Post by canhauler on Oct 5, 2008 15:43:33 GMT -5
dailypress.com
The Virginia Port Authority is recognized for environmental stewardship and reducing pollution.
By PETER FROST
September 29, 2008
The Virginia Port Authority on Thursday was recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency for its environmental stewardship and commitment to reducing pollution.
The authority, which has oversight of three marine terminals in Hampton Roads and an inland port in the Shenandoah Valley, is one of 10 mid-Atlantic recipients of EPA's first environmental achievement awards, which recognize groups, agencies, individuals and businesses making "extraordinary contributions to improving the environment."
Among the authority's achievements, according to the EPA:
• It has assisted in water quality improvements to marine terminals that exceed state regulatory requirements.
• It has volunteered to participate in a federal program to develop and implement a diesel retrofit program for local truckers, making it the first U.S. port involved with the program.
• The authority is using innovative policies for replacing equipment, and it has voluntarily converted to ultra-low sulfur diesel three years ahead of the federal mandate, resulting in a 33 percent reduction in emissions from port operations over a 5-year period.
• It has completed habitat restoration and public outreach in the Hampton Roads area.
Heather Mantz, the authority's director of environmental affairs, said the award recognizes the port's body of environmental work over several years.
The authority consistently reviews its terminal operations with the goal of improving efficiency, which benefits the environment as well as the cost of doing business, she said.
"I think what's really happened here is that everyone has started to realize that making environmental improvements is part of the overall success of the port," she said.
In July, the state-owned marine terminal operator was the first major port on the U.S. East Coast to become certified by the International Organization for Standards for its environmental management.
Also this summer, the EPA awarded the authority a $750,000 grant to help pay for the lease and eventual purchase of three fuel-efficient locomotives for its rail operations at its Norfolk marine terminals.
The Portsmouth-based Elizabeth River Project was also recognized for its partnerships to restore a major tributary of the Chesapeake Bay.
Copyright © 2008, Newport News, Va., Daily Press
The Virginia Port Authority is recognized for environmental stewardship and reducing pollution.
By PETER FROST
September 29, 2008
The Virginia Port Authority on Thursday was recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency for its environmental stewardship and commitment to reducing pollution.
The authority, which has oversight of three marine terminals in Hampton Roads and an inland port in the Shenandoah Valley, is one of 10 mid-Atlantic recipients of EPA's first environmental achievement awards, which recognize groups, agencies, individuals and businesses making "extraordinary contributions to improving the environment."
Among the authority's achievements, according to the EPA:
• It has assisted in water quality improvements to marine terminals that exceed state regulatory requirements.
• It has volunteered to participate in a federal program to develop and implement a diesel retrofit program for local truckers, making it the first U.S. port involved with the program.
• The authority is using innovative policies for replacing equipment, and it has voluntarily converted to ultra-low sulfur diesel three years ahead of the federal mandate, resulting in a 33 percent reduction in emissions from port operations over a 5-year period.
• It has completed habitat restoration and public outreach in the Hampton Roads area.
Heather Mantz, the authority's director of environmental affairs, said the award recognizes the port's body of environmental work over several years.
The authority consistently reviews its terminal operations with the goal of improving efficiency, which benefits the environment as well as the cost of doing business, she said.
"I think what's really happened here is that everyone has started to realize that making environmental improvements is part of the overall success of the port," she said.
In July, the state-owned marine terminal operator was the first major port on the U.S. East Coast to become certified by the International Organization for Standards for its environmental management.
Also this summer, the EPA awarded the authority a $750,000 grant to help pay for the lease and eventual purchase of three fuel-efficient locomotives for its rail operations at its Norfolk marine terminals.
The Portsmouth-based Elizabeth River Project was also recognized for its partnerships to restore a major tributary of the Chesapeake Bay.
Copyright © 2008, Newport News, Va., Daily Press