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Monday, March 1, 2010
NC Ports' Web site enhancements showcase environmental initiatives
Visit www.ncports.com ENVIRONMENT page for North Carolina State Ports Authority environmental programs. Wilmington, NC --- The North Carolina State Ports Authority is making it easier to keep up with ongoing cleaner/green operating initiatives on a new section of their Web site dedicated to environmental work at the NC Ports. The site chronicles  | | As part of the NC Ports' work to reduce diesel emissions, port operating equipment is converting to biodiesel fuel. A 10,000 gallon biodiesel tank is seen here being delivered to the Port of Morehead City. |
progress on: • Recycling, energy and water conservation
• Air emissions reductions
• Bioproducts; and
• Solar energy
The site contains a photo gallery of green equipment and programs, current presentations from Project Energy and offers links to other environmental partners like the NC Environmental Management Commission, the NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the US Environmental Protection Agency.
In October 2007, North Carolina State Ports Authority CEO Thomas J. Eagar initiated Project Energy, with the twin objectives of energy efficiency and cleaner, greener operations at the North Carolina Ports. In September 2009, the Ports Authority held a community information session to report on their progress including:
• A program to convert on-port operating equipment to a 20% blend biodiesel fuel to be used in conjunction with the ultra low sulfur diesel (USLD) that the NC Ports have been using since 2007;
• The use of a completely biodegradable lubricant in its operating equipment; and
• Retrofitting operating equipment with diesel emission control devices and particulate matter filters.
“North Carolina Ports are committed to sustainable, environmentally responsible operations and to continually seeking cleaner, greener alternatives,” Eagar said.
The current practices are estimated to reduce overall diesel consumption by 20 percent annually, and estimated reduction for emissions of particulate matter, hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide are as much as 20 percent. “One of the greater benefits from converting the ports equipment to biodiesel is the cleaner emissions for our employees and for the environment,” said Eagar.
You can also keep up with news about the NC Ports by subscribing to the monthly on-line newsletter, Stem to Stern. Click link to subscribe: http://www.ncports.com/subscribe.htm
ABOUT THE NORTH CAROLINA STATE PORTS AUTHORITY:
North Carolina's Ports in Wilmington and Morehead City, plus inland terminals in Charlotte and the Piedmont Triad in Greensboro, link the State's consumers, businesses and industry to world markets, and serve as magnets to attract new business and industry while receiving no direct taxpayer subsidy. Port activities contribute statewide to 65,000 jobs and $500 million each year in state and local tax revenues.
Top trading partners are China, India, Brazil, So. Korea, Belgium, Taiwan, Mexico, Colombia, Great Britain and Venezuela.
Primary exports are phosphate, forest products, woodpulp, general merchandise, food products, wood chips and military.
Top imports are sulfur products, chemicals, grains, rubber, scrap metal, cement, metal products, machinery parts, ore, mica and schist.
INFORMATION:
Shannon Moody, Director of Communications (910) 343-6482 Email
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