Port of Long Beach releases on-dock rail facility draft environmental study

LONG BEACH ― The Port of Long Beach released a draft environmental study on Dec. 15. The proposal is to redevelop a rail yard to allow for the assembly of longer trains within the Harbor District, moving cargo faster while making operations more sustainable. The proposed Pier B On-Dock Rail Support Facility would shift more cargo to “on-dock rail,” where containers are placed directly on trains at marine terminals. No trucks would visit the facility. The rail yard would be operated by Pacific Harbor Line, a switching railroad that has converted its fleet to clean diesel locomotives that reduce air pollution and save fuel. “The proposed development would enhance the efficiency of goods movement at the Port of Long Beach,” Interim Chief Executive Duane Kenagy said. “This project is vital to our efforts to modernize the port and continue to lead the way in environmental sustainability.” The port prepared a Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) analyzing the impacts of the proposed development, and the mitigation measures that would be used to address those impacts. The document is available online at polb.com/ceqa. The port welcomes comment on the study through Feb. 13, 2017. Two public hearings will be held in January to offer the public...