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U.S. seaports are the largest and most poorly regulated sources of urban pollution in the country. This August 2004 report by NRDC and the Coalition for Clean Air provides practical strategies and policies for port operators, regulatory agencies, and community-based organizations to reduce health-endangering air and water pollution, noise and light pollution that disrupts communities near ports, and harm to marine habitats. The report also provides information on the health effects of pollution from ports and a comprehensive overview of policies governing U.S. marine ports. A companion report, Harboring Pollution: The Dirty Truth about U.S. Ports, grades the activities of the ten largest U.S. ports in the areas of air and water quality, land use, and community relations.

photo of report cover
  For printed copies of this report, see our Publications List.

OVERVIEW & QUICK REFERENCE
Press Release

FULL REPORT IN PDF
Full text (Adobe Acrobat file, size: 753 KB)
Appendices (Adobe Acrobat file, size: 301 KB)
Click here if you need a copy of Adobe Acrobat Reader (free)

TABLE OF CONTENTS
(Links indicate sections available as individual webpages)
Executive Summary
Chapter 1: Health and Environmental Effects of Port Pollution
Chapter 2: Improving Port Environmental Management Practices
Chapter 3: Improving Laws and Regulations Governing Ports

Endnotes
Appendices
Appendix A: Port Land-Use Efficiency Methodology
Appendix B: Additional Technical Information for Mitigation Measures
Appendix C: Model Aquatic Resources Protection Program for Shipping Ports
Appendix D: International Rules and Treaties

last revised 3/18/2004

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