Air Quality Improves At Port Of Long Beach, Study Says

The Port of Long Beach has significantly reduced air pollution since 2005, according to a recent Air Emissions Inventory report. The Port of Long Beach achieved its best air quality report card since emissions studies began in 2002 through cleaner technology, not from a slowdown in cargo, a Port spokesman said. Similar air quality improvements have occurred at the adjoining Port of Los Angeles.

The trucking industry-supported Clean Truck Programs at the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles have retired older diesel engine trucks and reduced truck pollution by 80 percent, putting the ports' clean air programs 2 years ahead of schedule. The Ports estimate that nearly 8,000 older diesel trucks have been retired since the program's implementation. The reduction of truck pollution has come without banning small independent businesses from port trucking, something the Port of Los Angeles is attempting to do to benefit the Teamsters.

The Clean Trucks Program, which began in October 2008, the expanded Green Flag vessel speed reduction program, the use of low-sulfur fuel for ships, and the first use of shore power for ships at berth all contributed to significant air improvements, said the Port of Long Beach.

"I'm very encouraged by this study," said Nick Sramek, President of the Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners. "Speaking as a resident of the West side of Long Beach, this is a critical public health issue for our community. It's imperative that the Port meets or exceeds the aggressive goals in our Clean Air Action Plan."

The Air Emissions Inventory is a comprehensive accounting of emissions from Port of Long Beach-related cargo movement and is developed with the cooperation and participation of Port tenants and shipping lines. Declining cargo shipments had some effect on the pollution levels, but not a major one, said the Port of Long Beach. During the study period, the amount of cargo shipped through the Port dropped by 3 percent, and there was a 4 percent drop in visits by container ships due to the global recession.

For more information reference http://www.truckline.com/truckingmatters.