FEATURE
PORT OF LOS ANGELES
partment of Water and Power (LADWP). A ship receiving power for hotel services from AMP eliminates more than one ton of smog-forming NOx and 87 lbs. of particulate matter being discharged in the air each day, according to Nagano. Shore power is provided by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP). A ship receiving power for hotel services from AMP eliminates more than one ton of smog-forming NOx and 87 lbs. of particulate matter being discharged in the air each day, according to Nagano. Only newer, "cleaner" trucks are permitted to move containers within the port area, resulting in a substantial reduction in harmful emissions. Yard tractors and vehicles are being converted to burn cleaner fuels. Contaminated areas have been or are being cleaned up. The port actively monitors and manages water quality in the harbor, and is removing grit and oils from runoff water in the storm drainage system. Not only are all the environmental metrics improving, the wetlands along the Cabrillo breakwater is a thriving wildlife habitat for endangered species and other wildlife. The California Least Tern colony at Pier 400 is the second largest in the state, with more than 1,000 nests.
Security scans
Stevedores move the containers from the ships to the dock so that truckers can to take them to their destination, or they can be loaded onto rail-
cars. The trailers and chassis are scanned by CBP for radiological and other hazards. CBP inspectors use radiation portals and other sophisticated equipment to inspect cargo and scan containers. Fixed and mobile radiation portal monitors screen containers for nuclear and radiological materials and large-scale, non-intrusive X-ray equipment can scan an entire container within two to three minutes. Drive through scanning equipment allows officials to detect suspicious or contaminated shipments. The port has taken advantage more $55 million in port security grants, with another $20M from the State of California. "We're adding fiber throughout the port for better connectivity with our stakeholder in the port and our threat detection center," says Taylor. The port has also acquired new patrol boats and upgraded its network of high-resolution security cameras to become the largest network of surveillance cameras in any U.S. port. The Port Police operate a small fleet of boats from 31-foot patrol boats to 18-foot Zodiacs. "We maintain them and operate them," says Officer Kiyo Amano. "And we give them TLC." "The addition of the newest technology and the cooperative efforts of law enforcement agencies at all levels ensure that the Port of Los Angeles is among the safest and most secure in the country," adds Capt. John Holmes, Port Deputy Executive Director for Operations.
Capt. Leon Nixon.
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Maritime Reporter & Engineering News
(Photo Credit: Edward Lundquist)