Charleston commits to cleaner air

The South Carolina State Ports Authority (SCSPA) and seven on-terminal tenants will all be using ULSD by no later than September of this year, nearly two years before it is required by federal regulations. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has mandated that all off-road equipment switch to ULSD by 2010. The Ports Authority and seven different companies use fuel on the public marine terminals in Charleston to power on-terminal cranes, lifting equipment, buses, trucks, refrigerated container generators and other engines. The upgrade has certain commercial impact. ULSD can be more expensive than traditional low sulphur fuel. However, due to increased use and demand for off road ULSD, the fuel is now available in larger quantities in the area. Also, engine upgrades or replacements may be necessary to use the cleaner fuel. “We can achieve a cleaner environment while developing additional business in the Port of Charleston,” says Bernard Groseclose, President and CEO of the SCSPA.

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