The California Air Resources Board (CARB) reached a settlement agreement with Wan Hai Lines (USA) Ltd. for US$680,750 for violations of the Ocean-Going Vessels At-Berth Regulation that aims to reduce diesel particulate matter and oxides of nitrogen from ocean-going vessels auxiliary engines while they are docked at California ports.
The violations were found during a routine audit by CARB’s Enforcement Division of fleets visiting California ports in 2020.
The audit revealed that the Taiwanese container carrier failed to reduce its fleet auxiliary engine power generation by at least 80% while docked at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach and failed to meet the three-hour operational time limit for at least 80% of its fleet’s visits.
The operational time limit caps the number of hours a vessel may run its engines while in port to a maximum of three hours.
“I commend our Enforcement Division on their diligence in finding these violations that contribute to California’s air quality challenges, especially in port areas that are predominantly comprised of disadvantaged communities that bear a disproportionate health burden,” said CARB executive officer, Richard W. Corey, who noted, “We appreciate that Wan Hai made significant efforts to come into compliance and correct the violations immediately to reduce their fleets’ emissions.”
Wan Hai’s settlement includes a US$340,375 civil penalty and US$340,375 in funding for two Supplemental Environmental Projects.
Nearly US$300,000 will fund the installation of an air filtration system in Oakland schools with the remaining US$40,777 going to fund an air filtration system at Murchison Street Elementary School and Murchison Early Education Center in Los Angeles, according to CARB’s statement.
