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Port of Charleston Works Toward Greener Operations

By Ashley Thiesen Caldwell | November 15, 2009

A robust, growing port and a cleaner, healthier environment are long-term goals of the Port of Charleston. As part of last month’s “World Maritime Day” festivities, the Port hosted various businesses, which showcased various projects aimed at benefiting and protecting the environment.

At the South Carolina State Ports Authority’s (SCSPA) Wando Welch Terminal, the U.S. Coast Guard joined various maritime businesses to further develop projects that will reduce the port industry’s impact on air emissions.

While the port sees the movement of more than $60 billion of cargo on an annual basis, many businesses are concerned with the environmental impact of their operations. The port industry recognizes the fact that they can still continue operations while minimizing negative environmental impacts.

As part of its comprehensive “Pledge for Growth” environmental initiative, the SCSPA and private companies are taking a proactive role in improving air quality in the region through a number of programs. These projects include the reduction of truck emissions along with cleaner fuels and engines.

The SCSPA and several private companies are working in partnership with the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce, the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control, the S.C. Trucking Association, the EPA and the American Lung Association. Together, they have partnered on more than $5 million in various projects aimed at reducing diesel emissions.

These projects include idle reduction devices and filters on trucks, repowering 57 pieces of cargo-handling equipment and repowering two local tug boats and a dredge. These projects alone will eliminate more than 2,500 tons of pollutants and reduce fuel consumption.

The Port of Charleston is vital to the surrounding economy and is an economic development engine for the state. Port operations facilitate 260,800 jobs across South Carolina and nearly $45 billion in economic activity each year.

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