California port celebrates ‘Green Port Month’

As part of its eco-activities this month, the Port of San Diego will sponsor a cleanup site at I Love a Clean San Diego’s Coastal Cleanup Day on 21 September. It will also mark this yearly tradition with its annual ‘Green Port Year in Review’ document, which outlines the Port’s environmental achievements and will be presented at the Board of Port Commissioners meeting this month.

“As champions of San Diego Bay, the Port of San Diego works every day to protect the fragile environment of its dynamic waterfront,” said Garry Bonelli, chairman of the Board of Port Commissioners. “Our Green Port Program helps reduce air pollution, saves energy and water, and keeps our bay clean and beautiful. Green Port Month puts the spotlight on the Port’s work and affords everyone the opportunity to celebrate our environmental successes.”

As part of its environmental efforts in fiscal year 2018/2019, the port installed 27 electric vehicle charging stations at three port facilities; implemented the Terminal Stormwater Action Plan to proactively prevent water quality impacts from activities at the Port’s marine terminals; provided water quality and biological monitoring efforts for 10 in-water construction projects within San Diego Bay; launched the first commercial seaweed aquaculture project in San Diego Bay; and became Green Marine Certified.

Additionally, the port secured partnerships and grant funding to monitor endangered species; assist with green transportation projects; install charging stations for electric cargo handling equipment; and install an innovative modular wetland system to capture and treat stormwater.