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Work on the new Middle Harbor project could begin as early as December

LONG BEACH – 04/15/09 – The Port of Long Beach Harbor Commission has unanimously approved the final Environmental Impact Report for the port’s $750 million the Middle Harbor Redevelopment Project.

The approval clears the way for the start-up of a 10-year expansion project that will modernize a pair of older shipping terminals at the port, create about 14,000 new permanent jobs, and cut air pollution at those terminals by 50% or more from existing levels.

Work on the project will be done in phases and could begin as early as December, said James Hankla, president of the board of commissioners."This is a chance to move these two terminals into the modern era, into the container shipping industry's greener and more business-friendly future," he said.

The final 1,500-page environmental report (EIR) on the project was released earlier this month. Previously, the draft report was circulated in May and June 2008 for 80 days of public review and comment.

The project calls for the modernization and reconfiguration of two older, irregularly shaped container shipping terminals to create one rectangular-shaped facility that would operate in a more “efficient and environmentally friendly” manner, according to a statement released by the port.

Updating the older terminals, it said “would enable the Port to fully implement the aggressive environmental measures in its Green Port Policy and Clean Air Action Plan, significantly cutting air pollution even as containerized trade increases...and expand Middle Harbor's on-dock rail infrastructure significantly to move more cargo by rail directly from the waterfront.”

In addition, the project will utilize “new technologies and cleaner fuels to minimize or eliminate the environmental impacts of shipping operations.”

For example, all ships would be required to plug into shore-side electrical power, or AMP, and shut down their diesel engines at the terminals, and use low-sulfur fuels for their main and auxiliary engines whenever they call at the port.

Among other environmentally friendly measures, the project would require lower-emission switching locomotives, alternative-fuel powered cargo equipment, compliance with the Green Flag vessel speed reduction program, cleaner tugboats and barges, "green" building (LEED) standards for terminal buildings, and the reuse or recycling of waste materials during construction."

As proposed in this environmental report, the Middle Harbor project would create the most environmentally responsible shipping terminal anywhere in the world," said Long Beach Port Executive Director Richard Steinke.

"It fulfills our responsibilities to the environment, economy and community, as it would provide many thousands of new jobs in Southern California while reducing air pollution."

The project “is needed to modernize aging Port infrastructure, keep Long Beach competitive in the business of international trade and create local jobs," he said, adding that, with the extensive reductions in environmental impacts outlined in the finalized EIR, the new shipping facilities “will be among the greenest in operation at any global seaport.

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