EPA Presents Port of Seattle with Clean Air Excellence Award

The Port of Seattle's innovative programs to improve air quality in the Puget Sound region are being recognized today (April 5) by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency with the agency's Clean Air Excellence Award.

The Port of Seattle was honored for programs to reduce diesel emissions both at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and in the Seattle harbor, as well as its other environmental programs. The Port is among 16 agencies cited by the EPA nation-wide. It was the first time a Port Authority has received the award. (The Port of Los Angeles also was honored this year for emissions-reduction technology.)

"We are especially honored to be recognized for our environmental programs," said Patricia Davis, President of the Seattle Port Commission. "Environmental stewardship is a key value and operational directive at the Port of Seattle. And working with our customers, other agencies and Puget Sound residents to care for the environment is crucial for continuing to operate facilities that support the region's economy."

The Port was nominated for the award by the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency.

"We've been very pleased to work in partnership with the Port of Seattle in taking a leadership role in developing air quality initiatives. It's making a difference for public health and the environment," said Dennis McLerran, executive director of the clean air agency.

Sea-Tac Airport has made significant changes in technology to reduce emissions.
The airport operates a fleet of 64 natural gas vehicles and requires taxis and shuttle buses to convert to the cleaner-burning fuel.
A new aircraft-fueling system carries fuel directly from storage tanks to aircraft gates, eliminating the need for diesel-powered tanker trucks.
Construction vehicles working on the new runway are required to use lower emitting engines and ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel. The Seaport now is one of only two places in the United States - the other is in Alaska - where cruise lines can plug into the electrical grid at the cruise terminal, eliminating the need to run the ship's engines while in port. Other changes include:
Working with other cruise lines to switch to cleaner-burning, low-sulfur fuel.
Making biodiesel available to boaters at Shilshole Bay Marina, and converting maintenance and cargo-handling equipment to biodiesel.
Providing on-dock rail to eliminate truck trips.

"Your innovative, creative projects exhibit the best of our nation's ongoing commitment to advance the steady march toward cleaner air and healthier lives," EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson said in a statement to the 16 winners. "I appreciate your outstanding work and dedication. Your achievements are not merely personal accomplishments - they are an inspiration to others."

The Port is working to become a leader in the area in protecting the air quality. Later this month, Port staff will lead a biodiesel workshop at Sea-Tac, aimed at helping other agencies and municipalities make changes in their equipment.

"While air quality improvements have been a focus in the past year, the Port is taking a wide range of other actions to improve the human and natural environment," said Davis added. For example, a voluntary agreement signed in 2004 by the Washington State Department of Ecology, Northwest Cruise Ship Association and the Port helps protect Puget Sound from wastewater pollution. The agreement sets standards for wastewater treatment and discharge that exceed federal requirements.

The seaport also uses a 100 percent organic approach to landscaping at its 19 public access parks and other properties, reducing hazardous wastes and conserving water. Last year, the program earned a prestigious "Five Star" rating from King County EnviroStars.

A comprehensive airport recycling program received the Washington State Recycling Association's award for Environmental Excellence in 2003. The Port recycles airport wastes including coffee grounds, cooking oils, paper, plastics, cans, pallets, batteries and printer and copier cartridges. Since the program was expanded in 2001, recycling has increased by 900 percent.