By Karen Robes Meeks
An updated draft environmental impact report released Thursday by the Port of Los Angeles is suggesting a series of sustainable measures to curb “unavoidable significant impacts in air quality, greenhouse gas emissions and ground transportation” at China Shipping’s terminal at Berths 97-109.
This supplemental draft updates a 2008 environmental impact report (EIR) that was created when China Shipping North America affiliate West Basin Container Terminal wanted to expand its terminal, which the port approved. The project was completed in 2013.
To offset the impacts, the EIR called for China Shipping to purchase cleaner cargo handling equipment and zero emissions trucks, and conduct a yearlong zero emissions demonstration with at least 10 pieces of cargo-handling equipment.
But according to the Daily Breeze, the L.A. port said in 2015 that many of the clean-air requirements have not yet happened.
This draft report evaluates the terminal’s continued operation under adjusted mitigation measures, considering that cargo movement is higher now than it was in 2008.
Modified measures would include that ships must be able to use alternative maritime power (such as shore power) while docked at the port by January 1, participate in the vessel speed reduction program and replacing diesel-powered equipment with electric models.
The public has a chance to weigh in on the draft report until July 31. An open meeting will take place on July 18 at the Port of Los Angeles Administration Building, 425 S. Palos Verdes Street in San Pedro. For a copy of the draft EIR, visit https://www.portoflosangeles.org/EIR/ChinaShipping/DSEIR/dseir_china_shipping.asp
