6b
PORT OF SEATTLE MEMORANDUM COMMISSION AGENDA Item No. 6b ACTION ITEM Date of Meeting December 10, 2013 DATE: November 18, 2013 TO: Tay Yoshitani, Chief Executive Officer FROM: Stephanie Jones Stebbins, Director Seaport Environmental and Planning Janice Gedlund, Seaport Air Quality Program Manager SUBJECT: Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy Update Adoption ACTION REQUESTED Request Commission adoption of the Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy 2013 Update. No funding is associated with this request. SYNOPSIS The Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy 2013 Update is a revision to the Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy adopted by the Port of Seattle Commission on January 22, 2008. The strategy, a voluntary, collaborative effort between the Ports of Seattle, Tacoma, and Metro Vancouver (B.C.) is being updated to incorporate what was learned from the 2011 emissions inventory, which showed considerable across-the-board reductions in pollutants since the base year of 2005. The strategy update includes establishment of additional reduction goals for diesel particulate matter (DPM) and greenhouse gases (GHG); revised 2015 performance targets; establishment of 2020 performance targets; and an increased commitment to conduct pilot and demonstration projects. BACKGROUND The Port of Seattle, Port of Tacoma, and Port Metro Vancouver are continuing their collaborative efforts on the Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy to reduce maritime-related emissions from global marine trade and port operations in the Georgia BasinPuget Sound airshed. In developing and implementing the 2007 strategy and this 2013 strategy update, the three ports partnered with government agencies including Environment Canada and Metro Vancouver in Canada and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington State Department of Ecology, and Puget Sound Clean Air Agency in the United States. The port partners and governmental agencies worked together between January 2012 and May 2013 to develop the draft strategy update. Public Outreach on the Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy 2013 Update The Port conducted various stakeholder outreach efforts between September 2012 and May 2013 to get input on key elements of the strategy update. This included meetings with industrial Template revised May 30, 2013. COMMISSION AGENDA Tay Yoshitani, Chief Executive Officer November 18, 2013 Page 2 of 8 stakeholders such as trucking companies, truck drivers, cruise lines, container lines, and marine terminal operators; as well as with community groups and the Seattle City Council. On June 11, 2013, a public review draft of the strategy update was released. The Ports of Seattle and Tacoma's public comment period ran from June 11 through July 31, 2013. Port Metro Vancouver accepted public comments between June 21 and August 9, 2013. Comments were accepted at open houses, in person, by mail, and on-line. The Port of Seattle hosted two public meetings (June 26 and June 27). During that time, briefings on the strategy update were also given at a number of community council and neighborhood association meetings. The three ports received comments from 45 respondents. The Port of Seattle received 26 of those comments, 20 of which focused on trucks. The 45 comments covered: Truck owners' inability to afford the price and maintenance of a 2007 or newer trucks, especially in light of the reduced volume of cargo at the port. Appreciation for the Port of Seattle's proposed truck scrapping incentive program; but concern that the grant-funded project to provide incentives to scrap and replace 160 trucks does not help enough truck owners, and does not provide a high enough level of financial assistance. Concern regarding truck parking in Seattle neighborhoods. Concern that the reduction goals should be absolute rather than per ton of cargo. A need for a mandatory approach to emission reduction; and appreciation for aligning some targets, such as for ocean-going vessels, with regulations and established third-party certification programs. A need for greater financial support to meet targets. Suggestion to increase focus on alternative fuels such as natural gas and hydrogen fuel cells. A suggestion to expand the scope of the strategy (e.g., fugitive emissions, noise). Overall there was positive support of the strategy update and goals, and the pilot studies and demonstration projects. Revisions Made to the Draft Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy 2013 Update The changes made following internal and public review of the document are listed below: The 2015 interim goal of having 80% of trucks meet the 2007 emission standards was eliminated. A single target was set for the end of 2017 for trucks to meet or surpass EPA emission standards for model year 2007. Actions and targets for clean construction standards for engines used on port-led construction projects were clarified. It was clarified that the goal and target due dates refer to the end of the stated year (i.e. 2015 target means December 31, 2015). A statement was added to acknowledge that reduction of black carbon emissions, which contribute to climate change, is a co-benefit of reducing diesel particulate matter (DPM); COMMISSION AGENDA Tay Yoshitani, Chief Executive Officer November 18, 2013 Page 3 of 8 however, black carbon emissions have not been quantified in the ports' emission inventories or in this strategy update. A summary of the public review process and a summary of the key points made by reviewers were added to the document. PROJECT JUSTIFICATION AND DETAILS The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency's first Air Toxics Evaluation (2003) showed that 78% of the public health risk from air pollution in Puget Sound comes from diesel. Following that finding, the Port of Seattle voluntarily initiated and managed the first effort to quantify sources of maritime air emissions in the Puget Sound region. The result was the 2005 Puget Sound Maritime Air Emissions Inventory (2005 EI) which was developed by a forum of regulatory agencies, ports, industry, and non-governmental organizations. The 2005 EI, published in 2007, was a comprehensive baseline of all maritime-related emission sources (ocean-going vessels, cargohandling equipment, trucks, rail and harbor vessels) in the greater Puget Sound region. Since the adoption of the Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy in 2008, the ports, stakeholders and partners have achieved considerable progress toward emission reduction measures. The ports will continue to encourage the spirit of collaboration and cooperation among their partners to promote proactive engagement of stakeholders and implement innovative approaches for reducing emissions. The ports also recognize the need to review and adjust the strategy on a regular basis in light of new standards, technology advancement, air emissions data, and evolving climate change policy frameworks. Project Objectives To reduce emissions in advance of and complementary to regulations, the strategy update focuses on voluntary actions to address three primary objectives: 1. Reduce maritime-related air quality impacts from diesel particulate matter (DPM) emissions to decrease immediate and long-term health effects on human health, the economy, and the environment in the airshed. 2. Reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to limit contributions to climate change and reduce associated environmental, health, and economic impacts. 3. Help meet air-quality standards and objectives for the airshed. Scope of Work The strategy update contains airshed-wide goals for reducing maritime-related DPM and GHG emissions. To develop these goals, the strategy partners considered data collected through implementation since 2007, advances in emission-reduction technology, actions taken, and changes in the regulatory landscape. COMMISSION AGENDA Tay Yoshitani, Chief Executive Officer November 18, 2013 Page 4 of 8 The strategy partners updated the previous 2015 performance measures (now called performance targets) and set new performance targets for 2020. The strategy update includes new and updated actions and performance targets for the following sectors: 1. Ocean-going vessels 2. Harbor vessels 3. Cargo-handling equipment 4. Trucks 5. Locomotives and rail transport 6. Port administration The strategy update calls for pilot studies and demonstration projects designed to advance emission-reduction technologies for the maritime and port industry. Each year, the strategy partners publish an implementation report that summarizes emissionreduction activities and tracks progress on performance targets. The annual report presents progress and compares results with previous years. Every five years, the ports will update their air emissions inventories and analyze progress toward emission-reduction goals. Schedule Performance targets are set for the years 2015 and 2020. Port staff will continue ongoing efforts to meet these targets, and work will continue through December 31, 2020. Annual progress reports will be published each year. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS The following table summarizes outside costs included in the 2013 and 2014 operating budgets to support the Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy. Outside Cost Breakdown 2013 Budget 2014 Budget Operating Expenses: Outside service contracts to provide technical services in support of the program. $245,000 $299,000 Non-Operating Expenses: ABC Fuels 625,000 400,000 Cargo Handling Equipment 100,000 100,000 Truck Related Initiatives 325,000 3,392,000 Total Expenditures 1,295,000 4,191,000 Less: Grant Revenues (0) (2,689,000) Net Cost to Port $1,295,000 $1,502,000 Budget Status and Source of Funds Funds to implement the strategy update have been included in the Port's 2013 and 2014 operating budgets and the related forecasts used in developing the plan of finance. This includes expenditures COMMISSION AGENDA Tay Yoshitani, Chief Executive Officer November 18, 2013 Page 5 of 8 of funds classified as operating expenses and non-operating expenses and the offsetting receipt of funds from grants. The net cost to the Port is funded from the Seaport General Fund. Lifecycle Cost and Savings Seaport Environmental and Planning Department will continue its ongoing Air Quality Program, which will be tailored to specific emission reduction initiatives designed to achieve the goals and targets established in the strategy update. This program has ongoing operational costs related to environmental investments, including initiatives such as the current At-Berth Clean Fuels program, the Clean Truck program (including a grant-funded truck scrap/replace project, and a pilot project to convert diesel-powered dray trucks to run on compressed natural gas), the Green Gateway Partners Awards program, an idle-reduction project for cargo-handling equipment. STRATEGIES AND OBJECTIVES Adoption of the Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy 2013 Update aligns with the following Port strategic objectives: The Century Agenda strategy to be the greenest and most energy-efficient port in North America, and associated objective to reduce air pollutant emissions and greenhouse gases. The strategy update sets goals and targets to continue to reduce emissions of diesel particulate matter and greenhouse gases per ton of cargo over the next seven years. The Century Agenda strategy to position the Puget Sound region as a premier international logistics hub. Implementation of the strategy update will result in a greener supply chain for goods movement. The project supports the Port-wide strategy to manage our finances responsibly. The strategy update promotes collaboration with neighboring ports and regulatory agencies, thereby achieving economies of scale in assessing and implementing new approaches to reduce air emissions, and positioning the Port to compete successfully for government grant funding. TRIPLE BOTTOM LINE Economic Development Reducing diesel particulate matter and greenhouse gases can have a positive net economic benefit, due to savings from energy efficiency, as well as new "green" job opportunities in the energy, carbon technology, pollution control and related sectors of the economy. Environmental Responsibility The primary purpose of the Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy 2013 Update is to reduce air emissions, which will ultimately protect public health and the environment. Community Benefits The community will benefit from cleaner air. The strategy update incorporates a commitment to manage future growth in a way that improves air quality and supports sustainable port operations. COMMISSION AGENDA Tay Yoshitani, Chief Executive Officer November 18, 2013 Page 6 of 8 This includes collaboration with port tenants, customers, and other stakeholders who manage port activities and equipment that produce air emissions, as well as regional transportation agencies that can influence freight movement. ALTERNATIVES AND IMPLICATIONS CONSIDERED Alternative 1) No action do not adopt the strategy update. In this case, the Port would not be part of a collaborative effort with neighboring ports and regulatory agencies, and would not realize the benefits of a joint approach. This is not the recommended alternative. Alternative 2) Adopt the strategy update. Results of the 2011 Puget Sound Maritime Emissions Inventory, as well as annual implementation reports, indicate that the program has been successful to date. The basic objectives of the updated strategy have not changed from the original version. It advances the harmonized approach of improving air quality and reducing maritime impacts to public health and the environment while supporting economic growth. This is the recommended alternative. ATTACHMENTS TO THIS REQUEST Final version of the Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy 2013 Update PREVIOUS COMMISSION ACTIONS OR BRIEFINGS December 3, 2013 the Commission was briefed on the Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy 2013 Update. June 25, 2013 the Commission was briefed on the draft 2013 update to the Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy. December 4, 2012 the Commission was briefed on the results of the 2011 Puget Sound Maritime Air Emissions Inventory and options for accelerating the NWPCAS truck goals. May 1, 2012 the Commission authorized to sign agreement 20090046 Amendment 5 with the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency to transfer $1,050,000 in funds to support the implementation of the Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy. Amendment 5 increased the total amount transferred from the Port to PSCAA since 2009 to $5,216,250. February 7, 2012 the Commission was briefed on the Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy and on the Port's current air quality program effort, and draft recommendations on options for accelerating Seaport Clean Air Strategy goals. July 12, 2011 the Commission was briefed on the Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy 2010 Implementation Report and interim report on Accelerating Clean Air Goals. February 1, 2011 the Commission authorized to sign agreement 20090046 Amendment 4 with the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency to transfer $1,160,250 in funds to support the implementation of the Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy, and to extend the end date from June 30, 2011, to June 30, 2013. Amendment 4 increased the total amount transferred from the Port to PSCAA since 2009 to $4,166,250. January 4, 2011 the Commission adopted the "Motion to Accelerate Seaport Clean Air Goals to 2015." COMMISSION AGENDA Tay Yoshitani, Chief Executive Officer November 18, 2013 Page 7 of 8 December 7, 2010 the Commission was briefed on the Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy Implementation Status. November 9, 2010 the Commission authorized to increase the amount of the At-Berth Clean Fuels Vessel Incentive Program by $110,250, for a total 2010 annual program budget of $951,750, to cover participation by the projected number of qualifying vessel visits for the remainder of the year. June 8, 2010 the Commission authorized to supplement the value of the At-Berth Clean Fuels Vessel Incentive Program by $541,500, for a total 2010 annual program budget of $841,500. Within the $541,500, $135,000 represents funds that were originally approved in 2009, but were not used until 2010. January 12, 2010 the Commission was briefed on the Seaport's Air Quality Program. August 25, 2009 the Commission received a Clean Air Update. August 25, 2009 the Commission authorized a revised Customer Support Package lease amendment with Total Terminals Inc.; and authorized the Port to purchase energy efficient light fixtures and related equipment for T-46, for an amount not to exceed $680,000. June 23, 2009 the Commission received a briefing on the Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy 2008 Implementation Report. April 14, 2009 the Commission authorized an agreement with Puget Sound Clean Air Agency, to transfer $2.3 million ($1.15 million in 2009 and $1.15 million in 2010) from the Port's operating budget to support the implementation of the Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy. April 14, 2009 the Commission authorized the execution of lease agreements with Total Terminals Inc. for Terminal 46, SSAT (Seattle) for Terminal 25/30, SSA Terminals for Terminal 18, and Eagle Marine for Terminal 5, to incorporate the Customer Support Package and the Ports Clean Air Program into those leases. March 31, 2009 the Commission was briefed on the customer support package and the Clean Air Program. February 10, 2009 the Commission held a policy roundtable discussion of the Clean Air Program. December 2, 2008 the Commission authorized a transfer of $500,000 to the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency for the At-Berth Clean Fuels Vessel Incentive Program. November 11, 2008 the Commission was briefed on the Port's Clean Truck Program. September 2, 2008 the Commission was briefed on the Port's Clean Truck Program for drayage operations at West Coast Seaports. July 8, 2008 the Commission was briefed on the Port's Clean Truck Program. April 1, 2008 the Commission and the public were briefed on the Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy implementation. January 22, 2008 the Commission adopted the Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy. December 6, 2007 the Commission was briefed on the revised draft of the Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy. August 28, 2007 the Commission adopted Resolution No. 3585, endorsing the U.S. Proposal to the International Maritime Organization seeking more stringent air emissions standards for ocean going vessels. COMMISSION AGENDA Tay Yoshitani, Chief Executive Officer November 18, 2013 Page 8 of 8 April 10, 2007 the Commission was briefed on the Puget Sound Maritime Air Emissions Inventory Project. March 27, 2007 the Commission authorized the amendment of the existing contract for the Air Emission Inventory in the amount of $25,000, and to receive and spend supplemental funding for the Puget Sound Maritime Air Emissions Inventory Project. February 16, 2007 the Commission passed a series of environmental motions that required, in part, that staff present an air quality action plan for Commission approval. April 26, 2005 the Commission authorized joint development of the Puget Sound Maritime Air Emissions Inventory and $500,000 for support and implementation of the project. February 9, 2005 the Commission adopted Resolution No. 3534, expressing its commitment to Maritime Air Quality.
Limitations of Translatable Documents
PDF files are created with text and images are placed at an exact position on a page of a fixed size.
Web pages are fluid in nature, and the exact positioning of PDF text creates presentation problems.
PDFs that are full page graphics, or scanned pages are generally unable to be made accessible, In these cases, viewing whatever plain text could be extracted is the only alternative.