Page 24 - Port of Baltimore Magazine November/December 2016

AIR QUALITY
Port Awarded Almost $1M for Diesel Emissions Reduction
FEDERAL GRANT PART OF LONG-STANDING RELATIONSHIP WITH U.S ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY BY TODD KARPOVICH
The Port of Baltimore is able to balance its role as a driving economic engine for the region with that of environmental steward for the Chesapeake Bay and surrounding communities. The U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recognized both that efficiency and how the Maryland Port Administration (MPA) effectively uses federal funds for environmental improvements.
In October, the EPA reinforced
its commitment to the Port with a $978,302 Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) grant to Maryland Environmental Services, which will use the funds to upgrade diesel equipment that is used to move cargo at the Port. This will improve overall fuel efficiency and ideally reduce harmful pollutants impacting nearby communities.
“This helps our environmental health, but also helps recognize the importance of the Port of Baltimore,” U.S. Senator Ben Cardin said during a ceremony at the Port’s shiny
new berth in Dundalk. “The Port of Baltimore produces thousands of jobs. This is one of the most competitive ports in our country. This is good for America. We have to do it in a way that is mindful of the risks to our environment. This is another chapter in not only making the Port more competitive but making it healthier.”
MPA Deputy Executive Director Kathleen Broadwater said the Port has forged a strong relationship with the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) and the EPA.
“We have, in recent years, worked together very collaboratively toward good environmental stewardship, while protecting and growing the Port of
“Through initiatives like our Clean Diesel and Dray
Truck Replacement programs, we have been able to remove nearly 9,000 tons of air pollutants around the Port.” – Charles Glass, Maryland Department of Transportation Assistant Secretary
The grant will pay for exhaust- system upgrades or replacing diesel engines on up to 26 pieces of cargo- handling equipment, such as forklifts and yard tractors. The project will also install five automatic stop-start anti- idling devices on locomotives used at a nearby rail yard to move rail cars that come through the Port.
Baltimore,” Broadwater said. “Through the years, the MPA has invested
time and money in its environmental initiatives. This announcement will allow this investment to continue.”
Over the lifespan of the equipment, the project is expected to reduce diesel particulate matter (PM) by 14.86 tons, carbon monoxide (CO) by 88.42 tons,
[22] The Port of Baltimore ■ November/December 2016