Context and limitations in risk assessment in the ports.
This is a paper that discusses the Context and limitations in risk assessment in the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. These two are the largest ports in the western part of the nation.
Context and limitations in risk assessment in the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach
Plans are in place for the expansion and modernization of the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, which are located side-by-side in Southern California. These are the nation’s two largest ports which serve much of the western half of the nation. Despite their existing size, port expansion and modernization are a need in meeting increasing cargo demand. Also, to accommodate larger modern shipping vessels. Currently, the two ports combined are the largest source of air pollution in the greater Los Angeles area. High concentrations of exhaust and particulate matter are emitted daily from diesel ships. This is in addition to the transportation trucks driving to and from the port property.
The 30,000 daily cargo trucks that haul the shipping containers to and from the ports contribute a significant amount of air pollutants along the freeways. Also, the streets in the local area and throughout Southern California. Published studies show significant association between particulate matter and heart problems and higher cancer rates in adults (AQMD, 2000). Particulate matter also exacerbates asthma in children and may be associated with many other health problems. The planning staff provided the City Council a report which found that the port expansion would contribute minimal to insignificant amounts of air pollution beyond current levels. The report stated the plan would offset any increase in emissions with greener alternative fuels. Additionally, shorter idling times for ships due to increased efficiency.
Assessment
The staff generated a Risk Assessment model to demonstrate the limited impacts the port expansion would have on local air quality. The report and risk model analyzed air pollution that would be generated on the port property Local citizen groups who will be impacted by the port expansion strongly oppose the port expansion plan. They claim the City Council was overly impressed with scientific studies, and did not understand the limitations of the Risk Assessment model. Additionally, they are concerned that exposure assessments were based on invalidated mathematical models which used too many assumptions about population’s exposure. They have concerns about the potential increase in local air pollution from the larger diesel-powered ships.
This is a combination of the increasing truck traffic associated with the larger port. The citizen groups insist that any analysis of air emissions attributed to the ports should consider total emissions. However, not only air emissions attribute to the proposed port expansion. The citizen groups argue that the planning staff conveniently presented their position on air emissions
Questions
1. Firstly, state and discuss your opinion regarding whether or not the planning staff for the air emission exposure problem (Remember what it means for an exposure problem to be You should explain this term first so you’re able to put your response in the proper context.)
2. Secondly, discuss who should take the lead to adequately respond to this problem. Also, do you think that the planning staff of the harbor or port can adequately respond to this problem? Lastly, should the local or state health department (Health Officer) take the lead role when responding to this issue?
3. Lastly, discuss the importance of engaging and understanding the position of the various stakeholders in this case. Discuss the “public comment” phase of a development and some of the benefits that can occur by allowing stakeholders to participate. 4. Discuss the uses and limitations of risk assessments for risk management decision making. Should all exposure assessments be based only on validated models? (Support your response with appropriate references.) How would you determine if the assumptions about the population’s exposure are valid?
Context and limitations in risk assessment in the ports
