With the original CAAP on track to meet or exceed its objectives, the proposed update includes long-term goals, including an 85% reduction in cancer risk from port-related diesel pollution by 2020.
The original CAAP established the most comprehensive strategy for reducing port-related air pollution and associated health risks, with a range of air pollution control initiatives including the ports' clean truck programs, vessel pollution reduction programs, and a Technology Advancement Program (TAP) that fosters the development of ‘clean technology' applications, such as the world's first hybrid-electric tugboat, all-electric Class 8 port trucks, and the nation's greenest short-line railroad.
According to Port of Long Beach executive director Richard Steinke, the CAAP, forged in cooperation between the ports and the regulatory agencies, has been extremely successful.
During the three and a half years since the original CAAP was adopted, the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles have demonstrated their ability to work with industry and implement initiatives that achieve reductions is emissions and health-risks. In addition, significant regulatory changes have reduced emissions from all port sources: ships, locomotives, terminal equipment, trucks and harbour craft.
The proposed CAAP Update builds on these successes, outlining strategies for the next five years, and identifying longer-term goals.
The ports expect to exceed the estimates for reducing air pollution within the original CAAP's five-year timeline. Going forward, the ports propose, as part of the CAAP Update, to adopt new ‘San Pedro Bay Standards' that will set ambitious goals for reducing cancer risk reductions by 2020 and a series of emissions reductions by 2014 and 2023.
The Long Beach and Los Angeles boards of harbour commissioners will consider adoption of the Draft 2010 CAAP Update this summer.
