Long Beach cuts coke dust

The percentage of petroleum coke dust found in samples collected around the port in the first quarter of this year shows a 7% concentration, only slightly higher than the 6% found in the first quarter of 2002. The concentration remains down significantly from the 21% in 1996 and the 19% recorded as recently as 2001. In recent years, the port has covered all petroleum coke storage piles, increased street sweeping and upgraded coke handling equipment.