Page 18 - Port of Baltimore March April 2013

Solid Steps
Toward
Sustainability
PORT ENVIRONMENTAL RECAP
BY NANCY MENEFEE JACKSON
PORT CONTINUES TOMAKE GREAT STRIDES BY LAND, SEA&AIR
[16] The Port of Baltimore ■ March/April 2013
T hroughout 2012, the Port of Baltimore took various routes toward one
destination: a cleaner, greener world.
A year of environmental achievements was characterized by innovative
approaches to stormwater management, helping truckers switch to energy-
efficient engines, creating wildlife habitat and much more. In addition,
these environmental upgrades coincided with a record year for cargo, shattering the
old stereotype that what’s good for the environment isn’t good for business.
Handling a wide array of cargoes, such as automobiles, construction equipment and
containers, requires large swaths of paved surfaces, which can affect water quality.
Meanwhile, busy operations at the terminals can impact air quality. Environmental
stewardship coupled with innovation at the Port of Baltimore is proving a national model
for improving the environment while ensuring products reach consumers.
All of the initiatives are part of a well-thought-out Environmental Management
System, one that identifies potential risks to the environment, develops methods or
best management practices to deal with risks and educates the Port community.
“Over the past several years, the MPA [Maryland Port Administration] has taken many
steps to identify how its activities might adversely impact the environment,” said Barbara
McMahon, Manager, MPA Safety, Environment & Risk Management. “Based on these
findings, we have implemented procedures and programs to manage these impacts, with the
goal of improving the environment while sustaining the Port of Baltimore’s role as a premier
U.S. port.”
Important strides are being made by land, by sea and by air. > > > > >
BOTTOM TWO IMAGES, OPPOSITE PAGE BY: KATHY BERGREN SMITH