The Puget Sound Maritime Air Forum released a report which found out that the air around Puget Sound ports is getting cleaner. Emissions have been a significant problem in this area, which was increasing health problems.
Namely, the study was conducted by the Puget Sound Maritime Air Forum partners, a voluntary association of seven ports, including the Port of Seattle, six government agencies, and three industrial partners, and showed that:
- Maritime-related air pollutant emissions decreased in nearly every sector between 2005 and 2016.
- Air pollutant emissions decreased by up to 97%, depending on the type.
- A 69% decrease for fine particles, which are harmful to human health.
Maritime-related air pollution especially, has decreased by 40% since 2005. The Port of Seattle’s air emissions of various pollutants decreased by 5% to 38%, depending on the pollutant.
[smlsubform prepend=”GET THE SAFETY4SEA IN YOUR INBOX!” showname=false emailtxt=”” emailholder=”Enter your email address” showsubmit=true submittxt=”Submit” jsthanks=false thankyou=”Thank you for subscribing to our mailing list”]
The reduction of emissions is caused because of significant voluntary investments in cleaner technology, cleaner fuels and more efficient methods of operation. The Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy along with mandatory engine and fuel standards are also reducing emissions in the Puget Sound airshed.
However, the 2016 emissions compared to 2011 were lower for all pollutants, except for CO emissions. The 2016 vs 2011 CO emissions are higher mainly due to the harbor vessels increase in CO emissions resulting from newer engines with higher CO emission standards.
View the full report in the following PDF
