BALTIMORE (Map, News) – 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.