/02 Kroger - Holland – Sylvania Rd 51 caps tested 2 caps failed 49 caps passed 3.9% failure rate

7/3/02 Barney’s Convenience Mart - E Wooster, Bowling Green


7/9/02 Kroger - Carrondade, Perrysburg


7/11/02 Jamie Farr Classic 240 caps tested 12 caps failed 228 caps passed 5% failure rate

7/12/02 Kroger - Monroe and Sylvania 61 caps tested 2 caps failed 59 caps passed 3.27% failure rate

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7/16/02 Kroger - N Summit St


7/17/02 BP - 4306 Sylvania Ave


7/18/02 Meijer - 7240 W Central Ave


7/19/02 Kroger - N Main, Bowling Green


7/23/02 BP - 3211 Briarfield


7/24/02 Shell – corner of Monroe and Michigan


7/26/02 Kroger - Spring Meadows and Foodtown 8926 Lewis Ave


7/29/02 Meijer - Monroe MI 66 caps tested 5 caps failed 61 caps passed 7.5% failure rate

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7/30/02 Shell - W Central Ave


8/1/02 Foodtown - N Telegraph Rd


8/5/02 BP - E Alexis Rd


8/6/02 Sunoco - Airport Hwy 62 caps tested 4 caps failed 58 caps passed 6.45% failure rate

8/7/02 BP - Perrysburg 76 caps tested 3 caps failed 73 caps passed 3.94% failure rate

8/8/02 Meijer - E Alexis Rd


8/9/02 Kroger - 7545 Sylvania Ave 21 caps tested 0 caps failed 21 caps passed 0% failure rate

8/12/02 BP - Holland-Sylvania Rd 53 caps tested 2 caps failed 51 caps passed 3.7% failure rate

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8/13/02 BP - 3808 Woodville Rd 40 caps tested 6 caps failed 34 caps passed 15% failure rate

8/14/02 Foodtown - 7375 Secor Rd, Lambertville 60 caps tested 8 caps failed 52 caps passed 13.33% failure rate

8/16/02 Kroger- 2555 Glendale Rd 93 caps tested 8 caps failed 85 caps passed 8.6% failure rate

8/19/02 Meijer - 1725 S Wheeling St 95 caps tested 5 caps failed 90 caps passed 5.26% failure rate

8/20/02 Shell - 1853 W Central Rd 34 caps tested 4 caps failed 30 caps passed 11.7% failure rate

City of Toledo’s Sewer Department 40 caps tested 9 caps failed 31 caps passed 22.5% failure rate

Department of Streets, Bridges, and Harbors 25 caps tested 4 caps failed 21 caps passed 16% failure rate

Total Gas Caps Tested As Of 8/21/02

3,257 caps tested 270 caps failed 2,987 caps passed 8.28% failure rate

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Age of Vehicle Relative to Failure Rate

Vehicle Year # Tested # Failed # Passed % Failure Rate 75-older 9 7 2 77% 76-80 34 8 26 23.50% 81-85 76 15 61 19.80% 86-90 364 65 299 17.80% 91-95 975 92 883 9.40% 96-00 1303 58 1245 4.45% 01-’03 417 11 406 2.60% Fleet Test 79 14 65 17.77% Total 3,257 270 2,987 8.28%

Age of Vehicle Relative to Total Caps Tested

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5.00%

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15.00%

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30.00%

35.00%

40.00%

75-older 76-80 81-85 86-90 91-95 96-00 01-'03

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The Gas Cap Testing and Replacement Program

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