Facebook Twitter Twitter    Archive | www.aapa-ports.org March 10, 2015
   

Environment: Houston, San Francisco

Print Print this Article | Send to Colleague

Houston’s Environmental Management System Recertified

The Port of Houston Authority has received its fifth certification to ISO 14001 Environmental Management System (EMS) Standards.

President Faith Beaty and Marketing Director Todd Welda of DNV-GL Business Assurance USA, Inc., announced the results of PHA’s recertification to ISO 14001 EMS Standards during the port commission’s February meeting. Ms. Beaty said the audit revealed no major or minor nonconformances, which "should give the community, regulators, and stakeholders great confidence in the port authority’s commitment to environmental stewardship." The port authority also received four Noteworthy Efforts in the audit. The EMS audit occurs every three years.

The port authority is entering into its 13th year of using the EMS tool to enhance environmental compliance, resources protection and conservation at its terminals and facilities. In 2002, Houston became the first U.S. port authority with an Environmental Management System to meet ISO 14001 standards for environmental excellence.

Maritime Air Emissions Down Sharply at Port of San Francisco

A newly released study indicates air emissions from Port of San Francisco maritime operations have decreased sharply over the past eight years and should fall even further, thanks to new shore power installations at Piers 27 and 70.

Comparison of maritime air emissions inventories taken in 2013 and 2005 shows a 57 percent drop in annual particulate matter (PM10) emissions, primarily produced by diesel engines.

The 2013 inventory does not reflect the contributions of shoreside power at Pier 27 or Pier 70. An estimate of the additional effects of shoreside power at Pier 27 and Pier 70 indicates that in 2014, PM10 emissions were down 61 percent from 2005.

"As a result of our partnership with the Mayor’s Office, the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, the U.S. EPA, and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, the Port is able to again demonstrate San Francisco’s commitment to improving the environment while promoting a healthy business climate," said Monique Moyer, Port Executive Director. "This is a win-win for our local communities and the entire Bay Area."

According to the port, the reductions are the result of shifts to cleaner fuels for ocean-going vessels and newer, cleaner-burning engines in tug boats and ferries, as well as the port’s $10 million investment in shoreside power at two piers. Further reductions are expected as even cleaner maritime fuels and engines are required and as shoreside power usage increases at the James R. Herman Cruise Terminal at Pier 27 and at the Pier 70 shipyard.

"Maritime particulate matter emissions are down about 25 tons per year," said Jay Ach, the port’s maritime manager of regulatory and environmental affairs. "This is roughly the equivalent of taking a land-based power plant offline."

Other data point to reductions of 23 percent in nitrogen oxides (NOx) and an 85 percent in sulfur oxides (SOx).
The port expects shoreside power will cut greenhouse gas emissions by more than 6,000 tons of CO2 equivalents per year.
 

Share Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn