What Alternatives or Solutions Exist?
If the Mexican Government moves forward with the proposed container port at Punta Colonet, we recommend an approach that applies the cleanest and greenest technologies and practices to avoid the ecological and public health disasters that have resulted from port facilities across the world.
Recommendations:
- Limit idling of ships and tugboats by providing electric power at docks so vessels can plug in while at berth
- Require ships and trucks to use the cleanest grade of diesel fuel possible, with a low sulfur content
- Require the cleanest available equipment and fuels, with a preference for alternative fuels
- Require all switching and railway locomotives to have electric hybrid or alternative fuel engines
- The Mexican Government should officially ratify Amendments IV and VI of the MARPOL Convention – an international treaty that prevents sewage contamination and establishes regulations for ship emissions
- The Mexican Government should also ratify the Agreement on Anti-Fouling Systems, which prohibits the use of toxic chemicals on the hulls of ships
- SEMARNAT should apply a tariff system similar to one used in Sweden that requires the most polluting container ships to pay more to enter the port
- Require that the port design include solar energy so not to rely exclusively on fossil fuels
- Require the port to implement stormwater controls to prevent pollution into the adjacent watershed and Pacific Ocean
- Establish a Community Advisory Committee to the Port, similar to the Los Angeles Port
