Air
SC Ports is focused on improving air quality and has committed to implementing a variety of emissions-reducing programs. SC Ports’ emissions inventories and air monitoring efforts allow us to track our efforts over time and identify the emissions reductions measures that make the most sense.
Our Commitment
In an effort to stay engaged in the well-being of our communities, SC Ports participates in numerous air working groups, including the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control, North Charleston Air Monitoring Workgroup and the Berkeley Charleston Dorchester Council of Governments Air Quality Coalition.
Port air emission inventories play a vital role in understanding and managing the environmental impact of Port operations. An emission inventory is a study or compilation of pollutant emissions. The purpose of emissions inventories is to locate air pollution sources, to define the type and size of sources, to define the type and amount of emissions from each source, to determine pollutant frequency and duration, and to determine the relative contributions to air pollution from classes of sources and of individual sources. These inventories provide crucial data on the types and quantities of air pollutants emitted by port activities, such as ship emissions, cargo handling equipment, rail, truck traffic, etc. By quantifying emissions of various pollutants, South Carolina Ports can assess various operations and identify areas for improvement. SC Ports prepared a baseline inventory in 2005, with follow up inventories using data from 2011 and 2017, and is working with a consulting firm to perform a new inventory using 2021 data. This report is anticipated to be released in spring 2024.
2023
2022
Q1 2022 + Annual Summary Report
2021
Q1 2021 Report & 2020 Annual Summary
2020
Q1 Report & 2019 Annual Summary
2019
Q1 2019 + Annual Summary Report
2018
Q1 2018 + Annual Summary Report
2017
Q1 2017 + Annual Summary Report
2016
2015
The Wando Welch Terminal (WWT) air monitoring station was in operation from May of 2011 through September of 2020. Over that period, the station has provided air quality data to SC Ports and its neighbors and has exceeded its data completeness targets. The station measured air quality parameters including particulate matter of 2.5 microns or less (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and sulfur dioxide (SO2). The station also measured meteorological parameters such as wind speed, wind direction, temperature, relative humidity, and barometric pressure. In early 2021, the station was relocated to SC Ports’ Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal (HLT) in North Charleston where data collection started in March 2021. In coordination with EPA and SCDHEC, SC Ports commissioned a study on the history of the WWT air monitoring station, a summary of comparisons to National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), and an evaluation of the parameters that may have influenced or otherwise affected PM2.5, NO2, and SO2 values throughout the monitoring period. The concentrations measured by the monitoring station were underneath their respective primary and secondary NAAQS criteria throughout the entire duration of the monitoring period at WWT.
WWT Air Monitoring – Final Report
2020
Q1 2020 + Annual Summary Report
2019
Q1 2019 + Annual Summary Report
2018
Q1 2018 + Annual Summary Report
2017 Quarterly Report
Q1 2017 Report + Annual Summary
2016
Q1 2016 + Annual Summary Report
2015
Q1 2015 + Annual Summary Report
2014
Q1 2014 + Annual Summary Report
2014
Q1 2013 Report + Annual Summary
2012
Q1 2012 Report + Annual Summary
2011
The Hugh Leatherman Terminal (HLT) air monitoring station was placed into operation in February of 2021. The station is located on terminal and was cited in partnership with external stakeholders. The SCDHEC approved the Quality Assurance Project Plan, which may be updated periodically to reflect improvements to the basic operating procedures or to document changes in the air quality standards. The station provides air quality data to SCPA and neighbors. Specifically, the station measures PM2.5, NO, NO2, NOx, and SO2 consistent with USEPA methodologies. To date, the station has not recorded any exceedance of any air quality standard.
2023
Q1 2023 + Annual Summary Report
2022
Q1 2022 + Annual Summary Report
2021
The Inland Port Emissions Calculator allows SC Ports customers to evaluate the emissions implications of utilizing the SC Inland Port. To date, SC Ports customers have seen a 50-90% reduction in emissions when using Inland Ports.
SC Ports is an active participant in local air quality coalitions in the communities in which we operate marine terminals. Each of the below air quality coalitions is focused on keeping their area in attainment for air quality standards:
Charleston Community Air Monitoring Network (CCAMN)
Charleston Community Research to Action Board (CCRAB)
SC Ports partnered with SC Department of Health and Environmental Control and was awarded $1.8 million through the Diesel Emission Reduction Act, a grant program administered by the Environmental Protection Agency. The funding was used to repower 12 rubber-tired gantry cranes with diesel-hybrid electric systems that minimizes emissions of harmful air pollutants including hydrocarbon, carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen, and sulfur dioxide. The equipment operates at the Wando Welch Terminal and the project was completed in 2022. Early data indicate that the project is saving about 52% of the normal diesel fuel consumption and our calculations indicate that the project reduces CO2 emissions by about 48% compared to the older diesel engines that they replaced. The are pollutants reduced from our operations while still allowing us to meet the operational needs expected by our customers.
By requiring trucks to have post-1993 engines, the program ensures that a reliable, cleaner trucking fleet will serve SC Ports container terminals in order to continue reducing port-related air emissions.