Expert: Rob Gibson - 1/31/2009

Question
Hi, I live in the United States of America and i just recently moved to area with alot of air pollution because we live near the Port, where ships and diesels brings in many shipments. I just learned that the people here are at risk for cancer three times higher than the rest of the city.
Me and a couple of the neighbors are planning to go to the city and complain and also provide some solution but I cant really think of any solutions.

What could the solution be to improve our air quality? what could the Port of Oakland do, if properly funded?

Answer
Dear Kita

Thanks for your question.

I had a quick look round the www regarding your question and found the following:

If they are doing what they say they are doing it seems quite good to me.  However it seems there is a technique known as "cold ironing" which they claim not to be cost effective.  Cold ironing allows ships in port to avoid using their auxiliary generators. They hook up to the mains instead.  Reduced (diesel) generator use equals less emissions to air, see pdf below.

http://www.portofoakland.com/pdf/airQuality.pdf

Seems to me that this would be a useful addition to their action plan and the they should not be able to get away with the "this costs too much" argument.  Other ports in the states do this.

The other thing you could ask if for the port to speed up the introduction of mitigating actions.

I hope this helps and good luck.


Rob Gibson