The Greening of Ports

The Greening of the World'sPorts

The idea of a clean, green port would have been an oxymoron. The gateways to global commerce have ranked as some of the world's most polluting places, industrial behemoths spewing toxins into the air and water. Now, as globalization booms and more ships than ever are crossing oceans, some ports are working toward being more environmentally friendly—to people, wildlife, and the environment.

Keeping the Water Clean

Water pollution has received far less attention from ports, perhaps because it doesn't bother human neighbors as much. Many shipping practices pollute water, including discharge of untreated bilge water, gray water, sewage, and ballast water, which can transport invasive species. Ship maintenance and accidents, from spilled fuel to upset cargo, are also sources of pollution.

Water quality has received more attention in the Northwest, where tourists flock to admire the region's pristine natural beauty. High annual rainfall also creates copious runoff that can sweep port pollutants into waterways. Port Metro Vancouver leads in strategies to keep water clean. It requires the capture and treatment of storm water and industrial water, says Wilson, rather than just letting it run off directly into the bay as many other ports do.

To clean storm water and industrial runoff, the port's terminals have catch basins, sort of like a trap in a kitchen sink, to catch oil and grit and separate them from water. Water used for industrial applications must be treated to ensure that contaminants do not enter the aquatic environment. In the event of a spill or emergency, the drains to the environment can be closed or shut off.Likewise, cleaning ship hulls in dock is strictly regulated. Water and debris coming off the ship is captured and transferred to a barge, where it is treated.

British Columbia, however, is a hot spot for oil pipeline and liquefied natural gas export facility development, and many residents are concerned about spills that would taint the marine environment. Those fears were realized on April 9 when an anchored bulk carrier ship from Greece, the MV Marathassa , spilled oil into English Bay just west of downtown. The slow containment and cleanup response furtherraised public ire.

Efforts to clean up port activity are particularly important now because shipping is booming worldwide. Economic globalization has dramatically ramped up ship traffic. This year, Panama will finish widening its canal, allowing giant ships from Asia to reach the East Coast for the first time. To keep up with demand, most ports are expanding.

Source: TakePart

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