Joseph R. Hughes, The Examiner
2007-07-05 07:00:00.0
Current rank: Not ranked

BALTIMORE -

From coast to coast, American seaports are charged with managing environmental issues. Diesel emissions from ships, railroads, trucks and dockside handling equipment present a potentially significant obstacle to continued cargo growth.

Port officials must now consider and implement clean air options such as cleaner diesel fuel, terminal velocity reduction and alternative fuels such as liquefied natural gas. Since multiple parties produce the pollutants, agreement on clean air and water solutions is difficult. Clear, mindful policy-making is needed to meet regulatory standards and to respond to community pressure for environmental improvements.

The Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore initiated an ambitious plan to protect the environment. Port administrators installed an environmental management system which identifies conditions and detects air pollutants such as ground-level ozone, particle pollutants and carbon monoxide.

The operating system helps comply with federal, state and local environmental laws. It also allows port officials to recognize unregulated activities and conditions which might negatively impact the environment.

Gate processing at the busy Seagirt Marine Terminal was improved by a new truck check-in/checkout system which cuts idling time. Terminal velocity reduction translates to less air pollution.

Further Maryland mandates reductions in sulfur emissions. The port administration and other state agencies must use low sulfur and biodiesel fuel blends to power state-owned equipment and vehicles.

Port officials are directing an emissions inventory, a process that identifies and quantifies air emissions from port-related activities. Scheduled to be completed this fall, the inventory will allow the port authority to facilitate a reduction of pollutants. Waterside inventory was completed in 2004.

A longtime export analyst and consultant, Joseph R. Hughes’ maritime-related articles have appeared in numerous publications. He is a native Baltimorean. E-mail your questions to him at jhughes_47@yahoo.com.