SETTLEMENT ALLOWS PORT OF LOS ANGELES TO OPEN CHINA SHIPPING TERMINAL

SETTLEMENT ALLOWS PORT OF LOS ANGELES TO OPEN CHINA SHIPPING TERMINAL    The Port of Los Angeles said it has reached an agreement with environmental and community groups that allows China Shipping’s terminal in the port to open immediately, pursuant to approval of the accord by a state court.
   The settlement lifts a court-ordered stay that prevented construction of first phase of the China Shipping wharf at Berth 100 from being completed. Once the state court approves the agreement, China Shipping’s operations can begin at Berth 100 without further delay.
   As part of the pact, the Port of Los Angeles will commit $50 million over five years to mitigation projects and prepare a new environmental impact report for the China Shipping Terminal, including two additional phases.
   Specifically, the port promised to use alternative fuels for container handling equipment at the new terminal as well as low-profile cranes, if operationally feasible.