“The Port of Seattle is committed to protecting our environment while generating thousands of family-wage jobs,” said Commission President Bill Bryant. “We’re pleased the port’s innovative programs are examples of effective environmental leadership.”
The Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy is a joint effort of the Ports of Seattle, Tacoma, and Port Metro Vancouver, B.C., to proactively reduce emissions from maritime operations. The Port of Seattle was singled out for the Comprehensive Environmental Management award for implementing the short-term (2010) goals of the strategy, which includes the highly successful Clean Truck Program, launched in January of this year. The program included an innovative scrapping program that offered financial assistance to truckers who scrapped older, more polluting trucks for newer, cleaner models. Trucks calling at port terminals must be model year 1994 or earlier and be registered through the port’s Drayage Truck Registry.
Also cited was the At-Berth Clean Fuels Vessel Incentive Program, which provides a financial incentive to lines that use low-sulfur fuels while berthed in Seattle’s harbor. ABC Fuels just celebrated its 800th vessel call, and has removed approximately 500 metric tons of sulfur emissions from Seattle’s harbor.
“Longshore workers breathe the air at the port for tens of thousands of hours in our lifetime, and we appreciate that the port has created a successful model for cleaning up the air in our industry. The port’s approach is a win for our community because it promotes good jobs while making great strides in reducing emissions for us and for our friends and neighbors,” said Cameron Williams, President, ILWU Local 19.
The Terminal 117 cleanup, a joint project by the port and the City of Seattle, is a large, complex cleanup project located in the midst of a residential area. Through 2009 and 2010, the Port, working collaboratively with the City and EPA, planned and implemented a public process that communicated a vision of success for a T-117 cleanup plan that considers the community needs and interests along with their meaningful involvement and support.
The awards will be presented at the AAPA Annual Meeting, which will be held in Seattle later this year.
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