Port of Tacoma
PUBLIC NOTICE
DETERMINATION OF NONSIGNIFICANCE FOR A NON-PROJECT ACTION
WAC 197-11-970
Project Name: Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy 2020 Update
Description of proposal: The NWPCAS has led to significant reductions in emissions from port related activities associated with the NWSA’s South Harbor facilities (those located at the Port of Tacoma) and the Port of Tacoma. Between the 2005 and 2016 emission inventory studies, emissions from the NWSA South Harbor and Port of Tacoma were reduced by 77% and 7% for diesel particulate matter (DPM) and greenhouse gasses (GHGs) respectively, even as cargo throughput (in metric tons) increased by 45%. In addition, the four NWPCAS ports have jointly met the overarching emission intensity (emissions per ton of cargo moved) goals set forth in the 2013 NWPCAS update, reducing DPM emission intensity by 80% and GHG emission intensity by 17%. The 2020 Strategy Update is a collaborative effort between the Port of Seattle, Port of Tacoma, the Northwest Seaport Alliance, and the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority in British Columbia (the Ports). The 2020 Strategy Update is the second update and builds upon past successes and strong partnerships forged over the last decade and moves forward the commitment of the Ports to reduce contributions to local air pollution and global climate change, while sustaining and improving their economic vitality and competitiveness. Recognizing the urgency of climate change and the need to reduce local air pollution, the 2020 Strategy Update sets a new vision for the Ports to phase out seaport-related air and greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
The strategies identified address three primary objectives: 1) Implement programs that promote equipment efficiency, phase out old high-emitting equipment, and support lower emission interim fuels.
2) Facilitate collaboration to identify and address key infrastructure constraints by 2030.
3) Facilitate collaboration to advance commercialization of zero-emissions equipment and enable adoption before 2050.
Proponent: Port of Tacoma
Location of proposal, including street address, if any: In general, the Strategy Update study area includes the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the greater Puget Sound area, the Strait of Georgia, Haro Strait, Boundary Pass, Rosario Strait, and other relevant nearby waterways.
Lead agency: Port of Tacoma , the lead agency for this proposal, has determined that the project does not have a probable significant adverse impact on the environment. An environmental impact statement (EIS) is not required under Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 43.21C.030(2)(c). This decision was made after review of a completed environmental checklist and other information on file with the lead agency. Additional project and/or State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) information is available upon request at the Port of Tacoma’s Administrative building, located at One Sitcum Plaza, Tacoma, WA 98421 or at the Port’s website at http://www.portoftacoma.com/sepa.
Comments and Request for Reconsideration: This Determination of Non-Significance (DNS) is issued under Chapter 197-11-340(2) Washington Administrative Code (WAC). Pursuant to Port policy, all interested parties shall have fourteen calendars days to comment on the proposed SEPA threshold determination. Only those who commented within the fourteen-day comment period shall have standing to file a Request for Reconsideration. Any challenge to a SEPA threshold determination shall be initiated by filing a Request for Reconsideration with the Responsible Official or designee no later than seven calendar days following the end of the fourteen-day comment period for the SEPA determination. The lead agency will not act on this proposal for fourteen days from the start date of the comment period described below. Comments shall be submitted to the Port of Tacoma, Environmental Programs, C/O Heather Curbow at One Sitcum Plaza, Tacoma, WA 98421 or at the Port’s website at http://www.portoftacoma.com/sepa.
Comment Start Date: 2/19/2021 Comment End Date: 3/5/2021 Request for Reconsideration End Date: 3/12/2021 IDX-920377
February 22, 2021
