×

More Great Lakes ports are tracking greenhouse gas emissions

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A recent report finds around one-third of participating ports in the United States and Canada, including those in Duluth and Milwaukee, are keeping a detailed inventory of greenhouse gas emissions.

The tracking is part of the Green Marine environmental certification program, Wisconsin Public Radio reported. The voluntary effort was formed in 2007 for the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway.

West Coast program manager Eleanor Kirtley said the program has seen a 12% increase in the number of participants, up to 133, which includes ship owners, shipyards and port authorities.

The participants conduct self-evaluations that are verified by a third party regarding their performance on efforts to reduce the risk of invasive species, greenhouse gas emissions, spills, waste and cargo losses.

The Duluth Seaway Port Authority, at the largest port on the Great Lakes, maintained a high rating on areas such as minimizing spills, cargo losses and environmental leadership.

Port Milwaukee, the program’s only participating port in Wisconsin, also has been upgrading its environmental leadership and taking more inventory of emissions produced by their equipment and buildings over the last several years, said Brian Kasprzyk, port field engineer.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today