(Elizabeth, N.J. – March 10, 2010) Leading the way to cleaner air and healthier communities, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey (PANYNJ) unveiled a comprehensive agreement that will cut harmful pollution from the east coast’s busiest port. The states launched a $28 million truck replacement program, partially funded by $7 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which will replace old trucks with vehicles that meet stricter pollution standards. The agreement, signed by a wide array of federal, state and local partners, details the specific steps the partners will employ to reduce harmful diesel pollution from the Port of New York and New Jersey. EPA Regional Administrator Judith A. Enck, PANYNJ Chairman Anthony R. Coscia, PANYNJ Executive Director Christopher O. Ward and Robert Martin, Acting Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection were joined by other state and local partners as they put the final signatures on the milestone agreement today in Port Elizabeth. The innovative pact outlines actions such as investing in pollution reduction technologies and developing air pollution inventories. The New York City metropolitan area has unhealthy air and does not meet air quality standards for ozone and fine particulate matter. Diesel exhaust particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and pose serious health risks, including aggravating the symptoms of asthma and other respiratory problems in healthy individuals.

To memorialize their goals, the milestone document was signed by EPA, PANYNJ, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, The City of New York Office of Long Term Planning and Sustainability, New York City Economic Development Corporation, New York Shipping Association and the cities of Bayonne, Elizabeth, Jersey City and Newark.

“Trucks and equipment used at ports are a significant source of pollution in the communities that surround them,” said Judith Enck, EPA Regional Administrator. “Efforts like the Port Authority’s new truck replacement program and the much broader sustainability agreement signed today will go a long way toward cutting this pollution and improving air quality and public health.

Reducing dirty diesel emissions will protect the health of truck drivers and other workers at the port, along with the nearby community. I applaud the Port Authority for its leadership.”

Port Authority Chairman Anthony R. Coscia said, “The Clean Truck Program is the latest in our efforts to achieve cleaner air at and around our port. On top of our other investments — including $600 million to build on-dock rail and $60 million to acquire and preserve environmentally sensitive property — we believe this program will help build on our legacy as good environmental stewards.”

Port Authority Executive Director Chris Ward said, “We have worked closely with all stakeholders to make sure that this new program will help clean up the pollution at our ports, and, in the process, ensure that we do not overburden our already struggling port and trucking industry. I want to thank EPA Region 2 Administrator Judith Enck and the entire EPA for their generous support of this program, and I want to thank all of the members of our Truck Working Group for coming together around such a critical initiative.”

The truck replacement program will replace about 600 model year 1993 and older trucks with cleaner, 2004 and newer trucks. Trucks manufactured in 2004 and later meet EPA’s later pollution requirements and are up to 98% cleaner than older trucks. Under the program, the PANYNJ will cover 25% of trucker’s costs for newer trucks. PANYNJ also plans to phase out additional older trucks serving the port as part of a broader strategy to reduce diesel emissions from their operations. Their phase out program consists of 2 steps: a ban on pre-1994 trucks beginning January 1, 2011 and a ban on pre-2007 trucks beginning January 1, 2017. There are more than 3 million truck trips to and from the Port of New York and New Jersey marine terminals each year, resulting in nearly 2,000 tons of nitrogen oxide and 55 tons of fine particle pollution. Nitrogen oxide is a precursor to smog, which can contribute to severe respiratory ailments. Likewise, fine particles are linked to lung and heart problems. Nationwide, diesel engines emit 7.3 million tons of smog-forming nitrogen oxides and 333,000 tons of soot annually. This pollution is linked to thousands of premature deaths, hundreds of thousands of asthma attacks and millions of lost work days.

The Truck Replacement Program is part of a broader Clean Air Strategy on which EPA and the Port Authority worked closely with a consortium of state and local government agencies and industry, labor and environmental groups to reach a broad consensus on a landmark agreement between EPA, PANYNJ, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the City of New York Office of Long Term Planning and Sustainability, New York City Economic Development Corporation, New York Shipping Association and the cities of Bayonne, Elizabeth, Jersey City and Newark. This diverse group worked together to reduce emissions associated with maritime operations – including ships, harbor craft, cargo handling equipment, locomotives and trucks – within the Port District. This agreement memorializes PANYNJ’s Clean Air Strategy for the Port of New York and New Jersey, which identifies me sures to reduce maritime and port-related emissions such as by using cleaner fuels, supporting development of low emission warehouses on port fields, promoting shore power electrification (cold ironing) and other green ideas. The truck replacement program is a significant component of the port’s overall clean air strategy.

To learn more about EPA’s efforts to reduce air pollution in NY and NJ or to obtain the full text of the agreement, visit: http://www.epa.gov/region02/air

To download an application for the truck replacement program, visit: http://www.replacemytruck.org

Truck replacement program contact: 877-309-1680, info@replacemytruck.org

Follow EPA Region 2 on Twitter at http://twitter.com/eparegion2 and visit our Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/eparegion2.

The post City, State and Federal Government Take Action for Cleaner Port of New York and New Jersey first appeared on River View Observer.

The life of a firefighter is no easy task, skillfully trained they put out hazardous fires and immediately come to the rescue of the communities they work for, but in order to accomplish this they must have the facilities needed to do so.

In the winter of 2008 firefighters of two former Bayonne firehouses were relocated to the Peninsula and were currently responding to emergencies from a temporary facility which consisted of a tent and two trailers, determine and dedicated they work effortlessly under these conditions. Seemingly it seemed no hope was in store, but thanks to the collaborated efforts of Mayor Mark Smith, Fire Chief Greg Rogers, Chris Patella and a great congressional team of U.S. Senators Frank R. Lautenberg, Robert Menendez and Congressman Albio Sires, Bayonne has received the sixth highest grant award in the nation.

The $3.5 million Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA) grant know as the (SCG) Fire Station Construction Grant was created to assist applicants with the building and reconstruction of fire stations and is part of the stimulus package known as the (ARRA) American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is intended to provide a stimulus to the U.S. economy in the wake of an economic downturn.

In selecting grant recipients the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) gives high priority to projects that would replace unsafe or uninhabitable structures and expand fire protection coverage.

In a public announcement held on October 5th in front of the City Hall Fire Station, Senator Frank Lautenberg explained ,”This investment in Bayonne’s public safety infrastructure will provide firefighters with the facilities they need to best protect the community. Securing one of the largest firehouse construction grants in the country will improve conditions for Bayonne firefighters and help them continue their tradition of excellence”, he concluded.

Senator Robert Menendez also commented on this great accomplishment, “With this badly needed investment, those who deserve our attention most are getting the help they need, and Bayonne and all of us in New Jersey are the beneficiaries.”

In a collaborate effort both New Jersey senators and Congressman Sires worked together to bring to Bayonne much needed relief in these tough economic times. Bayonne Fire Chief Greg Rogers was extremely grateful and proud of this amazing stride, he explained, “Today is the day I’ve been waiting for; a tremendous weight has been lifted from my shoulders. I am proud to say, the men of the Bayonne Fire Department stationed at the Peninsula, will no longer operate from the inadequate confines of a tent and trailers, but will elevate to a new dignified and highly functional modern day state-of-the-art fire station.
“I am privileged today, to find myself in the company of high-ranking dignitaries, Senator Lautenburg, Senator Menendez, Representative Albio Sires, and Mayor Mark Smith. They are all here today in support of this victory, and it is clear, that by their collective support, we’ve achieved this success.”

Congressman Albio Sires also commented on this incredible accomplishment, “Our new station will increase the capabilities of Bayonne’s fire department to protect communities from fire hazards while at the same time creating jobs and healing the 13th district’s economy. I am happy to have supported Bayonne’s application for this grant earlier this month. I am pleased that the Department of Homeland Security has recognized the value of this project to our district‘s security and economic growth”, he concluded.

The funds received from this grant will go towards the building of a new state-of-the-art fire station. The plan consist of building a new 15,000 square foot facility on a 1.8 acre vacant lot northeast of the current temporary location.

As Mayor Mark Smith address his audience he explained, “This important grant will allow us to build a brand new fire station to meet the needs of our community without an increase in property taxes.” “Senator Lautenberg, Senator Menedez and Congressman Sires have once again, proven themselves to be true friends of New Jersey’s citizens by looking out for the public safety of our children, our families and our senior citizens. They are a great congressional team, who fought hard for the City of Bayonne.”

The post Bayonne Fire Department Receives the Sixth Highest Grant Award in the Nation $3.5.M first appeared on River View Observer.