Port Everglades partners with EPA on air emissions project

Port Everglades officials have signed a partnership agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to study air emissions.

The EPA's Office of Transportation and Air Quality will work with the port to coordinate research and modeling that encompasses port operations, technology and anticipated growth scenarios, port officials said in a press release.

The agency also intends to develop separate emissions estimates for areas outside the port's jurisdiction, such as railroads and highways used by the port's customers.

"While Port Everglades already meets environmental standards for air quality, we want to have a benchmark to measure any changes," said Port Everglades Chief Executive and Port Director Steven Cernak.

Port Everglades, based in Broward County, Fla., is the first U.S. seaport to sign up for the project with the EPA.

"This agreement is an important step forward in developing emission reduction scenarios and inventories for port communities," said Christopher Grundler, director of the EPA's Office of Transportation and Air Quality.