Port of Los Angeles releases draft SEIR for China Shipping Container Terminal project

The Port of Los Angeles has prepared a Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Report (SEIR) as companion to the certified “Berths 97-109 [China Shipping] Container Terminal Project Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report (EIS/EIR)” for the container terminal located at Berths 97-109 in the West Basin at the Port of Los Angeles, operated by West Basin Container Terminal, an affiliate of China Shipping North America, the port's news release said.

In 2008, the Port of Los Angeles and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers jointly released an EIS/EIR that evaluated the construction and operation of the China Shipping Container Terminal at Berths 97-109. The 2017 Draft SEIR evaluates the continued operation of the terminal under new and/or modified mitigation measures, along with an incrementally higher cargo throughput level compared to that assumed in the 2008 EIS/EIR. The analysis examines whether potentially new significant environmental impacts or substantially more severe impacts would occur in the areas of air quality, greenhouse gases, and ground transportation.

The 45-day public comment and review period for the Draft SEIR is from June 16 to July 31, 2017. During this time, the Port will accept written comments and hold a public meeting on Tuesday, July 18, 6 p.m., at Port of Los Angeles Administration Building, located at 425 S. Palos Verdes Street in San Pedro, to present its findings and provide opportunity for public comment.

Port of Los Angeles is the largest seaport of the United States. The Port encompasses 3.5 ha, 69km of waterfront and features 27 cargo terminals, including dry and liquid bulk, container breakbulk, automobile and omni facilities. Last year, Port of Los Angeles throughput rose year-over-year 16.05% to 7.83 million TEUs. The ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach form together the U.S. port complex, one of the world’s biggest hub.