Diesel emissions from trucks and ships serving the Port of Oakland declined 98 percent and 75 percent respectively between 2005 and 2015, as found by an emissions inventory released by the port.
According to the port, an analysis of the 2015 Emissions Inventory shows a 76 percent decrease in total diesel emissions at the Oakland Seaport. “This is a significant achievement,” said Richard Sinkoff, Director of Environmental Programs and Planning at the Port. “The reduction in seaport diesel emissions is important because it’s closely related to reducing health risk for our neighboring communities.”
The port’s study found that truck Diesel Particulate Matter (DPM) emissions have decreased from 16 tons in 2005 to 0.4 tons in 2015, while overall DPM emissions decreased from 261 tons to 63 tons.
The port said its 2009 Maritime Air Quality Improvement Plan has been the biggest factor in curbing diesel emissions. The plan was adopted to reduce the health risk from diesel emissions. It was developed in conjunction with nearby residents, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, California Air Resources Board, Bay Area Air Quality Management District, trucking companies, marine terminal operators, railroads and ocean carriers.
Other contributing factors to the emissions improvements include a $38 million grant program to upgrade and replace the oldest trucks operating at the port; a ban on trucks that aren’t compliant with statewide emissions requirements; shipping lines switching to cleaner burning, low sulfur fuel; and a $60 million project to construct a power grid that ships can plug into at berth rather than relying on auxiliary diesel engines.
“The work and investments by the port and our partners have nearly eliminated Port truck emissions and greatly reduced other emissions,” said Chris Lytle, Port of Oakland Executive Director. “But we’re not done – we’ll keep working to minimize the potential impact that trade has on our community.”
The port and environmental consultant Ramboll Environ compiled and calculated emissions data for 2015 and found that DPM has been reduced from trucks (down 98 percent), locomotives (down 89 percent), cargo handling equipment (down 82 percent), oceangoing vessels (down 75 percent) and harbor craft (down 53 percent).