Piano d'azione dell'U.S Environmental Protection Agency per ridurre l'impatto ambientale dei porti

L'U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ha presentato il piano “Vision, Mission, and Strategy for Sustainable Ports” che contiene una serie di misure per ridurre l'impatto ambientale delle attività portuali.

Nel piano sono definite oltre 70 possibili misure attuabili con la collaborazione delle autorità e degli operatori portuali con l'obiettivo di quantificare e ridurre le emissioni inquinanti nei porti.

EPA Strategy for Sustainable Ports
Purpose	Using the framework of the Administrator’s Action Plan, support existing and new EPA programs and projects that will produce measurable results within the next 18 months and lay the groundwork for further actions in support of EPA 's Vision for Sustainable Ports, as well as related components of EPA’s 2006-2011 Strategic Plan.
Theme: Clean Air & Affordable Energy	Goods Movement Actions
	1.A	Develop a transportation supply chain approach to reducing air pollution from freight movement that recognizes the critical role the ports play in goods movement and allows shippers to choose cleaner methods to move goods.
	1.B	Utilize existing EPA programs, such as the National Clean Diesel Campaign, Regional Diesel Retrofit Collaboratives & SmartWay Transport, to promote emission reductions in the supply chain.
	1.C	Develop a supply chain model to help shippers & carriers quantify the environmental footprint of goods movement & establish corporate improvement goals for emissions performance by December 2008.
	1.D	Develop a tiered set of emissions reductions goals for major ports responsible for a significant percentage of U.S. international trade, focusing on port operations/expansion, intermodal fleet modernization & key maritime sources.
	1.E	Work with ports to encourage their business partners to establish meaningful (LEED-like) agreements with SmartWay Transport Partners (e.g., freight owners) to reduce the impacts of shipping goods by using cleaner fuels and more efficient routes, operations & technologies.
	Emissions Inventory Actions
	1.F	Work with the top 75 ports in the U.S. to develop port specific baseline emissions inventories and emissions reduction targets based on 1) EPA's national port inventory guidance (to be completed this winter 2007/2008) or 2) air emissions inventories completed by the port authorities in accordance with EPA-approved methodologies.
	1.G	Where port authorities have complete port-specific emissions inventories, initial emission reduction targets should be developed by mid to late 2008.
	1.H	Where port authorities are relying on an EPA-generated inventory guidance, initial emission reduction targets will be developed by late 2008 to early 2009.
	1/I	Emission reduction targets should promote early retirement of vehicles/engines and encourage the purchase of new or upgraded vehicles/equipment and the early introduction of 2010-compliant trucks in the supply chain.
	1.J	All targets should include a reduction of emissions from Category 1 and Category 2 marine vessels and harbor craft of at least 20 percent NOx and PM2.5 by 2020.
	Innovative Funding & New Technologies Actions Note: the extent to which these targets can be met is dependent upon available funding.
	1.K	Innovative Financing Funds (e.g. state low-interest loan funds) will be set up in up to 25 states with EPA seed money to provide small owner-operators of equipment like drayage trucks, incentives or access to funds to facilitate vehicle/engine upgrade or replacement and meeting targets.
	1.L	Start at least 3 emerging technology demonstration projects each year between 2008-12, demonstrating new emissions reduction technologies of strategically high value on equipment used at ports or to carry freight to and from ports including maritime shipping, intermodal transport modes.
	1.M	EPA will collaborate with other key federal entities to facilitate the use and exportation of cleaner technology, such as the hydraulic hybrid, through partnerships with domestic and foreign ports and other key stakeholders.
	General Collaborations/Programs Actions
	1.N	Work within EPA, across federal agencies and with stakeholders to support ratification of MARPOL Annex VI and adoption of the U.S. proposal for stricter Annex VI standards by October 2008.
	1.O	Actively work with the Department of Transportation, other government entities and key stakeholders on broader transportation system planning and financing efforts that will reduce congestion in goods movement and enable ports to meet their emission reduction targets (e.g. expand the use of CMAQ funds).
	1.P	Participate actively in the DOT/MARAD National Congestion Initiative, the Committee on Marine System Transportation, and other relevant efforts.
Theme: Clean & Safe Water	Dredging Actions
	2.A	Conduct national review/revision of the U.S. National Dredging Policy and the National Dredging Team’s 2003 Action Agenda to ensure meeting dual goals of effective port development/operations and environmental protection.
	2.B	Issue joint EPA-Corps of Engineers national guidance document on the beneficial use of dredged material, “Identifying, Planning, and Financing Beneficial Use Projects Using Dredged Material: Beneficial Use Planning Manual.”
	2.C	Revise and publish for public comment updated dredged material testing requirements to determine acceptability of dredged material for open water disposal.
	2.D	Promote habitat enhancement through the beneficial use of dredged material.
	2.E	Ensure the availability of dredged material disposal sites, through monitoring and assessment of existing sites, using the OSV BOLD as available, and revising or designating new sites as needed.
	2.F	Promote Regional Sediment Management planning to, e.g., reduce sediment loading and sediment pollutant loading to ports, develop improved dredging techniques, consider climate change actions, and address natural resource issues (including endangered species).
	Discharges (cruise ships, other vessels) Actions
	2.G	Complete comprehensive assessment of the potential impacts upon water resources of the discharges from cruise ships.
	2.H	Promote control of potentially harmful vessel wastewater discharges.
	2.I	Work with the port community as EPA develops the vessel permitting program in response to the vessel vacatur lawsuit.
	Invasive Species Actions
	2.J	Work closely with the US Coast Guard in development of standards for invasive species in ballast water from vessels.
	2.K	Work closely with states to develop policies to minimize the spread of invasive species due to hull cleaning (i.e., scamping).
	Sustainable Infrastructure Actions
	2.L	Promote development of green infrastructure.
	2.M	Promote control of non point sources of runoff (e.g., storm water) from port properties and continue working with ports to manage point sources of wastewater (e.g., sewage).
	General Collaborations/Programs Actions
	2.N	Expand regional collaborations to enhance and protect marine habitats/wetlands and watersheds through port participation in state and local watershed protection efforts (e.g., National Estuary Program, Gulf Alliance, Puget Sound Partnerships, etc). Consider additional collaborations (e.g., Upper Mississippi).
	2.O	Continue Co-Chairing the National Dredging Team with the Corps of Engineers, and Regions continue Co-Chairing and supporting Regional Dredging Teams.
	2.P	Implement the National Dredging Team's 2003 Action Agenda.
	2.Q	Continue participation in the interagency Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force to identify actions to minimize the spread and effects of invasive species.
	2.R	Support integration of environmental issues with port planning and operation via the Committee on the Marine Transportation System.
	2.S	Continue coordination on port issues with the implementing interagency body for the Ocean Action Plan (i.e., Committee on Ocean Policy, and the ICOSRM/SIMOR).
Theme: Healthy Communities & Eco-systems	National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Actions
	3.A	Promote the use of NEPA as a tool to evaluate and promote efforts to address impacts from transportation infrastructure development plans.
	Trade Associations Actions
	3.B	Support development and implementation of the Sustainability Plan of the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA).
	3.C	Support issue analysis and development of tools and web-based resources, e.g. revised Port Environmental Mgmt. Handbook.
	3.D	Support the development of industry environmental goals and performance measures.
	3.E	Continue to promote the development of Environmental Management Systems (EMS). (e.g. encourage ports to participate in the third round of AAPA's EMS assistance project)
	Environmental Justice (EJ) Actions
	3.F	Work with communities surrounding ports to address environmental justice and public health concerns (e.g. capacity building)
	3.G	Consider the advice and recommendations of the National Environmental Justice Advisory Council to be developed in the next 18 months.
	Portfields/Solid Waste Actions
	3.H	Track the progress of the Southern Louisiana Regional Portfields and the Port of New York/New Jersey Portfields Initiatives, and facilitate engagement of appropriate federal, state, and local partners through EPA's "convening" role.
	3.I	Encourage, facilitate, and support diesel emissions & greenhouse gas reductions technologies & practices at Superfund cleanup and redevelopment sites through Cleanup- Clean Air Program.
	3.J	Identify venues and forums to share information regarding material reuse & recycling related to port operations & redevelopment, & redevelopments surrounding ports.
	Security Actions
	3.K	OHS will assist with any of the activities that have homeland security implications.
	3.L	Encourage ports to minimize environmental impacts during the development of systems that address security management and other security requirements (e.g. gate efficiencies). Encourage ports to make green purchasing decisions in all of their security procurements.
	General Collaborations/Programs Actions
	3.M	Promote regional transportation planning & national congestion initiative.
	3.N	Work with ports to explore ways to incorporate Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) activities into long-range planning.
	3.O	Encourage the use of environmental commitments in port lease agreements and contracts.
Theme: The Global Environment	Emission Reductions Actions
	4.A	Continue efforts to better quantify emissions of air pollution from maritime shipping around the world and to assist major foreign ports in developing emission inventories.
	4.B	Using voluntary measures and binding international agreements (e.g., MARPOL Annex VI), promote cuts in air pollution from maritime shipping and land-side transportation networks, both domestically and internationally.
	4.C	Engage maritime shipping interests in mechanisms for reducing NOx, SOx, PM, and greenhouse gas emissions globally.
	Invasive Species Actions
	4.D	Continue to raise awareness domestically and abroad of the problem of invasive species in freight transportation (e.g., in pallets and packaging).
	4.E	Promote efforts to address this problem, including through learning networks for Customs, USDA APHIS, and other inspections entities, and the development of a mechanism to respond rapidly to reports of infestations.
	Non-Compliant Goods Actions
	4.F	Promote the use of all available authorities to stop the importation of illegal and harmful products at the border.
	4.G	Coordinate with OPPTS to participate in the inter-agency Working Group on Import Safety to address this problem, including improvement of inter-agency coordination with customs, USDA, and other inspection entities.
	4.H	Work with major trading partner countries to identify and address environmental and human health problems with non-compliant goods, e.g. through MOUs.
	General Collaborations/Programs Actions
	4.I	Expand collaborative efforts with key foreign ports and nations to better understand and address environmental concerns associated with maritime shipping, port operations, and intermodal transportation at national, regional and international scales.
	4.J	Establish an International Sustainable Ports and Carriers Partnership that would serve as a mechanism for international collaboration on projects to address the range of environmental problems associated with shipping and ports.
	4.K	Identify an appropriate clearinghouse, agency or organization (e.g., UNCSD, IAPH etc.), similar to other successful international partnerships supported by OIA, to support the International Sustainable Ports and Carriers Partnership and increase international awareness of and interest in the Partnership.
	4.L	Work with the Office of the United States Trade Representative and other economic agencies in the development and negotiation of trade policies and agreements to help minimize adverse localized consequences associated with growth in international trade.
	4.M	Work with the International Maritime Organization’s London Convention to complete international guidelines on environmental action levels for assessment and management of dredged material for disposal into marine waters.
	4.N	Support State Department in working with the Senate in ratification of the London Protocol to prevent pollution of marine waters, which focuses upon ocean dumping of wastes.
	4.O	Continue to work with UNEP, IMO and other appropriate entities on the development and implementation of marine pollution treaties that pertain to port and maritime shipping operations.
Theme: Ports Communication	Actions
	5.A	Regularly communicate to ports and port stakeholders the status of and accomplishments attributable to EPA initiatives that have and present opportunities for positive environmental impacts on port operations, e.g. Clean Ports USA, WasteWise, etc.
	5.B	Establish and sustain dialogues with communities adjacent to Ports through which accomplishments of EPA and its partners can be shared and explained, and communities can share their concerns regarding environmental impacts of Ports with EPA.
	5.C	EPA Regions will host Port Summits with the leadership of their respective state environmental agencies and port authorities where opportunities for and barriers to improved environmental performance of ports can be shared and discussed.
	5.D	EPA Regions will establish and utilize multi-media Green Teams comprised of regional staff experts, to communicate through a highly coordinated approach, best environmental practices associated with the various media to port operators and their business partners
	5.E	Establish an Agency communications plan to publicly release EPA's Sustainable Ports Vision and Strategy within a target timeframe of early 2008
Theme: Enforcement	Actions
	6.A	Promote opportunities to integrate clean port projects with linkages to enforcement actions, e.g. through Supplemental Environmental Projects.
	6.B	Continue to use EPA tools to ensure enforcement of and compliance with all applicable laws.