EPA Examines Port Air Pollution Options

As part of its initiative to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gases at U.S. ports, the EPA recently released a report that assesses strategies for pollution control and sustainable growth. The National Port Strategy Assessment: Reducing Air Pollution and Greenhouse Gases at U.S. Ports evaluates existing and future technology and practices that could be voluntarily adopted by ports of all sizes and types to reduce their emissions. Approximately 39 million residents living near ports and marine terminals stand to benefit from these reductions.

The report focuses on diesel emissions from several mobile source sectors (ocean-going vessels, harbor craft, rail, cargo-handling equipment and drayage), encompassing most port-based activities. Particulate matter (PM­2.5) and NOx, and toxins such as formaldehyde and benzene, can contribute to health problems in surrounding communities, which in many cases are predominantly minority and low-income populations. These same emissions also contribute to climate change. [...]

The Maritime Executive

> Read the article Back to all Industry News