Virginia Port Authority finds emissions levels decreasing

Virginia Port Authority finds emissions levels decreasing    The Virginia Port Authority said an emphasis on replacing older diesel equipment at its three container terminals has led to reduced terminal-related air emissions in the last three years, even as cargo volumes have risen, the authority said in a statement Thursday.
   An emissions inventory conducted by VPA showed that levels of volatile organic compounds (VOC), carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter have each dropped at least 10 percent each of the last three years, while cargo throughput has increased from 1.18 million TEUs in 1.5 million TEUs in 2004.
   The study surveyed all mobile equipment owned by Virginia International Terminals. Marine vessels, privately owned locomotives and heavy trucks, equipment owned by on-terminal tenants, personal cars and dredging and construction equipment were not part of the survey. The equipment in the study was categorized by type, horsepower rating, engine tier and fuel type.