Million dollar grant reduces port pollution

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded $1.1 million to upgrade 48 pieces of cargo handling equipment at the South Jersey Port in Camden, New Jersey. Older diesel engines generate significant amounts of fine particles, hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide, which are released into the air and can contribute to severe respiratory ailments and trigger asthma.

The grant will provide for the installation of improved engines on port vehicles including fork lifts, lift trucks, front end loaders and other types of port equipment. EPA’s commitment advances one of the Agency’s priorities, environmental justice, ensuring that everyone enjoys the same degree of protection from environmental and health hazards. The Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management will also utilize $1.4 million in EPA funding to repower 16 construction cranes with cleaner engines and install a diesel particulate filter on a repowered crane in areas throughout New York and New Jersey in a separate but related project.

Waterfront South and South Central Camden have one of the highest concentrations of contaminated sites and operating facilities that are sources of air pollution sources in all of New Jersey. With 1,700 residents living nearby, the area has 2 EPA Superfund sites and over a dozen contaminated sites identified by the state.