Environment: Alabama, Los Angeles, Metro Vancouver

The Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) is partnering with the Alabama State Port Authority (ASPA) to utilize funding under the federal Diesel Emission Reduction Act (DERA). ADEM has been awarded funds for the State Clean Diesel Program and has chosen to apply those funds in areas that show the highest air pollutant levels.

The port authority’s operates a fleet of diesel locomotives and has agreed to partner with ADEM to install automatic shut-down/start-up systems on several of these locomotives. ASPA will expend about $46,000, and the grant from ADEM will add $31,000 to retrofit four of ASPA’s diesel locomotives with idle control systems that have been approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.These units will help to reduce emissions by reducing the amount of time the locomotives spend idling.

"We are pleased to partner with ADEM to further the Port Authority’s ongoing objectives to reduce emissions at the Port of Mobile," said Port Authority Chief Executive James K. Lyons.

The automatic shut-down/start-up technology grant will upgrade four locomotives on the Port Authority’s Terminal Railway (TASD). Three of the railroad’s locomotives already carry the technology.The ASPA plans to complete the project by August 28.

The Port of Los Angeles has issued a draft white paper on zero emission technology that details its testing of zero emissions technology to date and its proposed near-term plan for encouraging zero emission technology use in maritime goods movement, particularly as it relates to drayage trucks and yard tractors. By 2020, the port plans to facilitate testing and development of up to 200 zero emission vehicles.

"While we’ve made great strides in reducing emissions and greenhouse gas emissions over the last decade, the Port of Los Angeles continues to look for new opportunities to further cut pollutants, especially greenhouse gas," said Chris Cannon, chief sustainability officer and director of environmental management at the port. "We think zero emission technology in key operational sectors has strong potential to help us achieve these reductions."

Developed by the port’s environmental management team the draft white paper outlines next steps regarding current and planned zero emission demonstration projects. It also includes recommendations for zero emission-related infrastructure planning, as well as strategies for pursuing local, state and federal funding for near-term zero emission equipment testing and for long-term capital investments and operations.

To gather public input and suggestions, the port will host a public workshop on July 29 and will be accepting public comment through, August 7.

Port Metro Vancouver on July 13 launched a revised process for reviewing project applications with the stated objectives of more effectively guiding applicants through the permitting process and providing greater clarity, efficiency, transparency and access to information.

Based on feedback from stakeholders, Port Metro Vancouver in 2013 retained independent consultants to evaluate its project and environmental review process.The review concluded the process resulted in sound, robust project permit decisions and environmental reviews but went on to make 23 recommendations for improvement.

"What we heard from stakeholders was confirmed by the independent assessment of our review process," explained Jim Crandles, the port authority’s director of planning & development. "Stakeholders want a clear line of sight to what we are doing, our timing and opportunities to participate in reviews.The new process is going to achieve that."

A revised web presence to increase transparency and accessibility of information for applicants, the public and other stakeholders
A new application guide to assist in preparing applications and understanding requirements
New online project intake application forms
Four new project review categories, based on the scale and potential impacts of the project under review, each with prescribed steps including public consultation where appropriate

Port Metro Vancouver’s project and environmental review process is similar to municipal development permit reviews, intended to identify potential impacts of projects and ensure applicants take reasonable steps to minimize them.