(May 20, 2008) -- Stressing the potential for jobs and cleaner operations, the Port of LB has released a draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR)/Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) that it proposes to use as legal justification for a major capacity expanding development that would reshape two container terminals to create a single facility in the middle harbor.

Now

Proposed

Images source: PoLB

LB's Board of Harbor Commissioners is allowing the legal minimum 45 days for public review and comment on the document.

To access the document and other related materials, click here.

In a release on its website, PoLB says:

The Middle Harbor redevelopment plan proposes to reconfigure two older, irregularly shaped container shipping terminals to create one rectangular-shaped facility that would operate in a more efficient and environmentally friendly manner. In addition to the thousands of new, permanent jobs, the project would also generate about 1,000 construction jobs a year during the 10 years of construction.

Updating the older terminals 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. By expanding the Middle Harbor's on-dock rail infrastructure, and moving more cargo by rail directly from the waterfront, the project would take as many as 1,000 trucks a day off roadways.

"As proposed in this detailed draft environmental report, the Middle Harbor project would create the most environmentally responsible shipping terminal anywhere in the world," said Port Executive Director Richard D. 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 would utilize new technologies and cleaner fuels to minimize or eliminate the environmental impacts of shipping operations. For example, all ships would be required to use shore-side electrical power and shut down their diesel engines at berth, and use low-sulfur fuels for their main and auxiliary engines. 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.

The Port has scheduled two public hearings to receive comments on the EIR. The meetings will be Wednesday, June 11 at 6:30 p.m. at the LB City Council Chambers, 333 W. Ocean Blvd. and Wednesday, June 18 at 6:30 p.m. at Silverado Park, 1545 W. 31st St., Long Beach.

And the Port is accepting written comments, which can be submitted by email cameron@polb.com or in hard-copy to 925 Harbor Plaza, Long Beach CA 90802, attn: Richard D. Cameron, Director of Environmental Planning.

PoLB has also webposted the following: