Last month, the Port of Oakland reported that diesel emissions from trucks serving the Port of Oakland declined 98 percent between 2005 and 2015.
By BC Staff
Published: November, 2016
Last month, the Port of Oakland reported that diesel emissions from trucks serving the Port of Oakland declined 98 percent between 2005 and 2015. In that same timeframe, ship emissions dropped 75 percent.
Those were the key findings of an emissions inventory the port released at the end of October. The results indicate the port is advancing its 2008 commitment to reduce seaport-related diesel health risk by 85 percent by the year 2020.
The port said that an analysis of the 2015 emissions inventory shows a 76 percent decrease in total diesel emissions at the Port of Oakland. “This is a significant achievement,” said Richard Sinkoff, the port’s director of environmental programs and planning. “The reduction in seaport diesel emissions is important because it’s closely related to reducing health risk for our neighboring communities.”
According to the port’s study, truck diesel particulate matter (DPM) emissions have decreased from 16 tons in 2005 to 0.4 tons in 2015. Overall DPM emissions decreased from 261 tons to 63 tons. DPM exposure has been linked to an increasing health risk for lung cancer.
The port listed a number of contributing factors to its emissions improvements:
• a $38 million grant program to upgrade and replace the oldest trucks operating at the port;
• a ban on trucks that aren’t compliant with statewide emissions requirements;
• shipping lines switching to cleaner burning, low-sulfur fuel; and
• a $60 million project to construct a power grid that ships can plug into at berth rather than relying on auxiliary diesel engines.
“The work and investments by the port and our partners have nearly eliminated port truck emissions and greatly reduced other emissions,” said Port of Oakland Executive Director Chris Lytle. “But we’re not done—we’ll keep working to minimize the potential impact that trade has on our community.”
The port and environmental consultant Ramboll Environ compiled and calculated emissions data for 2015 from ships, harbor craft, cargo handling equipment, trucks and locomotives.
Here’s the breakdown of DPM emissions improvement:
• trucks – DPM down 98 percent
• locomotives – DPM down 89 percent
• cargo handling equipment – DPM down 82 percent ocean going vessels – DPM down 75 percent
• harbor craft – DPM down 53 percent
The port said its 2009 Maritime Air Quality Improvement Plan has been the biggest factor in curbing diesel emissions. The plan was adopted to reduce the health risk from diesel emissions. It was developed in conjunction with nearby residents, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, California Air Resources Board, Bay Area Air Quality Management District, trucking companies, marine terminal operators, railroads and ocean carriers.
The Port of Oakland oversees the Oakland seaport, Oakland International Airport and 20 miles of waterfront. Together with its business partners, the port supports more than 73,000 jobs in the region and nearly 827,000 jobs across the United States. You can connect with the Port of Oakland and Oakland International Airport through Facebook, or with the port on Twitter, YouTube and at www.portofoakland.com.
