Green efforts shared on Earth Day

On the 22 April, the Port of Hueneme unveiled the results of its fourth annual environmental assessment and accreditation conducted by the voluntary environmental certification programme for the North American maritime industry.

For 2019, the port achieved top scores in 4 out of 6 categories. These included waste management (5/5); prevention of spills and leakages (5/5); community impacts (5/5); environmental leadership (5/5); underwater noise (2/5); and greenhouse gases and air pollution (3/5).

Kristin Decas, CEO and director of the port, owned and operated by Oxnard Harbor District, stated: “Since 2008, our Port has reduced air emissions by 87%, and have reduced each category of environmental impacts through a rigorous Environmental Management Framework set in motion in 2015. I look forward to continuing to partner with all of our stakeholders in creating cleaner operations we all benefit from.”

The port’s recent initiatives have included hosting Ventura County’s first ever Clean Air Day (October 2, 2019); investing US$140,000 in two air quality monitors which were installed on top of Haycox Elementary School; and securing grant funds from the Ventura County Air Pollution Control District to fund electrical power plugs to help run the new hybrid cargo crane.

The port said it is looking forward to implementing more of its clean air plan this year. It anticipates that these efforts will help it raise its air quality score with Green Marine.