Port of Los Angeles adds environmental requirements to future terminal lease

Port of Los Angeles adds environmental requirements to future terminal lease    The Los Angeles board of harbor commissioners have directed port staff, for the first time, to require “environmentally responsible measures” for a future lease agreement at one of its terminals.
   The port will amend a notice of preparation previously issued for the re-use of the container terminal at berths 206-209 on Terminal Island, to include specific environmental requirements.
   The greater emphasis put on environmental issues mirrors complaints by local communities near Californian ports concerning pollution.
   The port of Los Angeles said that the amendment to the notice of preparation will redefine terminal operations to include such environmental initiatives as the alternative maritime program applications, rail access, low sulfur or alternative fuel use, clean yard equipment, energy saving measures, and other programs consistent with the port’s environmental management system.
   Following the environmental assessment process, the port will solicit interest in operating the terminal from various shipping lines or terminal operators.
   “We are taking this opportunity to partner with a company who is willing to build an innovative, environmentally enhanced terminal from the ground up,” said Los Angeles board of harbor commission president Nick Tonsich.
   Los Angeles mayor Jim Hahn welcomed the action. “I have directed the port to set a goal of no net increase for air emissions,” he said.