Port of LA rolling back on pollution measures?

Government records obtained by The LA Times, under the California Public Records Act, show that the port assured China Shipping that it would face no consequences for violating a major requirements and rolled back on pollution-cutting measures.

Philip Sanfield from the Port of LA explained there is more to the story than the LA Times is reporting. He told GreenPort: It’s important to note that even with the issue we face at China Shipping, emission inventories at China Shipping are currently at or below all levels studied in the 2008 Environmental Impact Report.”

“Also, as our recent air quality report card states, we have make unprecedented gains over the last decade. The China Shipping shortcomings are something we are committed to addressing,” he added.

The Port of LA has been very open to addressing the topic with Gene Seroka, the port’s executive director, disclosing the issue and setting forth a plan to address it at a meeting in October.

Mr Seroka, added: “I found this problem, I disclosed it, and I now own it. The quotes in the media are accurate. I will find a way to fix this issue, I do not have all the answers but that is why I will continue to work with experts.”

“Shortly after I joined the city of Los Angeles, staff reported to me that there were some concerns around the China Shipping terminal and its environmental strategy achievements,” stated Mr Seroka at the Board of Harbour Commissioners meeting.

He continued: “At that time I did my own qualified research relying on experts and those before us. I have already spoken directly with our Mayor to inform him of the situation.”

Once enough information was found by the executive director and his team a notice of preparation was put together, which takes months of planning and collaboration. The Port of LA believe that have followed the best rule of law with the situation.

Mr Seroka, concluded: “The emission-mitigation measures, 52 of which we now know, were far beyond their sight. Some of the measures have fallen short. In all honesty, I can tell you that some of the mitigation measures are quite questionable. It is my duty now to find way we can advance.”

The port pledged to work on reducing harmful remissions from diesel trucks, container ships and cargo handling equipment as a condition of allowing the company to expand its terminal in 2008.

Reducing these emissions at the Port of LA (and its neighbour port at Long Beach) is critical to cleaning the region’s air, due to it being the largest single pollution source in Southern California.