By H. Thomas Kornegay Executive Director, Port of Houston

By H. Thomas Kornegay Executive Director, Port of Houston Authority April 12, 2007

Panama – an ideal venue Panama has highest rainforest cover of any country in Central America Expansion of Panama Canal brings many environmental challenges Environmental protection a “fundamental principal” marking port development

Environment Expansion Planned expansion must take environmental impact into account Two key PHA examples: 1. Widening & Deepening of Houston Ship Channel 2. Environmental protection emphasized in development of Bayport Container and Cruise Terminal

Houston Ship Channel Project PHA, in concert with USACE, finishes initial widening and deepening of Houston Ship Channel in August 2005 HSC widened from 400’ to 530’; deepened from 40’ to 45’ Largest project of its kind in U.S. where most of dredged material put to beneficial use PHA successfully supported use of dredge material in marsh creation

“Triple Bottom Line” For a port to be sustainable and to grow, management must focus on more than economic returns alone Social, environmental concerns must also be considered Without intertwining the economic-socialenvironmental, success becomes elusive

PHA Man-Made Marshes Presently 3,400 acres of newly created marshland on Houston Ship Channel A total of 4,250 acres of new wetlands will be developed over the 50-year-life of deepening and widening project Project to: – Create bird nesting areas – Develop wildlife habitat islands – Construct underwater berms – Provide 118 acres of oyster reefs PHA to pay 30% of est. 700 million in costs

Bayport – Public Support Opening phase of Bayport Container Terminal celebrated in February 2007 Public support was vital to creation of Bayport Public outreach included partnering with several cities, dozens of communities and scores of public officials Bayport’s environmental commitment essential to winning community support

Bayport – A Green Terminal Upon completion, Bayport will have: Three miles of 20-foot-tall, landscaped sight and sound berm buffering neighboring communities and the terminals 200 acres of tidal marsh 500 acres of contiguous coastal prairie 456 acres of varied habitat

Environmental Initiatives Sophisticated, 4-part rainwater runoff system Broadband (whisper) alarms replace louder, traditional backup alarms on construction equipment Black pole lighting system uses special fixtures to limit nighttime glare Storm water runoff and spill containment systems in place Retention pond with filtering artificial wetlands being built Bayport will be ISO 14001 certified

Environmental Initiatives PHA pioneered development of Environmental Management Systems for U.S. ports EPA choice as a strong initiative for ports to follow in an effort to clean up and control the environment around them American Association of Port Authorities encourages all ports to participate in a similar program Since 2003, PHA has been a member of EPA National Environmental Performance Track; recently chose to recommit for another three years

EPA Performance Track PHA’s Performance Track environmental commitments include: Air quality improvements through reduction of nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds Water quality improvements in storm water discharges through the reduction of iron and conservation methods Reduction in solid waste through a waste minimization program targeting recycling of absorbent materials Reduction in energy consumption An increase in land utilization and habitat through conservation efforts

The IAPH Commitment IAPH has addressed wide range of environmental issues: Handling of hazardous and noxious substances in a port Prevention of air, water and soil pollution in ports Treatment of harmful aquatic organisms in ballast water Presently addressing air pollution from ships Partnering with International Marine Organization (IMO) IAPH monitors, analyzes and disseminates the developments in IMO’s discussion and their

Monitoring Alternatives Alternative Maritime Power (AMP) – Shutting down a ship’s engines while at berth; connecting to shore-supplied electricity Although state legislation to control air pollution from ships was ruled out by federal courts, some California ports practice it; but most IAPH members have yet to adopt this approach. IAPH believes approach should be further analyzed

Fundamental Environmental “Fundamental principal” for successful port development is “environmental protection” Requires vision and creativity Guidelines must be set to protect coastal zones Various communications techniques must be employed