The Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority is mindful of its environmental responsibilities and will continue to analyze new and experimental equipment that is environmentally-friendly. Collaboration between the Port Authority and partner agencies ensures channels and berths are maintained in an environmentally-responsible manner.

Ships are the most environmentally responsible, fuel-efficient form of transportation, use the least amount of fuel to move a ton of cargo and have lower emissions:

• One vessel carrying 20,000 tons = 1,000 truckloads
• One vessel carrying 60,000 tons = 685 rail cars

Caterpillar Inc. announced in October 2005 plans to equip all land-based equipment at the Port of Cleveland with emission-reducing Cat® catalyzed converter mufflers. By retrofitting the 26 diesel engines owned by Federal Marine Terminals, 25.9 tons of emissions will be reduced. Ohio Sen. George Voinovich introduced the project under the Diesel Emissions Reduction Program, which was passed into law as part of the Energy Policy Act of 2005. Voinovich joined port officials, port users and environmental leaders to announce the program.

Nature enthusiasts spend the day observing wildlife and touring Dike 14. The Cuyahoga Soil and Water Conservation District, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and the Earth Day Coalition coordinated tours of the former dredge disposal site.

Located near Gordon Park on the shores of Lake Erie, Dike 14 accepted contaminated sediment from the Cuyahoga River and the Cleveland Harbor for 20 years. The facility no longer accepts sediment and is now naturalized.

The Port Authority is assisting its environmental partners in making sure the site is safe for public enjoyment and wildlife by conducting soil tests. Once testing is completed in the spring, plans for the site could be developed.