Ports Propose Clean Trucks Program
Balancing growth and development with environmental considerations is a challenge the Port of Los Angeles continues to address every day. This is accomplished through a variety of strategies that include cleaner-burning vehicle operations in and around the Port, more efficient cargo-handling; improved infrastructure; and biological, industrial and internal environmental programs. General programs and operational strategies underway at the Port of Los Angeles include the following:
Environmental Management System
In December 2003, the Port of Los Angeles was selected by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) and the Global Environment and Technology Foundation to participate in the Port Environmental Management System (EMS) Assistance Project. One of only 11 U.S. ports to be selected, the Port of Los Angeles is the first California seaport to incorporate the program.
An EMS is a set of processes and practices that enable an organization to reduce environmental impacts and increase operational efficiency. Participating ports are selected on the basis of existing environmental programs, diverse maritime facilities and management resources.
GreenPorts Program
The Ports of Los Angeles and Shanghai signed a historic agreement in November 2002 to share technology aimed at improving air quality, water quality and mitigating environmental impacts on port operations.
Green Terminal Program
The Port is developing a Green Terminal program that would be applied to the long-term development of Port container facilities. This program would embrace all aspects of terminal construction and operation, and include guidance on a suite of environmental measures to minimize the effects of cargo handling on air, water and land resources.
OffPeak Program
Extending cargo terminal operations by five night and weekend work shifts, the OffPeak program, managed by PierPASS - an organization created by marine terminal operators - has been successful in increasing cargo movement, reducing truck waiting time inside port terminals and truck traffic during peak daytime commuting periods.
Intermodal Rail Use
Use of rail for long-haul cargo is acknowledged as an air quality benefit. Four on-dock rail systems at the Port of Los Angeles significantly reduce the number of short-distance truck trips. Combined, these intermodal facilities eliminate an estimated 1.4 million truck trips per year, and the emissions and traffic congestion that go along with them. The Port is also a funding partner of the Alameda Corridor Transportation Authority (ACTA), a major rail thoroughfare that speeds cargo from the San Pedro Bay Port complex to downtown rail yards at 10-15 miles per hour faster than before. The Alameda Corridor has eliminated 200 rail-street crossings and emissions produced by cars waiting for trains to pass.
Channel Deepening
The environmental benefits of channel deepening are clear: by deepening the main and ancillary channels, the Port can accommodate larger ships. Larger ships mean fewer ship calls to deliver the same amount of goods. Fewer ships mean fewer emissions. Initiated in November 2003, this project is deepening Port channels to -53 feet, with anticipated completion in 2006.
Goods Movement/Efficient Initiatives
The efficient movement of cargo can be a significant benefit to the environment. Improvements to infrastructure and operations can result in long energy savings and can reduce transportation impacts and air emissions per unit of cargo transported. The Port is in the forefront in improving infrastructure and helping guide operational changes to ensure the efficient movement of goods.
http://www.portoflosangeles.org/
Environmental Management System
In December 2003, the Port of Los Angeles was selected by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) and the Global Environment and Technology Foundation to participate in the Port Environmental Management System (EMS) Assistance Project. One of only 11 U.S. ports to be selected, the Port of Los Angeles is the first California seaport to incorporate the program.
An EMS is a set of processes and practices that enable an organization to reduce environmental impacts and increase operational efficiency. Participating ports are selected on the basis of existing environmental programs, diverse maritime facilities and management resources.
GreenPorts Program
The Ports of Los Angeles and Shanghai signed a historic agreement in November 2002 to share technology aimed at improving air quality, water quality and mitigating environmental impacts on port operations.
Green Terminal Program
The Port is developing a Green Terminal program that would be applied to the long-term development of Port container facilities. This program would embrace all aspects of terminal construction and operation, and include guidance on a suite of environmental measures to minimize the effects of cargo handling on air, water and land resources.
OffPeak Program
Extending cargo terminal operations by five night and weekend work shifts, the OffPeak program, managed by PierPASS - an organization created by marine terminal operators - has been successful in increasing cargo movement, reducing truck waiting time inside port terminals and truck traffic during peak daytime commuting periods.
Intermodal Rail Use
Use of rail for long-haul cargo is acknowledged as an air quality benefit. Four on-dock rail systems at the Port of Los Angeles significantly reduce the number of short-distance truck trips. Combined, these intermodal facilities eliminate an estimated 1.4 million truck trips per year, and the emissions and traffic congestion that go along with them. The Port is also a funding partner of the Alameda Corridor Transportation Authority (ACTA), a major rail thoroughfare that speeds cargo from the San Pedro Bay Port complex to downtown rail yards at 10-15 miles per hour faster than before. The Alameda Corridor has eliminated 200 rail-street crossings and emissions produced by cars waiting for trains to pass.
Channel Deepening
The environmental benefits of channel deepening are clear: by deepening the main and ancillary channels, the Port can accommodate larger ships. Larger ships mean fewer ship calls to deliver the same amount of goods. Fewer ships mean fewer emissions. Initiated in November 2003, this project is deepening Port channels to -53 feet, with anticipated completion in 2006.
Goods Movement/Efficient Initiatives
The efficient movement of cargo can be a significant benefit to the environment. Improvements to infrastructure and operations can result in long energy savings and can reduce transportation impacts and air emissions per unit of cargo transported. The Port is in the forefront in improving infrastructure and helping guide operational changes to ensure the efficient movement of goods.
http://www.portoflosangeles.org/