Diesel Emissions Down at Port of Oakland

Diesel emissions from trucks serving the Port of Oakland declined 98 percent between 2005 and 2015. In that same timeframe, ship emissions dropped 75 percent.

Those were the key findings of an emissions inventory the Port released last week. The results indicate the Port is advancing its 2008 commitment to reduce seaport-related diesel health risk by 85 percent by the year 2020.

The Port said that an analysis of the 2015 Emissions Inventory shows a 76 percent decrease in total diesel emissions at the Oakland Seaport. According to the Port’s study, truck diesel particulate matter (DPM) emissions have decreased from 16 tons in 2005 to 0.4 tons in 2015. Overall DPM emissions decreased from 261 tons to 63 tons. 

DPM exposure has been linked to increasing health risk for lung cancer.

The Port listed a number of contributing factors to its emissions improvements:

•    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 Port and environmental consultant Ramboll Environ compiled and calculated emissions data for 2015 from ships, harbor craft, cargo handling equipment, trucks and locomotives.

DPM improvements:

Trucks - DPM down 98 percent                                                                                                          
Locomotives - DPM down 89 percent                                                                                 
Cargo Handling Equipment - DPM down 82 percent                                                                           
Ocean Going Vessels - DPM down 75 percent                                                                        
Harbor Craft - DPM down 53 percent                                                                                

The Port said its 2009 Maritime Air Quality Improvement Plan has been the biggest factor in curbing 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.