South Coast Air Quality Management District News

(The Center Square) - The U.S. Coast Guard says it “will not enforce” a new California Air Resources Board regulation, citing “safety concerns.”The Coast Guard and business organizations oppose CARB's requirement that commercial harbor craft install diesel particulate filters (DPF) linked to a number of fires. Seventeen states are suing the Environmental Protection Agency for giving an exemption to California alone to enact its own air standards that, by power of its market size…

The Port of Los Angeles has recognized the achievements of more than two dozen shipping lines and carriers for participating in the Port’s Vessel Speed Reduction Program (VSRP), an air quality and annual incentive program for vessel operators who reduce their speed as they approach or depart the port.The voluntary program is one of many sustainability efforts currently underway at the Port to reduce emissions and decarbonize operations.Emission reductions are achieved under the…

The Port of Long Beach notched clean air records in its latest study of air pollution emissions, including an 88 percent reduction in diesel particulate matter, continuing more than a decade of air quality improvements. The first phase of the zero-emissions Long Beach Container Terminal opened on Pier E in 2016, helping to drive down the air pollution tallied in the Port’s annual Emissions Inventory, which was completed this week. The Port has been monitoring its progress in air quality improvements since 2005. “The Port of Long Beach, in partnership with the Port of Los Angeles, has been a global leader in reducing pollution associated with goods movement,” said Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia.

The Port of Long Beach and Long Beach Container Terminal have received a Clean Air Award for working to reduce pollution in Southern California with the Middle Harbor redevelopment project. Given by the South Coast Air Quality Management District, the award in the category of Business Leadership in Air Quality Achievement is for outstanding effort to advance effective solutions to the problem of poor air quality in the region. It was presented today at the SCAQMD’s 28th annual Clean Air Awards luncheon in Riverside. “We’re building the Green Port of the Future, and Middle Harbor is a big part of that,” said Harbor Commission President Lori Ann Guzmán. “The terminal is the world’s greenest and most sustainable.

Pollution around the Port of Long Beach has been dramatically cut over the last decade, however, according to the latest study, lingering effects from ships at anchor in early 2015 impacted air quality last year. The 2015 annual inventory of port-related air emissions, conducted by an independent consultant, found the Port’s aggressive actions to curtail pollution have decreased diesel particulate matter by 84 percent since 2005, a slight decrease from the 85 percent reduction reported in 2014. Sulfur oxides were 97 percent lower, the same level reported in 2014. Smog-forming nitrogen oxides and greenhouse gases were down 48 percent and 14 percent, respectively, compared to the 50 percent and 21 percent numbers, respectively, in the prior year.

The Port of Long Beach has surpassed every air pollution reduction milestone set for 2014 by the landmark San Pedro Bay Ports Clean Air Action Plan, according to an analysis released today. An annual, comprehensive inventory of port-related air pollution emissions in 2014 found the Port’s efforts to reduce pollution have cut diesel particulates by 85 percent since 2005, surpassing the CAAP goal for 2014 of a 72 percent reduction. In addition to the drop in diesel emissions, smog-forming nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides have dropped 50 percent and 97 percent respectively. The corresponding goals for the year are 22 percent and 93 percent.

With the wharf fire in Wilmington now more than 90 percent contained, terminals at the Port of Los Angeles plan to resume full operations Tuesday evening at 6 p.m. informs the Port. Only the Pasha terminal at Berth 177, the location of the fire, will remain closed. Nearby Yusen Terminals International will reopen at 8 a.m. on Wednesday morning. “I’d like to thank the brave men and women from several agencies that are doing an extraordinary job keeping Harbor Area residents and workers safe while preventing further damage from this stubborn fire,” said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka. “The Los Angeles Fire Department, Los Angeles Port Police, the Long Beach Fire  and Police departments, U.S.

Diesel air pollution from ships, trucks, trains and other big machines at the Port of Long Beach has declined by 82 percent since 2005, a comprehensive air quality analysis has found. The report – which focuses on 2013 – shows seven straight years of steadily declining air pollution from goods movement in the harbor area. Compared to emissions levels in 2005 — when the port adopted its Green Port Policy — all of the key air pollutants from port-related sources have declined in 2013.

Contract signed with South Coast Air Quality Management District inCalifornia to install and demonstrate Siemens eHighway system near Portsof Los Angeles and Long Beach. Electrified catenary system offers economically attractive and environmentally friendly solution to transport goods on highly frequentedroutes near the two largest Ports in the U.S. Siemens has been selected by the South Coast Air Quality Management District(SCAQMD) to install an eHighway system in the proximity of the Ports of LosAngeles and Long Beach, the two largest ports in the U.S.

Port staff received news that the Port of Hueneme was among the awardees to receive funds through the EPA’s Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA). The funds will be used to complete an enhanced phase II to the Port’s existing Shore Power Project that will allow additional vessels to simultaneously connect to the Port’s Shore Power system. Following passage of AB 32 by the state assembly, programs were put in place to allow ships at berth in California ports to turn off their more polluting marine engines dramatically reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The Port of Long Beach will fund testing of a new air pollution-control technology for docked cargo ships, thanks to an agreement approved Monday by the Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners. Under the pact, the Port would rely upon regional air quality authorities to oversee a demonstration project to thoroughly assess both the safety and the pollution-reducing effectiveness of a mobile, barge-mounted emissions control system to capture and treat ships’ smokestack emissions.

The Port of Long Beach has cut diesel particulates by 81 percent since 2005, according to an analysis just released. The results for 2012 mark six straight years of improving air quality in the harbor area thanks to the Port's focused efforts to reduce air pollution caused by goods movement. The reasons for air quality improvements include bigger ships carrying cargo more efficiently, newer ships with cleaner engines, the Jan. 1, 2012 deadline for full implementation of the Clean Trucks Program…

Knight Transportation, Inc. has been named he recipient of an annual San Pedro Bay Ports Clean Air Action Plan (CAAP) Air Quality Award for the sixth time. This award is presented by the staff of the Port of Long Beach and the Port of Los Angeles, in addition to representatives from the South Coast Air Quality Management district, California Air Resources Board and United States Environmental Protection Agency, Region 9. Understanding the importance of protecting the environment, Knight Transportation has focused on running clean trucks throughout the U.S. This approach allows Knight to be ahead of the curve if other ports were to implement new policies as they already operate in areas such as Oakland, Houston, Seattle/ Tacoma and San Diego.

The Port of Hueneme reached a milestone in its Shoreside Power Project when the Board of Harbor Commissioners approved a key funding agreement to help vessels plug into electrical power at berth and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. “This is a model of strong public policy working for the betterment of our community and region. The execution of the contract ensures the success of the project and will keep commerce moving while improving our air and quality of life,” said Port Commissioner President, Jason Hodge.

The ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach honored five companies for their extraordinary efforts to fight harmful emissions at the 6th Annual Clean Air Action Plan (CAAP) Air Quality Awards held in San Pedro. The CAAP Air Quality Awards began shortly after the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach approved the historic San Pedro Bay Ports Clean Air Action Plan in 2006. Port tenants and other port-related businesses are eligible to submit award entries, which are judged by a panel comprised of port staff and representatives from the South Coast Air Quality Management District…

The Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach have selected seven local maritime and cargo companies as this year’s recipients of the Clean Air Action Plan Air Quality Awards, an honor presented to those taking extraordinary measures to cut air emissions, modernize facilities and implement innovative operations to reduce air pollution. “These partners have shown a real commitment to cleaner and greener port operations, going above and beyond what is required,” said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Geraldine Knatz, Ph.D. “The Clean Air Action Plan awards are a fantastic way to put a spotlight on the oftentimes unheralded efforts of the goods movement industry to meet and exceed air quality goals…

At a public hearing on June 23, 2011, the Air Resources Board (ARB) approved amendments to the regulations “Fuel Sulfur and Other Operational Requirements for Ocean-Going Vessels within California Waters and 24 Nautical Miles of the California Baseline” (title 13, California Code of Regulations [CCR], section 2299.2, and title 17 California Code of Regulations, section 93118.2). Section 2299.2 is a regulation for ocean-going vessels (OGV) and section 93118.2 is a substantively identical airborne toxic control measure (ATCM). The OGV Clean Fuel Regulations are intended to reduce the public’s exposure to air pollutants from the use of marine diesel fuel in main and auxiliary engines…

Charlotte, North Carolina (March 31, 2011) – On March 31, 2006, Maersk Line’s SINE MÆRSK changed the course of low-sulfur distillate fuel use when she called Los Angeles. Five years later, this fuel switch has resulted in a 3700 ton savings in air emissions benefitting those who live and work in California. A 4100 ton savings in air emissions has been made in North America with vessels calling California, Tacoma, Seattle, Vancouver and Houston. There has been a 95% reduction of sulfur oxides (SOx)…

The South Coast Air Quality Management District has announced an open solicitation period for the Proposition 1B Goods Movement Emission Reduction Program Ships at Berth and Cargo Handling Equipment funding category. See the Program website (http://www.arb.ca.gov/gmbond) for more information. The $1b Proposition 1B:  Goods Movement Emission Reduction Program (Program) is a partnership between the State Air Resources Board (ARB) and local agencies (like air districts and seaports) to quickly reduce air pollution emissions and health risk from freight movement along California's trade corridors. Local agencies apply to ARB for funding, then those agencies offer financial incentives to owners of equipment used in freight movement to upgrade to cleaner technologies.

Sherwin-Williams announced the newly named Protective & Marine Coatings. Formerly Sherwin-Williams Industrial & Marine Coatings, the new Protective & Marine Coatings group will continue to serve markets including water and wastewater, petrochemical, food and beverage, power, marine and offshore, pharmaceuticals, health care, roads and bridges, steel fabrication, industrial flooring, rail, pulp and paper, and general industrial. The new name reflects the company’s commitment to protecting the assets of its customers through coatings solutions. It also reflects Sherwin-Williams’ commitment to protect the environment through the continued introduction of coatings having the industry’s lowest levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and hazardous air pollutants (HAPs).

According to a report from Telegraph-Journal, as seaports try to raise their environmental standards, some companies are finding business opportunities. Foss Maritime Co. of Seattle, for instance, has developed the Prius of tugboats, which consumes less diesel and generates less pollution by using batteries for all the vessel's low-power needs. Foss calls it the world's first hybrid tug and expects to deliver it to the Port of Los Angeles early next year. Other companies will discover what Foss learned. The ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, the largest cargo container ports in the nation, are willing to serve as testing grounds, business incubators and venture capitalists.

Pictured is Senator Boxer. On February 14, the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works conducted a legislative hearing on the Marine Vessel Emissions Reduction Act of 2007 (S. 1499). Committee Chair Barbara Boxer (D-CA) discussed the harmful air emissions from ships and the measures that would be required if her proposed legislation were enacted. Ranking Member James Inhofe (R-OK) pointed out that adoption of MARPOL Annex VI is preferable to enacting unilateral legislation.

At an event in Eugene recently, Michael O. Leavitt, Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency helped kick-off the Lane Regional Air Pollution Authority’s announcement of $1.475 million in diesel emission reductions investments for Oregon. The EPA is contributing $600,000 to these efforts. The projects will fund efforts to reduce emissions from idling trucks up and down Oregon’s I-5 corridor, retrofit school buses throughout the state, and improve accessibility and affordability of ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel. truck-idling reduction to school bus retrofits infrastructure to purchase, install and maintain small auxiliary engines that use up to 90 percent less diesel and emit 75 percent less air pollution than idling trucks.