ISO 14001 Certification Renewed for the Fifth Consecutive Year
Corpus Christi, TX – On Thursday, June 6, 2012, Port Corpus Christi completed an annual surveillance audit of its Environmental Management System (EMS). The audit was conducted by Mr. Larry Tibert with National Quality Assurance. No non-conformances were identified with this audit and the ISO 14001 certification is continued for another year.
Port Corpus Christi has an EMS in place at the Public Cargo Docks, the Maintenance Facility and at our Bulk Terminal. The EMS is aimed at reducing the environmental impact of our operations and promoting environmental stewardship. The foundation of our EMS program is our environmental policy which was approved by the Port Commission on November 9, 2004. Our environmental policy includes 4 C’s or four commitments including compliance with applicable rules and regulations, commitment to pollution prevention, continual improvement, and communicating our performance to the community. With the 4 C’s as our foundation, Port Corpus Christi sets objectives and targets to reduce the impact of our operations. In 2011, Port Corpus Christi made improvements to storm water quality by reducing the potential pollutants that could be picked up in storm water, reducing the quantity of herbicide applied through weed control, and reduction in air emissions.
Port Corpus Christi also partnered with several government and community organizations to make a significant environmental impact as well. Port Corpus Christi continues to partner with the Pollution Prevention Partnership at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi for vehicle and equipment emissions testing on a quarterly basis to ensure proper maintenance of our fleet vehicles and equipment. Additionally, Port Corpus Christi was the recipient of grant monies from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency allowing us to repower one of our locomotive switch engines with more modern engine technology, thereby reducing emissions and fuel consumption. Port Corpus Christi also partnered with Martin Middle School Science and Spanish Club who adopted a section of Joe Fulton Corridor that is heavily impacted by trash due to trucking activities. As part of this partnership, the students are also developing a education and awareness campaign to eliminate future dumping by truckers. Port Corpus Christi also had a 3-D model of the ship channel built to use in our public outreach events and teach students in area schools how Port Corpus Christi works to protect the environment and teach them to be environmental stewards as well. Finally, Port Corpus Christi is regionally promoting environmental stewardship and hosted the first annual Gulf Ports Environmental Summit. Ten Gulf Ports, including Mexican Ports representatives, came together to collaborate on common environmental issues.
“As an economic driver for this region, environmental stewardship is key to sustaining our role in the local economy and in the commerce and trade industry. By asking our employees to participate and reaching out to our Port Users and other Ports to also participate, we are sending a message that the environment is an important resource that should be protected. Maintaining our ISO 14001 certification for a fifth year is an important step in that process.” said John LaRue, Executive Director
About Port Corpus Christi
As the primary economic engine of the Coastal Bend, Port Corpus Christi is the fifth largest port in the United States in total tonnage. The Port’s mission is to “serve as a regional economic development catalyst while protecting and enhancing its existing industrial base and simultaneously working to diversify its international maritime cargo business.” Strategically located on the western Gulf of Mexico, with a straight 45’ deep channel, the Port provides quick access to the Gulf and the entire United States inland waterway system. The Port delivers outstanding access to overland transportation with on-site and direct connections to three Class-1 railroads and uncongested interstate and state highways. The Port is protected by a state-of-the-art security department and an award-winning Environmental Management System. With outstanding management and operations staff, Port Corpus Christi is clearly “More Than You Can Sea.”