Metro Vancouver is partnering with AirCare contractor Envirotest Canada to measure soot produced by heavy-duty, diesel-powered vehicles. It's intended to classify the amount of pollutants created by different trucks and buses.

As part of the Integrated Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Management Plan adopted in October, the $130,000 study will run three months.

Researchers will use remote sensing devices to measure the pollutants coming from the exhausts of heavy-duty trucks and buses.

Infrared and ultraviolet beams directed across roads to the height of a vehicle's exhaust will provide readings on the soot emitted. Results will be used to characterize the type and amount of emissions coming from different vehicle types. They won't be used to penalize owners.

"This program's (goal) is to understand the vehicle fleet in the region,"

said Eve Fichot, air quality planner of the organization.

She added it won't replace or complement AirCare, which the B.C. Ministry of Environment is ending in 2014.

The organization stated current diesel soot emission levels are responsible for two-thirds of the lifetime cancer risk from Metro Vancouver air pollution.

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