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Port Authorities
What You Can Do
With US international waterborne freight forecasted to double* by 2020, one of the major issues port authorities are facing today is promoting economic development and protecting environmental quality. Public ports play an integral role in working closely with the private industry in developing and financing marine terminals and facilities as well as managing the port. Whether you are an "operating port" or a "landlord port," public port authorities are key in serving as sponsors of federal navigation projects that benefit all maritime interests. (*Source: Maritime Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, "United States Port Development Expenditure Report," May 2004.)
EPA and the American Association of Port Authorities have formed a partnership that aims to improve the air quality at ports by reducing diesel emissions. EPA offers education, incentives, and grant funding assistance for the adoption of cleaner diesel technologies and strategies that work best for the port.
What Port Authorities Can Do
- Implement emissions reduction strategies, technologies and fuels
- Develop an emissions inventory
- Establish anti-idling policies
- Develop educational programs for terminal operators and fleet owners about air pollution and emissions reductions
- Expand operating hours for off-peak operations to avoid congestion
- Substitute electric power for diesel power
- Substitute rail or barge instead of trucking
- Contact your state environmental agencies for further funding opportunities
- Develop an Environmental Management System
Implement emissions reduction strategies, technologies and fuels
EPA encourages the use of retrofit devices, equipment or engine replacement, cleaner fuels, and operational improvement, which have been tested and verified to drastically reduce diesel emissions. These technologies are cost-effective and yield substantial reductions. See the Technologies page for a comprehensive summary of options. Visit the Clean Diesel Grants and Funding pages for available grants and the Smartway Clean Diesel Finance Program for innovative financing programs.
Develop an emissions inventory
An emissions inventory is necessary for port authorities to understand and quantify the air quality impacts of your current port operations. Ports are a major contributor of NOx, PM, SOx, and air toxics. Emissions inventories allow you to assess the impacts of port expansion projects or growth in port activity and provide a baseline from which to create and implement emission mitigation strategies and track performance over time.
A number of port authorities have already performed emissions inventories and are taking advantage of the emissions reduction opportunities available. For more information on emissions inventory, see the ICF Report Best Practices (PDF) (46 pp, 330K, About PDF) report.
Establish anti-idling policies
Shutting off the engine of diesel equipment or vehicles when not in use is the smartest and easiest way to reduce air pollution and save money. Not only does unnecessary idling waste fuel but it causes wear and tear on the engine which requires more maintenance. By establishing an anti-idling policy for trucks, locomotives or cargo handling equipment, you can effectively reduce diesel emissions at the ports. EPA's SmartWay program maintains a list of idle reduction technologies.
Develop educational programs for terminal operators and fleet owners about air pollution and emissions reductions.
One of the barriers to implementing cost-effective emissions reduction strategies is that terminal operators and fleet owners are not aware of various strategies and options. Guidance and education on air quality, air pollutants, technologies and ways to implement them not only increase awareness but also increase the opportunities available to them. EPA provides educational outreach materials.
Expand operating hours for off-peak operations to avoid congestion
By extending terminal gate hours beyond the regular schedule or offering incentives for off-peak operations, truck queuing, idling, and traffic congestion are shortened. Not only does this increase flow and efficiency, but reduces the impacts of diesel exhaust during ozone hours.
Substitute electric power for diesel power
Using electric shore side power at berth, "cold ironing," rather than running auxiliary diesel engines is effective for ports and vessels that have long hoteling times, multiple annual vessel calls, and high auxiliary power needs, such as cruise ships.
Substitute rail or barge instead of trucking
Switching to rail or barge instead of trucking increases the volume flow and efficiency of cargo in and out of the port. Rail and barge offer less congestion which reduces diesel exhaust from unnecessary idling.
Contact your state environmental agencies for further funding opportunities
State and local agencies such as California’s Carl Moyer Program and Texas’ TERP program offer grants for activities that reduce diesel emissions. Check to see if your state or local agency might have financial assistance for clean diesel projects. You can also check our Grants and Funding web site.
Develop an Environmental Management System
Ports across the globe are adopting Environmental Management Systems (EMSs) as a way to plan for continuous improvement in environmental performance. Ports nationwide have realized the many benefits of implementing an EMS. For more information, see the EMS Brochure.