By Karen Robes Meeks
For the next decade, millions of dollars of construction projects at the Port of Los Angeles may soon be subject to a union-driven agreement that guarantees local hiring and prevailing wages for workers.
The Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners on Thursday voted unanimously to support a 10-year project labor agreement with the Los Angeles/Orange Counties Building and Construction Trades Council.
The contract – which will come before the Los Angeles City Council for approval in the coming weeks – will encompass at least 38 projects worth $780 million, including wharf, rail, shore power and marine oil terminal upgrades, with more projects to come, according to the port.
Used at various city agencies and school districts, a project labor agreement allows workers to receive benefits negotiated by the trades council, including prevailing wages and health benefits.
In exchange, the port receives no disruption from union strikes as well as guarantees in local hiring – about a third of the workforce must come from the local harbor and under-served Los Angeles communities – and ensures that projects are done on time and on budget.
“The men and women who clock in every day at the Port of Los Angeles are a driving force in the global economy,” said Mayor Eric Garcetti. “This project labor agreement will create new career opportunities that Angelenos deserve, and bring stability to operations as we invest billions in infrastructure that will define the future of the port.”
This newest contract builds upon a five-year agreement, which covered 26 completed and in-progress construction projects totaling close to $848 million, including the Berth 200 Rail Yard, TraPac Container Terminal and the South Wilmington Grade Separation projects.
Tuesday, September 12, 2017
Pollution Reduction at Long Beach
By Karen Robes Meeks
In its latest annual emissions inventory, the Port of Long Beach posted significant reductions in air pollution, marking more than a decade of improving air quality.
Done by an independent consultant, the report shows record numbers, including:
• An 88 percent reduction in diesel particulate matter since 2005;
• A 56 percent reduction in nitrogen oxides; and
• A 22 percent reduction in greenhouse gases.
The port attributed the low numbers to the 2016 opening of the first phase of the zero-emissions Long Beach Container Terminal at Pier E, making 11 percent of the port’s cargo-handling equipment zero-emissions.
“We have a greater percentage of our cargo-handling equipment operating at zero emissions than any other seaport in the country,” said port Executive Director Mario Cordero. “As we chase our goal of becoming a zero-emissions port, it’s important for us to increase that number to help make the technology more commercially viable.”
The port, which has been tracking its pollution-lowering progress since 2005, has implemented several pollution-curbing efforts, which include establishing the Clean Trucks Program, boosting shore power use for vessels and encouraging ships to slow down as they approach the port.
“Our pollution-reduction strategies begin before a vessel enters the harbor and continue after cargo leaves on a truck or locomotive,” said Harbor Commission President Lou Anne Bynum. “This is a model we worked hard to achieve at the Port of Long Beach, and it’s one we’ll continue to improve until we reach zero emissions.”
In its latest annual emissions inventory, the Port of Long Beach posted significant reductions in air pollution, marking more than a decade of improving air quality.
Done by an independent consultant, the report shows record numbers, including:
• An 88 percent reduction in diesel particulate matter since 2005;
• A 56 percent reduction in nitrogen oxides; and
• A 22 percent reduction in greenhouse gases.
The port attributed the low numbers to the 2016 opening of the first phase of the zero-emissions Long Beach Container Terminal at Pier E, making 11 percent of the port’s cargo-handling equipment zero-emissions.
“We have a greater percentage of our cargo-handling equipment operating at zero emissions than any other seaport in the country,” said port Executive Director Mario Cordero. “As we chase our goal of becoming a zero-emissions port, it’s important for us to increase that number to help make the technology more commercially viable.”
The port, which has been tracking its pollution-lowering progress since 2005, has implemented several pollution-curbing efforts, which include establishing the Clean Trucks Program, boosting shore power use for vessels and encouraging ships to slow down as they approach the port.
“Our pollution-reduction strategies begin before a vessel enters the harbor and continue after cargo leaves on a truck or locomotive,” said Harbor Commission President Lou Anne Bynum. “This is a model we worked hard to achieve at the Port of Long Beach, and it’s one we’ll continue to improve until we reach zero emissions.”
Olympia Fuel Station Open
By Karen Robes Meeks
Nearly a decade in the making, the long-awaited Swantown Marine Fueling Station is now open at the Port of Olympia.
The new fueling station, which is open daily and accepts cash and major credit cards, features emergency shutoff buttons and shutoff valves along the delivery system, a leak detection system that automatically alerts to any abnormalities, and dedicated monitors and security cameras.
“The port is committed to creating infrastructure to support and significantly expand recreational opportunities and regional visitation,” said Executive Director Ed Galligan. “This same infrastructure will also broaden the port's support of commercial maritime activities in the area. Swantown is now a full-service marina, which will not only make access easier for local boaters, but also help promote tourism in Thurston County. The fact that we also will operate the most environmentally-friendly facility in Puget Sound is a particular source of pride.”
Until the new station, downtown Olympia had no marine fueling service option since 1999. In 2008, 800 residents signed a petition asking the port to put in a station at Swantown Marina.
Nearly a decade in the making, the long-awaited Swantown Marine Fueling Station is now open at the Port of Olympia.
The new fueling station, which is open daily and accepts cash and major credit cards, features emergency shutoff buttons and shutoff valves along the delivery system, a leak detection system that automatically alerts to any abnormalities, and dedicated monitors and security cameras.
“The port is committed to creating infrastructure to support and significantly expand recreational opportunities and regional visitation,” said Executive Director Ed Galligan. “This same infrastructure will also broaden the port's support of commercial maritime activities in the area. Swantown is now a full-service marina, which will not only make access easier for local boaters, but also help promote tourism in Thurston County. The fact that we also will operate the most environmentally-friendly facility in Puget Sound is a particular source of pride.”
Until the new station, downtown Olympia had no marine fueling service option since 1999. In 2008, 800 residents signed a petition asking the port to put in a station at Swantown Marina.
Cemex Stays at Redwood City
By Karen Robes Meeks
Cemex Aggregates will continue to be a tenant with the Port of Redwood City for another decade.
Over the summer, the port and Cemex reached a new 10-year lease (with an extension option) for the 8.2-acre marine terminal on Hinman Road.
Port of Redwood City Executive Director Michael J. Giari called Cemex “a responsible tenant and a productive partner with the port in the growth of maritime shipping.”
Cemex has imported close to 4 million metric tons of building materials from Canada in the last three years, including sand and aggregates used in Silicon Valley and Redwood City construction projects.
“The high quality of the sand and gravel aggregates from British Columbia combined with the dwindling supply of these materials in Northern California because quarries are unable to expand have triggered and sustained a strong demand that the port benefited from,” Giari said.
Cemex Aggregates will continue to be a tenant with the Port of Redwood City for another decade.
Over the summer, the port and Cemex reached a new 10-year lease (with an extension option) for the 8.2-acre marine terminal on Hinman Road.
Port of Redwood City Executive Director Michael J. Giari called Cemex “a responsible tenant and a productive partner with the port in the growth of maritime shipping.”
Cemex has imported close to 4 million metric tons of building materials from Canada in the last three years, including sand and aggregates used in Silicon Valley and Redwood City construction projects.
“The high quality of the sand and gravel aggregates from British Columbia combined with the dwindling supply of these materials in Northern California because quarries are unable to expand have triggered and sustained a strong demand that the port benefited from,” Giari said.
Friday, September 8, 2017
Everett Commissioner Resigns
By Karen Robes Meeks
A job relocation to Massachusetts has prompted Port of Everett Commissioner Troy McClelland to resign his post as commissioner of District 1, which includes parts of the waterfront in North Everett and east to the Snohomish River.
“It has been a true honor to get to work with a wonderful staff and port commission,” he said. “I think we have accomplished some great things during my nearly seven years on the port commission. I will never forget my time at the Port of Everett, and will continue to follow the Port of Everett’s success with great interest and admiration.”
During his tenure, McClelland helped to lead the port’s efforts to clean up historic contamination, include the 41st Street Freight Corridor in the Connecting Washington Transportation Plan and deepen the port’s role as an economic development resource for Snohomish County.
“Troy is a tremendous visionary, and the port district will greatly miss his leadership,” Port CEO Les Reardanz said. “His efforts to get the port to think and act more like an economic development enterprise for the region will be the stepping stone for initiatives the port pursues during its next 100 years.”
State law stipulates that a new commissioner is to be appointed within 90 days of a resignation. How that interim position will be filled will be discussed at a commission meeting at 5 p.m. on September 12 at the Blue Heron Conference Room, 1205 Craftsman Way in Everett.
The appointee will be in place until the next election. Voters will then chose someone to fill the remainder of McClelland’s term, which expires in 2021.
A job relocation to Massachusetts has prompted Port of Everett Commissioner Troy McClelland to resign his post as commissioner of District 1, which includes parts of the waterfront in North Everett and east to the Snohomish River.
“It has been a true honor to get to work with a wonderful staff and port commission,” he said. “I think we have accomplished some great things during my nearly seven years on the port commission. I will never forget my time at the Port of Everett, and will continue to follow the Port of Everett’s success with great interest and admiration.”
During his tenure, McClelland helped to lead the port’s efforts to clean up historic contamination, include the 41st Street Freight Corridor in the Connecting Washington Transportation Plan and deepen the port’s role as an economic development resource for Snohomish County.
“Troy is a tremendous visionary, and the port district will greatly miss his leadership,” Port CEO Les Reardanz said. “His efforts to get the port to think and act more like an economic development enterprise for the region will be the stepping stone for initiatives the port pursues during its next 100 years.”
State law stipulates that a new commissioner is to be appointed within 90 days of a resignation. How that interim position will be filled will be discussed at a commission meeting at 5 p.m. on September 12 at the Blue Heron Conference Room, 1205 Craftsman Way in Everett.
The appointee will be in place until the next election. Voters will then chose someone to fill the remainder of McClelland’s term, which expires in 2021.
Thursday, September 7, 2017
EPA Grant for Seattle
By Karen Robes Meeks
The Port of Seattle and Just Health Action have been selected for a new Environmental Protection Agency grant that will go toward improving the health of port-adjacent communities.
The city is one of three communities in the U.S. to receive funding for the Near-port Community Capacity Building/Stakeholder Engagement Project. The pilot program will “test and refine the EPA Ports Initiative’s new capacity building and stakeholder engagement toolkits: the Ports Primer for Communities, the Community Action Roadmap, and the Environmental Justice Primer for Ports,” according to the port.
“The EPA continues to be encouraged by the port’s leadership, along with other Northwest Seaports, in focusing significant time and resources to reducing the environmental impact of its operations,” said Tim Hamlin, air quality director in EPA’s Northwest office. “An important component of this work is the Port’s commitment to developing constructive relationships with communities disproportionately affected by its operations, and we’re hopeful these investments will result in meaningful reductions in health risks for the people who live there.”
The EPA grant will fund one year of technical assistance to help the port and Seattle’s South Park and Georgetown communities work together on engagement, advocacy and communication to address needs.
“As a resident of Georgetown, it is important that we work with the Port to address the significant inequities in the Duwamish Valley, relative to the rest of Seattle,” said Andrew Schiffer, a community partner at Just Health Action. “We hope the pilot project will allow us to work together to reduce the environmental impact on all near-port communities.”
The Port of Seattle and Just Health Action have been selected for a new Environmental Protection Agency grant that will go toward improving the health of port-adjacent communities.
The city is one of three communities in the U.S. to receive funding for the Near-port Community Capacity Building/Stakeholder Engagement Project. The pilot program will “test and refine the EPA Ports Initiative’s new capacity building and stakeholder engagement toolkits: the Ports Primer for Communities, the Community Action Roadmap, and the Environmental Justice Primer for Ports,” according to the port.
“The EPA continues to be encouraged by the port’s leadership, along with other Northwest Seaports, in focusing significant time and resources to reducing the environmental impact of its operations,” said Tim Hamlin, air quality director in EPA’s Northwest office. “An important component of this work is the Port’s commitment to developing constructive relationships with communities disproportionately affected by its operations, and we’re hopeful these investments will result in meaningful reductions in health risks for the people who live there.”
The EPA grant will fund one year of technical assistance to help the port and Seattle’s South Park and Georgetown communities work together on engagement, advocacy and communication to address needs.
“As a resident of Georgetown, it is important that we work with the Port to address the significant inequities in the Duwamish Valley, relative to the rest of Seattle,” said Andrew Schiffer, a community partner at Just Health Action. “We hope the pilot project will allow us to work together to reduce the environmental impact on all near-port communities.”
Clean Operators to Reap Rewards
By Karen Robes Meeks
Vessel operators who surpass the regulatory standard for curbing ship pollution will reap greater rewards for it, thanks for new Environmental Ship Index formula that went into effect July 1.
Usually operators get points on a per call basis from a port that provides ESI incentives, such as the Port of Los Angeles, and earn points for reducing pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides.
The new formula allows operators who enter carbon dioxide data and improve upon the baseline years to rack up even more points as early as this month.
“This voluntary program encourages operators to bring their newest and cleanest ships to participating ESI ports and demonstrate new technology that accelerates clean air progress,” said Port Executive Director Gene Seroka. “ESI has already played a significant role in tackling vessel emissions here in Los Angeles, and its benefits multiply worldwide as the program grows in scope and membership.”
At the Port of Los Angeles, ships with 50 points or more earns $2,500 per call, while vessels in the 40- to 49-point bracket receive $750. Those with Tier III engines are eligible for a $5,000 incentive per call, while ships taking part in a sanctioned Technology Advancement Program demonstration project can get $750 per call.
Vessel operators who surpass the regulatory standard for curbing ship pollution will reap greater rewards for it, thanks for new Environmental Ship Index formula that went into effect July 1.
Usually operators get points on a per call basis from a port that provides ESI incentives, such as the Port of Los Angeles, and earn points for reducing pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides.
The new formula allows operators who enter carbon dioxide data and improve upon the baseline years to rack up even more points as early as this month.
“This voluntary program encourages operators to bring their newest and cleanest ships to participating ESI ports and demonstrate new technology that accelerates clean air progress,” said Port Executive Director Gene Seroka. “ESI has already played a significant role in tackling vessel emissions here in Los Angeles, and its benefits multiply worldwide as the program grows in scope and membership.”
At the Port of Los Angeles, ships with 50 points or more earns $2,500 per call, while vessels in the 40- to 49-point bracket receive $750. Those with Tier III engines are eligible for a $5,000 incentive per call, while ships taking part in a sanctioned Technology Advancement Program demonstration project can get $750 per call.
