DATE: May 9, 2023
SUBJECT:
Title
PRESENTATION UPDATES ON PORT ELECTRIFICATION PROJECTS
Body
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
This agenda item is an informational presentation to provide the Board of Port Commissioners with updates on the San Diego Unified Port District (Port) Electrification Projects. The presentation will also include a discussion on the release of the District’s Health Risk Assessment (HRA) Fact Sheet and Frequently Asked Questions documents.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Receive the presentation on Port Electrification Projects.
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FISCAL IMPACT:
The item has no fiscal impact.
Compass Strategic Goals:
This agenda item supports the following Strategic Goals.
• A Port that the public understands and trusts.
• A thriving and modern maritime seaport.
• A Port with a healthy and sustainable bay and its environment.
• A Port that is a safe place to visit, work and play.
DISCUSSION:
The Maritime Clean Air Strategy (MCAS), adopted in October 2021, includes a vision of “Health Equity for All” with specific aspirational goals and objectives to reduce pollution from maritime-related activities and industries (online at: www.portofsandiego.org/mcas). In support of this vision, the Port, Port Tenants, and stakeholders have been hard at work advancing electrification initiatives that support zero emissions (ZE) equipment and operations.
Port staff will provide a presentation to the Board to include status updates on the following items:
• Shore Power infrastructure at the Cruise Ship Terminal and National City Marine Terminal (NCMT)
• Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal (TAMT) - Phase 3 12kV Modernization and Crane Charging Infrastructure
• TAMT Microgrid Infrastructure Project
• Crowley all-electric tug (e-Wolf)
• Zero Emission (ZE) Cargo Handling Equipment
• ZE Truck Outreach and Truck Stop
• Port Fleet Transition
• Electrification Lessons Learned
• Electrification Strategic Planning - Next Steps
Related to electrification, the MCAS has an objective to identify the existing health risk levels based on operational activity at the TAMT and the NCMT (MCAS - Health Objective 1) and to provide the San Diego Air Pollution Control District (SDAPCD) and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) with the District’s health risk assessment and to assist with preparing a cumulative health risk assessment for the larger Assembly Bill (AB) 617 Portside Community (MCAS - Health Objective 2).
The HRA was completed in July 2022 to support these MCAS objectives, as well as the Community Emission Reduction Program (CERP) Goal #7, to evaluate the potential health risks from exposure to diesel particulate matter (DPM) emitted by emissions sources from the TAMT and NCMT. The HRA is the first study of its kind; a foundational air quality assessment for the two marine cargo terminals that established the baseline, or existing public health risk, from terminal operations.
When the HRA was released last summer and presented to stakeholders and community groups, questions were raised during those public outreach efforts that alerted Port Staff to the need for a simplified presentation of the HRA results, given their computation is technical and complex. As a result, Port staff, in consultation with CARB and SDAPCD, have developed an HRA Fact Sheet (Attachment A) and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ, Attachment B) to address questions raised about the analysis methodology and results. As MCAS implementation continues, Port staff anticipates updating the HRA with emissions data from calendar year 2022 and forecasting potential future risk scenarios that account for changes in applicable regulations, emerging technology and growth in marine terminal cargo volumes.
After the presentation, staff will be available for questions and discussion with the Board.
General Counsel’s Comments:
The Office of the General Counsel has reviewed this agenda sheet and attachments, as presented to it, and approves the same as to form and legality.
Environmental Review:
The presentation regarding updates on Port Electrification Projects and release of a Health Risk Assessment Fact Sheet and Frequently Asked Questions resource documents does not constitute a project under the definition set forth in California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Sections 15352 and 15378 because no direct or indirect changes to the physical environment would occur. CEQA requires that the District adequately assess the environmental impacts of projects and reasonably foreseeable activities that may result from projects prior to the approval of the same. Any project developed as a result of the presentation requiring the District or the Board’s discretionary approval resulting in a physical change to the environment would be analyzed in accordance with CEQA prior to such approval. CEQA review may result in the District, in its sole and absolute discretion, requiring implementation of mitigation measures, adopting an alternative, including without limitation, a “no project alternative” or adopting a Statement of Overriding Consideration, if required. The exercise of this discretion is in no way limited by this presentation. Therefore, no further CEQA review is required.
The presentation complies with Section 35 of the Port Act, which allows the Board to do all acts necessary and convenient for the exercise of its powers. The Port Act was enacted by the California Legislature and is consistent with the Public Trust Doctrine. Consequently, the presentation is consistent with the Public Trust Doctrine.
The presentation does not allow for development, as defined in Section 30106 of the California Coastal Act, or new development, pursuant to Section 1.a. of the District’s Coastal Development Permit (CDP) Regulations because there will not be, without limitation, a physical change, change in use or increase the intensity of uses. Therefore, issuance of a Coastal Development Permit or exclusion is not required. However, development within the District requires processing under the District’s CDP Regulations. Future development would remain subject to its own independent review pursuant to the District’s certified CDP Regulations, Port Master Plan (PMP), and Chapters 3 and 8 of the Coastal Act. The exercise of the District’s discretion under the District’s CDP Regulations is in no way limited by the presentation.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Program:
This agenda sheet has no direct DEI impact on District workforce or contract reporting at this time.
PREPARED BY:
Renée Yarmy
Program Director, Maritime Sustainable Development
Attachments:
Attachment A 2022 Health Risk Assessment Fact Sheet Final
Attachment B 2022 Health Risk Assessment Fact Sheet Final (Spanish)
Attachment C 2022 Health Risk Assessment Frequently Asked Questions Final
Attachment D 2022 Health Risk Assessment Frequently Asked Questions Final (Spanish)