Study: Terminal congestion impacts air quality at POLB

In addition to a 7 percent increase in container cargo, the severe congestion seen last year at ports along the U.S. West Coast caused an increase in diesel particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and greenhouse gasses at the Port of Long Beach in 2015.    Severe terminal congestion seen last year at ports up and down the United States West Coast contributed to an increase in air pollution at the Port of Long Beach, according to a study released by the port last week.
   In addition to a 7 percent year-over-year increase in container cargo, the sharp increase in the number of ships at anchor caused emissions levels to rise for a number of harmful substances in 2015.
   Emissions of diesel particulate matter were down 84 percent last year from 2005 levels, down from an 85 percent reduction the year before. Nitrogen oxides and greenhouse gasses were down 48 percent and 14 percent over the same period compared with 50 percent and 21 percent in 2014.
   Port officials noted ships at anchor use auxiliary engines to run essential systems instead of plugging into shore electrical power available at berth, which means they burn more fuel and emit more pollutants into the air.
   Harbor Commission President Lori Ann Guzmán said Long Beach remains committed to reaching its goal of zero-emissions operation.
   The port since 2005 has instituted the Clean Truck Program, low-sulfur fuel regulations for ships, increased use of shore power for cargo ships and reduced vessel speeds in and around its terminals in an effort to improve air quality in the area.
   Officials said further changes at POLB include increased use of on-dock rail, use of advanced technologies, and joint efforts with Port of Los Angeles on supply chain optimization and development of the next update to the Clean Air Action Plan. Created in 2006 and currently entering its third iteration, the Clean Air Action Plan outlines strategies to significantly reduce pollution from ships, locomotives, trucks, terminal equipment and harbor craft moving cargo in and around the port.
   “The latest emissions inventory shows the effects of last year’s congestion and increased ships at anchor,” Guzmán said of the report. “We are steadfast in our commitment to improving air quality for the region now and over the long term as evidenced by our recently approved $46 million mitigation grant program.”
   The Port of Long Beach’s annual “emissions inventory” report is reviewed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, California Air Resources Board and South Coast Air Quality Management District.