Update to the Vessel Speed Reduction Program
Summary
SCH Number
2021120010
Public Agency
San Diego Unified Port District
Document Title
Update to the Vessel Speed Reduction Program
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
12/1/2021
Document Description
he Vessel Speed Reduction (VSR) program is a voluntary emission reduction strategy led by the District and available to ocean carriers to reduce sir pollution and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions In the San Diego Air Basin from ocean-going vessels. An update lo the District's program is an Identified objective In the District's recently adopted Maritime Clean Air Strategy (MCAS).
The District's existing VSR program targets 80% participation and identifies a 12 nautical mile per hour speed limit for cargo ships, and a 15 nautical mile per hour speed limit for cruise ships, through a zone extending 20 nautical miles seaward from the end of Point Lama. The update to the VSR program seeks ta expand the zone from 20 nautical miles to 40 nautical miles, Increase the annual participation goal from 80 percent to 90 percent, and employ a weighted average speed method of calculation to determine levels of participation in the program.
Preliminary estimates suggest that if 90 percent participation Is reached within the 40 nautical mile VSR zone, the update to the VSR Program would reduce annual emission for diesel particulate matter (DPM) by 4.3 tons, nitrogen oxides (NOx) by 225.5 tons, and GHG by 9,791 tons.
The District's Board of Port Commissioners voted to adopt a resolution to update the VSR program on November 9, 2021.
Contact Information
Name
Maggie Weber
Agency Name
San Diego Unified Port District
Job Title
Senior Planner
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Cities
Chula Vista, Coronado, Imperial Beach, National City, San Diego
Counties
San Diego
Regions
Southern California
Other Information
Various locations around Tidelands
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
15307; 15308
Reasons for Exemption
The proposed project is determined to be exempt pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Sections 15307(Actions by Regulatory Agencies for Protection of Natural Resources) and 15308 (Actions by Regulatory Agency for Protection of the Environment) and Sections 3.g and 3.h of the District's Guidelines for Compliance with CEQA because it is an update ta an existing voluntary
program that will assist the District to protect natural resources and the environment by encouraging vessels to slow down their speeds in order to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in the San Diego Air Basin and globally.
County Clerk
San Diego
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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