By Karen Robes Meeks
Residents will have an opportunity to hear the latest on the San Pedro Bay Ports Clean Air Action Plan 2017 Update on Dec. 19 in Wilmington, Calif.
Staff members from the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach will discuss the new Clean Truck Program, technology feasibility assessments and technology demonstrations, and information on regulatory developments.
The public will have the chance to weigh in on how the action plan should be enacted.
The meeting is set from 10 a.m. to noon on Dec. 19 at the Banning’s Landing, 100 E. Water St., in Wilmington.
For more information, go to www.cleanairactionplan.org.
Showing posts with label Clean Air Action Plan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Clean Air Action Plan. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 11, 2018
Friday, September 7, 2018
Long Beach Port Not Yet Meeting Clean Air Goals
By Karen Robes Meeks
The Port of Long Beach’s latest emissions inventory showed that the seaport continues to exceed its 2023 clean air goals to lower diesel particles and sulfur oxides.
The 2023 goals seek a 77 percent reduction in diesel particulates, 93 percent drop in sulfur oxides and 59 percent cut back in nitrogen oxides.
Over the last 13 years, the port has launched a series of environmental initiatives, including the Clean Trucks Program, shore power for container vessels and the Green Flag Vessel Speed Reduction Program to help reach those objectives. Current inventory shows that the port has decreased diesel particulates by 88 percent, sulfur oxides by 97 percent and nitrogen oxides by 56 percent since 2005.
The results come at the heels of significantly high cargo movement; in 2017, containers volumes were up 11 percent over the previous year.
“The Port has already made dramatic reductions in emissions, but we will not be finished or satisfied until we achieve our community health, air quality, and long-term greenhouse gas reduction goals,” said Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners President Tracy Egoscue. “We know we’ve picked the so-called low-hanging fruit. That’s why the ambitious Clean Air Action Plan update passed last year leverages new technologies and fosters the development of new equipment to reach a zero-emissions goal in the terminals by 2030 and on the roads by 2035.”
Port Executive Director Mario Cordero said the port’s efficiency in moving containers measured by tons of emissions per TEU has improved by 23 percent since 2005.
“We are moving more cargo and creating more jobs with lessened environmental impacts,” he said.
The Port of Long Beach’s latest emissions inventory showed that the seaport continues to exceed its 2023 clean air goals to lower diesel particles and sulfur oxides.
The 2023 goals seek a 77 percent reduction in diesel particulates, 93 percent drop in sulfur oxides and 59 percent cut back in nitrogen oxides.
Over the last 13 years, the port has launched a series of environmental initiatives, including the Clean Trucks Program, shore power for container vessels and the Green Flag Vessel Speed Reduction Program to help reach those objectives. Current inventory shows that the port has decreased diesel particulates by 88 percent, sulfur oxides by 97 percent and nitrogen oxides by 56 percent since 2005.
The results come at the heels of significantly high cargo movement; in 2017, containers volumes were up 11 percent over the previous year.
“The Port has already made dramatic reductions in emissions, but we will not be finished or satisfied until we achieve our community health, air quality, and long-term greenhouse gas reduction goals,” said Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners President Tracy Egoscue. “We know we’ve picked the so-called low-hanging fruit. That’s why the ambitious Clean Air Action Plan update passed last year leverages new technologies and fosters the development of new equipment to reach a zero-emissions goal in the terminals by 2030 and on the roads by 2035.”
Port Executive Director Mario Cordero said the port’s efficiency in moving containers measured by tons of emissions per TEU has improved by 23 percent since 2005.
“We are moving more cargo and creating more jobs with lessened environmental impacts,” he said.
Tuesday, December 12, 2017
LA and LB Ports Seek Emissions Reduction Proposals
By Karen Robes Meeks
The nation’s two busiest seaports are seeking proposals from companies that can bring new pollution-reducing technology to tankers, vehicle carriers and other non-container vessels.
Proposals must be submitted by February 27 to the Port of Long Beach and Port of Los Angeles, both of which will fund potential projects through their Technology Advancement Program.
The program offers $500,000 from each port toward demonstrations of technology that can help ships that don’t meet the state’s shore power mandate by curbing at-berth emissions. At least half of the project cost must come from the proposer.
Both ports have spent close to $400 million to outfit their docks with power hookups and other infrastructure for shore power.
For more about the proposal, visit http://www.cleanairactionplan.org/technology-advancement-program/
The nation’s two busiest seaports are seeking proposals from companies that can bring new pollution-reducing technology to tankers, vehicle carriers and other non-container vessels.
Proposals must be submitted by February 27 to the Port of Long Beach and Port of Los Angeles, both of which will fund potential projects through their Technology Advancement Program.
The program offers $500,000 from each port toward demonstrations of technology that can help ships that don’t meet the state’s shore power mandate by curbing at-berth emissions. At least half of the project cost must come from the proposer.
Both ports have spent close to $400 million to outfit their docks with power hookups and other infrastructure for shore power.
For more about the proposal, visit http://www.cleanairactionplan.org/technology-advancement-program/
Friday, August 25, 2017
Clean Air Action Plan Workshop
By Karen Robes Meeks
Stakeholders will have the chance to weigh in on the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach’s latest draft update of the Clean Air Action Plan (CAAP) at a public workshop at the end of August.
The workshop, which will also be live streamed on the ports’ and CAAP’s websites, will allow speakers to give up to three minutes of verbal comment, as well as submit a comment card.
Comments may also be emailed to caap@cleanairactionplan.org until 5 p.m. on September 18.
Adopted in 2006, the document is the twin ports’ living blueprint for raising Southern California’s air quality by lowering the pollution created by operations at the ports.
The plan calls for cleaner equipment and procedures for vessels, trains and trucks, including curbing at-berth emissions and creating a zero emission drayage truck pilot program in the coming years.
Los Angeles and Long Beach harbor commissioners are expected to decide on the final draft in November.
The workshop will take place at 5 p.m. on August 30 at Banning’s Landing Community Center, 100 E. Water St. in Wilmington.
For more information visit www.cleanairactionplan.org. The draft update can be found at www.polb.com, www.portoflosangeles.org and www.cleanairactionplan.org.
Stakeholders will have the chance to weigh in on the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach’s latest draft update of the Clean Air Action Plan (CAAP) at a public workshop at the end of August.
The workshop, which will also be live streamed on the ports’ and CAAP’s websites, will allow speakers to give up to three minutes of verbal comment, as well as submit a comment card.
Comments may also be emailed to caap@cleanairactionplan.org until 5 p.m. on September 18.
Adopted in 2006, the document is the twin ports’ living blueprint for raising Southern California’s air quality by lowering the pollution created by operations at the ports.
The plan calls for cleaner equipment and procedures for vessels, trains and trucks, including curbing at-berth emissions and creating a zero emission drayage truck pilot program in the coming years.
Los Angeles and Long Beach harbor commissioners are expected to decide on the final draft in November.
The workshop will take place at 5 p.m. on August 30 at Banning’s Landing Community Center, 100 E. Water St. in Wilmington.
For more information visit www.cleanairactionplan.org. The draft update can be found at www.polb.com, www.portoflosangeles.org and www.cleanairactionplan.org.
Friday, January 13, 2017
LA-LB Ports Hosting Joint Clean Air Plan Workshop
By Mark Edward Nero
The ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach say they’ll hold a joint community workshop on Jan. 24 to gather input on strategies released late last year to update their Clean Air Action Plan, or CAAP.
The community workshop is planned for 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 24, at Banning’s Landing Community Center, 100 E. Water St. in Wilmington. The workshop’s open to the public.
The Clean Air Action Plan, adopted in 2006, has dramatically reduced pollution from maritime-related sources that operate in and around the ports. Programs implemented under the CAAP have reduced diesel particulate matter up to 84 percent, cut nitrogen oxides in half, eliminated 97 percent of sulfur oxides and lowered greenhouse gases an average of 12 percent, according to data from the ports.
During the same time period that emissions were falling, container volume increased by seven percent, port data shows.
In November 2016, Harbor Commissioners from both ports met to unveil the draft CAAP 2017 Discussion Document, which details proposed new strategies to further clean the air and reduce greenhouse gases. Strategies include aggressively deploying zero and near-zero emission trucks and cargo-handling equipment and expanding programs that reduce ship emissions.
The draft CAAP 2017 Discussion Document is available at www.polb.com, www.portoflosangeles.org and www.cleanairactionplan.org. The public review period for the document extends through Feb. 17. Written comments may be submitted to caap@cleanairactionplan.org. Those interested in the process can register on the CAAP website to receive the latest information and meeting notices.
The ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach say they’ll hold a joint community workshop on Jan. 24 to gather input on strategies released late last year to update their Clean Air Action Plan, or CAAP.
The community workshop is planned for 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 24, at Banning’s Landing Community Center, 100 E. Water St. in Wilmington. The workshop’s open to the public.
The Clean Air Action Plan, adopted in 2006, has dramatically reduced pollution from maritime-related sources that operate in and around the ports. Programs implemented under the CAAP have reduced diesel particulate matter up to 84 percent, cut nitrogen oxides in half, eliminated 97 percent of sulfur oxides and lowered greenhouse gases an average of 12 percent, according to data from the ports.
During the same time period that emissions were falling, container volume increased by seven percent, port data shows.
In November 2016, Harbor Commissioners from both ports met to unveil the draft CAAP 2017 Discussion Document, which details proposed new strategies to further clean the air and reduce greenhouse gases. Strategies include aggressively deploying zero and near-zero emission trucks and cargo-handling equipment and expanding programs that reduce ship emissions.
The draft CAAP 2017 Discussion Document is available at www.polb.com, www.portoflosangeles.org and www.cleanairactionplan.org. The public review period for the document extends through Feb. 17. Written comments may be submitted to caap@cleanairactionplan.org. Those interested in the process can register on the CAAP website to receive the latest information and meeting notices.
Tuesday, November 22, 2016
San Pedro Bay Ports Updating Clean Air Plan
By Mark Edward Nero
The ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach have proposed an update to their San Pedro Bay Ports Clean Air Action Plan than includes aggressively deploying zero and near-zero emission trucks and cargo-handling equipment, as well as expanding programs that reduce ship emissions.
Proposals also focus on freight infrastructure investment, innovation and technology to improve supply chain efficiency, comprehensive energy planning, and increased advocacy for stricter emissions standards and government incentives to help pay for projects that advance testing and commercialization of zero and near-zero emission vehicles.
The proposals were publicly unveiled Nov. 18 when port officials met to mark the 10th anniversary of the landmark initiative and unveil the CAAP 2017 Discussion Document, which outlines new concepts under consideration for the third iteration of the CAAP.
The discussion document prioritizes reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from port-related sources 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050, which aligns with California’s clean air goals and objectives in the state’s new Sustainable Freight Action Plan, as well as efforts by the cities of Los Angeles and Long Beach to shrink GHG emissions ahead of state targets.
The joint meeting kicked off a three-month public review and comment period that extends through Feb. 17, 2017. The ports plan to incorporate public comments received and present the 2017 CAAP Update for final consideration by their governing boards in spring 2017 at another joint harbor commission meeting.
Developed with input from industry, government, community and environmental stakeholders, the Discussion Document recommends a new suite of incentives, lease requirements and regulatory approaches to achieve CAAP goals. The working document contains more bold measures for moving the San Pedro Bay ports toward their goal of eliminating all harmful air pollution from port-related sources.
They include near- and long-term proposals in five categories: Clean Vehicles; Equipment Technology and Fuels; Freight Infrastructure Investment and Planning; Freight Efficiency; and Energy Resource Planning.
The ports say that CAAP 2017 improves upon the initial plan adopted in 2006 – and updated in 2010 – to reduce emissions from all port-related sources: ships, trucks, trains, cargo-handling and smaller harbor craft, such as tugboats.
Under the CAAP, the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach say they’ve have reduced diesel particulate matter about 85 percent, cut NOx in half, eliminated 97 percent of SOx, and lowered GHG an average of 12 percent, even while container volume has increased seven percent.
The findings also show the ports continue to exceed their 2023 targets for reducing DPM and SOx (77 percent and 93 percent respectively) and are closing in on their 2023 target of reducing NOx emissions by 59 percent.
The discussion document is available at www.polb.com, www.portoflosangeles.org and www.cleanairactionplan.org.
During the review period, the ports are expected to hold additional community meetings to gather public comment on the discussion document.
Written comments may be submitted to caap@cleanairactionplan.org at any time during the review period.
The ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach have proposed an update to their San Pedro Bay Ports Clean Air Action Plan than includes aggressively deploying zero and near-zero emission trucks and cargo-handling equipment, as well as expanding programs that reduce ship emissions.
Proposals also focus on freight infrastructure investment, innovation and technology to improve supply chain efficiency, comprehensive energy planning, and increased advocacy for stricter emissions standards and government incentives to help pay for projects that advance testing and commercialization of zero and near-zero emission vehicles.
The proposals were publicly unveiled Nov. 18 when port officials met to mark the 10th anniversary of the landmark initiative and unveil the CAAP 2017 Discussion Document, which outlines new concepts under consideration for the third iteration of the CAAP.
The discussion document prioritizes reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from port-related sources 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050, which aligns with California’s clean air goals and objectives in the state’s new Sustainable Freight Action Plan, as well as efforts by the cities of Los Angeles and Long Beach to shrink GHG emissions ahead of state targets.
The joint meeting kicked off a three-month public review and comment period that extends through Feb. 17, 2017. The ports plan to incorporate public comments received and present the 2017 CAAP Update for final consideration by their governing boards in spring 2017 at another joint harbor commission meeting.
Developed with input from industry, government, community and environmental stakeholders, the Discussion Document recommends a new suite of incentives, lease requirements and regulatory approaches to achieve CAAP goals. The working document contains more bold measures for moving the San Pedro Bay ports toward their goal of eliminating all harmful air pollution from port-related sources.
They include near- and long-term proposals in five categories: Clean Vehicles; Equipment Technology and Fuels; Freight Infrastructure Investment and Planning; Freight Efficiency; and Energy Resource Planning.
The ports say that CAAP 2017 improves upon the initial plan adopted in 2006 – and updated in 2010 – to reduce emissions from all port-related sources: ships, trucks, trains, cargo-handling and smaller harbor craft, such as tugboats.
Under the CAAP, the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach say they’ve have reduced diesel particulate matter about 85 percent, cut NOx in half, eliminated 97 percent of SOx, and lowered GHG an average of 12 percent, even while container volume has increased seven percent.
The findings also show the ports continue to exceed their 2023 targets for reducing DPM and SOx (77 percent and 93 percent respectively) and are closing in on their 2023 target of reducing NOx emissions by 59 percent.
The discussion document is available at www.polb.com, www.portoflosangeles.org and www.cleanairactionplan.org.
During the review period, the ports are expected to hold additional community meetings to gather public comment on the discussion document.
Written comments may be submitted to caap@cleanairactionplan.org at any time during the review period.
Tuesday, November 15, 2016
POLA, POLB to Hold Joint Clean Air Plan Meeting
By Mark Edward Nero
The governing boards of the Los Angeles and Long Beach seaports plan to hold a joint public meeting Nov. 17 to discuss proposals for updating their 10-year-old San Pedro Bay Ports Clean Air Action Plan (CAAP) document.
Developed over the past year, the CAAP Discussion Document outlines the ports’ plans for expanding the aggressive strategies that have succeeded in reducing air pollution from port-related sources over the last decade.
The meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 17, at the Port of Long Beach Maintenance Facility, 725 Harbor Plaza, Long Beach, 90802. The meeting will also air live online at www.portoflosangeles.org and www.polb.com.
Highlights of the Discussion Document include the implementation of a path toward zero emissions, the next iteration of the Clean Truck Program, and innovative strategies to encourage the deployment of cleaner ships. The ports say they developed the proposals with input from industry, regulatory, community and environmental stakeholders.
“With this update, we are identifying the path forward to meet our clean air goals and curtail impacts on local communities,” Port of Long Beach Interim Chief Executive Duane Kenagy said.
Building on the success of the original plan and a 2010 update, the new iteration of the CAAP is expected to contain a comprehensive set of near-term and long-term strategies to help the region achieve its clean air goals, support the statewide vision for more sustainable freight, and set a new goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through 2050.
The Discussion Document is now available at www.polb.com, www.portoflosangeles.org and www.cleanairactionplan.org.
According to the latest annual inventories released earlier this year, the two ports’ clean air programs have reduced diesel particulate matter up to 85 percent, cut nitrogen oxides in half, eliminated 97 percent of sulfur oxides, and shrunk GHG an average of 12 percent. The results are reflective of the ports’ combined clean air progress in collaboration with industry, regulatory, community and environmental partners since 2005, according to the latest annual inventories released earlier this year.
The results also show the ports continue to exceed their 2023 targets for reducing DPM and SOx (77 percent and 93 percent, respectively) and are closing in on their 2023 target of reducing NOx emissions 59 percent.
The ports' plan to release a draft of the 2017 CAAP Update for final review and consideration by their governing boards early next year.
There will be public review and comment process through Feb. 17, 2017, during which written comments can be submitted to caap@cleanairactionplan.org.
The governing boards of the Los Angeles and Long Beach seaports plan to hold a joint public meeting Nov. 17 to discuss proposals for updating their 10-year-old San Pedro Bay Ports Clean Air Action Plan (CAAP) document.
Developed over the past year, the CAAP Discussion Document outlines the ports’ plans for expanding the aggressive strategies that have succeeded in reducing air pollution from port-related sources over the last decade.
The meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 17, at the Port of Long Beach Maintenance Facility, 725 Harbor Plaza, Long Beach, 90802. The meeting will also air live online at www.portoflosangeles.org and www.polb.com.
Highlights of the Discussion Document include the implementation of a path toward zero emissions, the next iteration of the Clean Truck Program, and innovative strategies to encourage the deployment of cleaner ships. The ports say they developed the proposals with input from industry, regulatory, community and environmental stakeholders.
“With this update, we are identifying the path forward to meet our clean air goals and curtail impacts on local communities,” Port of Long Beach Interim Chief Executive Duane Kenagy said.
Building on the success of the original plan and a 2010 update, the new iteration of the CAAP is expected to contain a comprehensive set of near-term and long-term strategies to help the region achieve its clean air goals, support the statewide vision for more sustainable freight, and set a new goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through 2050.
The Discussion Document is now available at www.polb.com, www.portoflosangeles.org and www.cleanairactionplan.org.
According to the latest annual inventories released earlier this year, the two ports’ clean air programs have reduced diesel particulate matter up to 85 percent, cut nitrogen oxides in half, eliminated 97 percent of sulfur oxides, and shrunk GHG an average of 12 percent. The results are reflective of the ports’ combined clean air progress in collaboration with industry, regulatory, community and environmental partners since 2005, according to the latest annual inventories released earlier this year.
The results also show the ports continue to exceed their 2023 targets for reducing DPM and SOx (77 percent and 93 percent, respectively) and are closing in on their 2023 target of reducing NOx emissions 59 percent.
The ports' plan to release a draft of the 2017 CAAP Update for final review and consideration by their governing boards early next year.
There will be public review and comment process through Feb. 17, 2017, during which written comments can be submitted to caap@cleanairactionplan.org.
Monday, October 19, 2015
POLB Surpasses Pollution Reduction Goals
By Mark Edward Nero
The Port of Long Beach has surpassed every air pollution reduction milestone set for 2014 by its San Pedro Bay Ports Clean Air Action Plan, according to an analysis released Oct. 13.
The latest annual inventory of port-related air pollution emissions found the port’s efforts to reduce pollution have cut diesel particulates by 85 percent since 2005, surpassing the Clean Air Action Plan goal for 2014 of a 72 percent reduction. The CAAP, created in 2006, outlines strategies to significantly reduce pollution from ships, locomotives, trucks, terminal equipment and harbor craft that move cargo.
In addition to the drop in diesel emissions, smog-forming nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides have dropped 50 percent and 97 percent respectively, according to the analysis. The corresponding goals for the year are 22 percent and 93 percent.
The reasons for the air quality improvements include the Clean Trucks Program, low-sulfur fuel regulations for ships, increased use of shore power for cargo ships and the port’s Green Flag Vessel Speed Reduction Program.
The 2014 levels of diesel particulates and sulfur dioxides improved from 2013 levels, when overall reductions were measured at 82 percent and 90 percent, respectively. However, nitrogen oxides increased slightly in the study, down 50 percent in 2014 compared to 54 percent in 2013.
Officials attributed the nitrogen oxide change to more passenger cruise ship calls -- 234 calls in 2014 compared to 123 the year prior -- and increased emissions from container ships at anchorage due to the traffic congestion last year.
“When the Clean Air Action Plan was adopted almost 10 years ago, the port made a promise to the community to reduce air pollution and to be a better neighbor,” Harbor Commission President Lori Ann Guzmán said in a statement. “While our work is not finished, these results show our commitment to living up to our responsibilities as the Green Port.”
For the complete emissions inventory, go to www.polb.com/emissions.
The Port of Long Beach has surpassed every air pollution reduction milestone set for 2014 by its San Pedro Bay Ports Clean Air Action Plan, according to an analysis released Oct. 13.
The latest annual inventory of port-related air pollution emissions found the port’s efforts to reduce pollution have cut diesel particulates by 85 percent since 2005, surpassing the Clean Air Action Plan goal for 2014 of a 72 percent reduction. The CAAP, created in 2006, outlines strategies to significantly reduce pollution from ships, locomotives, trucks, terminal equipment and harbor craft that move cargo.
In addition to the drop in diesel emissions, smog-forming nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides have dropped 50 percent and 97 percent respectively, according to the analysis. The corresponding goals for the year are 22 percent and 93 percent.
The reasons for the air quality improvements include the Clean Trucks Program, low-sulfur fuel regulations for ships, increased use of shore power for cargo ships and the port’s Green Flag Vessel Speed Reduction Program.
The 2014 levels of diesel particulates and sulfur dioxides improved from 2013 levels, when overall reductions were measured at 82 percent and 90 percent, respectively. However, nitrogen oxides increased slightly in the study, down 50 percent in 2014 compared to 54 percent in 2013.
Officials attributed the nitrogen oxide change to more passenger cruise ship calls -- 234 calls in 2014 compared to 123 the year prior -- and increased emissions from container ships at anchorage due to the traffic congestion last year.
“When the Clean Air Action Plan was adopted almost 10 years ago, the port made a promise to the community to reduce air pollution and to be a better neighbor,” Harbor Commission President Lori Ann Guzmán said in a statement. “While our work is not finished, these results show our commitment to living up to our responsibilities as the Green Port.”
For the complete emissions inventory, go to www.polb.com/emissions.
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
San Pedro Bay Ports Honor Air Quality Award Winners
The ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach recently honored
five companies for their efforts in fighting harmful emissions during the 2013
Clean Air Action Plan (CAAP) Air Quality Awards in San Pedro.
The CAAP Air Quality Awards originated in 2007, after the
ports approved the historic San Pedro Bay Ports Clean Air Action Plan. Port
tenants and other port-related businesses are eligible to submit award entries,
which are judged by a panel composed of port staff and representatives from the
South Coast Air Quality Management District, California Air Resources Board and
the US Environmental Protection Agency.
Awards this year were given in three categories, including:
Air Quality Leadership at the Corporate Level, where the
recipients were global shipping and logistics company Wallenius Wilhelmsen
Logistics (WWL); and container transportation, logistics and terminal company
OOCL USA.
In 2012, WWL’s new, ultra-modern Salome vessel was the
first to qualify for an incentive under the Port of Long Beach’s Green Ship
Incentive Program, a voluntary clean air initiative that rewards ocean carriers
whose ships are equipped with Tier II or III engines.
In 2012, OOCL signed a “green” lease with the Port of Long
Beach pledging to reduce harmful emissions by 50 percent, even as the company
plans to double growth. OOCL says it plans
to achieve this by using shore power to reduce emissions while at port, as well
as by continuing its participation in the ports’ Vessel Speed Reduction
Program, an initiative that involves the lowering of vessel speeds to reduce
emissions when ships approach the port. Also in 2012, OOCL joined the Port of
Los Angeles’ Environmental Ship Index incentive program, a voluntary clean air
initiative that rewards ocean carriers for bringing their newest and cleanest
vessels to the Port of Los Angeles.
The second category in which companies were honored was Innovative
Air Quality Improvement Technologies, and the two recipients were Foss Maritime
Co. and APL.
In 2012, Foss voluntarily retrofitted another tugboat for
operation in the harbor as well, creating the world’s second hybrid tug.
APL, meanwhile, was the first company to install and test
“seawater scrubber” technology on a container ship calling at the two ports.
The technology involved the installation of a single low-maintenance seawater
scrubbing device on the ship’s three auxiliary engines, which helped reduce contaminants
in the exhaust stream and removed waste from the wash water prior to discharge
overboard. The scrubber reduced SOx emissions by as much as 99 percent and 70
percent for PM when running on HFO (heavy fuel oil), and 97 percent for SOx and
78 percent for PM when using MGO (marine gas oil).
The third award category was Innovative Operations That
Improve Air Quality. This award went to trucking company Knight Transportation.
Half of the company’s roughly 300 trucks operating at the
two ports are 2010 or newer, which exceeds current requirements. Engines on the
2010 and newer trucks have reduced CO₂ emissions by about 18 percent and
NOx emissions by 90 percent, according to estimates. Knight has also modified about
97 percent of its van trailers with blade technology that reduces fuel
consumption by seven percent. In addition, 100 percent of its tractors are
equipped with diesel-fired bunk heaters, thus reducing a driver’s need to idle
trucks during the cooler winter months.
“Because of the innovative initiatives of our partners,
overall diesel emissions are down by an amazing 75 percent, and we continue to
advance toward our goal of zero emissions,” Port of Long Beach Acting Deputy
Executive Director Noel Hacegaba said. “We
congratulate these companies whose initiatives are setting the standard for
ports around the world.”
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
LA, Long Beach Ports Seek Clean Air Award Nominees
Nominations are now open for the sixth annual San Pedro Bay
Ports Clean Air Action Plan (CAAP) Air Quality Awards, where the ports of Los
Angeles and Long Beach recognize the air pollution-fighting efforts of
port-related businesses in the area.
Nominations will be accepted for port tenants operating at
either port as well as other operators serving the ports – such as shipping
lines, trucking companies and rail operators – who demonstrated a strong
commitment to reducing air pollution in 2012.
Only port tenants and other operators that serve one or both
of the local ports are eligible for the program; technology vendors are not
eligible. Self-nominations, however, are accepted.
The deadline for CAAP Award nominations is 4 pm Fri., April
26, 2013. Nominations can be completed and submitted online at
www.cleanairactionplan.org/about/caapnomination.asp.
Awards are scheduled to be offered in four categories: Air
Quality Improvement Leadership at the Corporate Level; Innovative Air Quality
Improvement Technologies; Innovative Operations that Improve Air Quality; and Significant
Early Action to Reduce Air Pollutant Emissions.
Award recipients are to be honored at a July 18 award
ceremony.
More information on the awards program and the categories
can be found at cleanairactionplan.org/about/awards.asp.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
SoCal Air Regulators Propose Minimum Standards for Port Pollution Reductions
Regulators from the South Coast Air Quality Management District have proposed "backstop" rules that would provide enforcement of ambitious environmental goals and deadlines set down by the Southern California ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles in their omnibus Clean Air Action Plan.
The ports jointly developed and adopted the CAAP, a collection of new and old environmental plans targeting air, water, and land pollution sources, in 2006.
The five-year CAAP proposed spending hundreds of millions of dollars in investments by the ports, the local air district, the state, and port-related industry to cut particulate matter pollution from all port-related sources by at least 47 percent by 2012. The plan also called for a reduction in smog forming nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by more than 45 percent, and a reduction in sulfur oxides (SOx) by at least 52 percent.
The backstop rules would set minimum clean air standards and deadlines for attainment that the ports have to meet, such as a target date for particulate matter reductions by 2014 and an ozone deadline by 2023.
While the full backstop rules are not set to be determined until the end of the year following a public input process starting next month, most of the final SCAQMD attainment goals are likely to either match the ports' goals or be later than those set under the CAAP. This is because when the ports wrote the CAAP, many of the goals were set ahead of potential air regulations being discussed by state and local government regulators. In most cases this means that the ports' attainments, if successful, will be well ahead of any dates currently contemplated by SCAQMD and the California Air Resources Board.
