Ports Primer: 7.5 Potential Community Interests

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Community interests in environmental impacts may include:

Air Quality & Health

The concentrated use of diesel engines and other engines in and around ports can contribute to air quality and related health impacts for community residents. Stationary sources, such as industry, can also contribute to these challenges.

 

Noise & Light Impacts

Light and noise pollution, or nuisance, from port operations can result in lower quality of life and health impacts for community residents.  Nuisance is defined as someone or something that causes a problem for other people, an area, etc. that may be able to be solved by the law.¹

 

Public Health Effects

Near-port communities may experience disproportionate health outcomes due to cumulative environmental exposures from port operations and port-related facilities.

 

Ecological Impacts

Dredging, water pollution, and light and noise pollution can destroy wildlife habitat and disturb natural wildlife rhythms.

 

Access to Natural Areas and Open Space

Near-port communities may find their access to amenities such as waterfronts, natural areas and open space limited due to destruction of habitat and/or restrictions on access due to port expansion.

 

Climate Adaptation/Resilience

Since many urban communities are also increasingly facing challenges associated with climate adaptation, this common challenge provides an opportunity for collaboration between ports and near-port communities.

Near-port communities may be concerned about potential impacts associated with sea level rise and extreme weather events, including flood waters contaminated with toxic/hazardous materials that may be stored at ground level in a port complex or associated facilities.

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