Environment

Port-Funded Project Leads to Release of Endangered Birds

bmoreno@portofsandiego.org (Barbara Moreno (619) 686-6216) — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 16:23:16 +0000

Sixteen endangered light-footed clapper rails were released at San Elijo Lagoon in Encinitas on June 16 as part of a captive breeding program partially funded by the Port of San Diego. The critically endangered birds were set free through a special conservation effort by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in San Diego, the Chula Vista Nature Center, Sea World and the Wild Animal Park.

The light-footed clapper rail once thrived in the coastal marshes of Southern California, although the development of 90 percent of the clapper rail's natural habitat along with the threat from introduced predators like the red fox and feral cats caused the population to dwindle. Habitat destruction has also resulted in ‘genetic bottlenecking' within the isolated subpopulations. This lack of genetic diversity results in the birds inbreeding which causes a decline in the breeding rates.

Additionally, because of the inbreeding, the birds and their offspring become very unhealthy. The clapper rails were tagged in order to keep track of the population in the wild. In 1998, only 222 pairs of clapper rails were counted in their range in California and a program was started to increase their numbers. In the 10-year period since then, the number of breeding pairs in the wild has doubled with the program releasing more than 200 captive-bred birds.

There are many species of wildlife that call San Diego Bay home. The Port invites the public to learn more about the plants and animals using our customized Google Earth download.

Baby Osprey Makes Home Above Port of San Diego Tidelands

bmoreno@portofsandiego.org (Barbara Moreno (619) 686-6216) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 15:39:59 +0000

The Port of San Diego's Environmental Department captured images of the first Osprey chick born in special nesting platforms constructed along the tidelands. The chick is believed to be six- to eight-weeks old and has been seen interacting with its parents on the entrance road to Pepper Park in National City.

The Port's General Services Department constructed the Osprey nesting platform in April 2007. Environmental Services Assistant Director Eileen Maher said the birds were first seen on the platform back in December of 2007. They actually began nesting about year later. The chick most likely hatched sometime in late-March or early April.

The osprey is a large, migratory raptor with a wingspan reaching around five and a half feet. The species was once abundant in California but has been reduced over the years. Ospreys are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, a domestic law that affirms the United States' commitment to four international conventions for the protection of a shared migratory bird resource.

The birds feed mainly on fish and build their enormous nests near water and often on top of utility poles.

The nesting platform is one of five set up by the Port around the Big Bay®. The Chula Vista Wildlife Reserve, at the Coronado Golf Course, Imperial Beach at 13th Street and Shelter Island near the Friendship Bell are home to the other platforms. The Port has placed interpretive signs at each nesting platform site to educate the public on the importance of the protected species. ( Port_Osprey_Sign (1.12 MB))

The platforms consist of a single pole, between 10 and 15 feet in height, topped with a platform that is approximately four feet wide.

There are many species of wildlife that call San Diego Bay home. The Port invites the public to learn more about the plants and animals using our customized Google Earth download.

Port of San Diego Tightens Taps to Conserve Water

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 21:41:06 +0000

The Port of San Diego is taking an active role in conserving water in light of the mandatory water use restrictions implemented June 1 by the City of San Diego.

"We actually went to a Stage 2 water level in April. We started working on conservation efforts before the city mandated it," said John Kampe, Maintenance Supervisor for the Port of San Diego's General Services Department.

The first step was to replace Bermuda Grass at Spanish Landing Park with water-saving succulents and sage. Once the waterwise plants are established, it is estimated water use for the 6,600-square-foot area along the bay will be reduced by 80 percent. The main objective is to save water while creating attractive landscaping.

"In Embarcadero Marina Park South, all the brush and bushes have been removed and we put mulch in that area," said Kampe. "All the area where grass is not used, we've shut the water off to those and our intention is that as the grass dies, we'll take out the grass and put in mulch."

In addition, the port is taking the following steps to conserve water:

Retrofit the Administration Building and Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal with ultra-low flow toilets
Retrofit all public restrooms with low-flow flush kits
"Stress-Watering" shrub areas, meaning they are only watered when visible signs of plant stress are noticed
Install Calsense (computer controlled irrigation systems) in Tidelands Park, Cesar Chavez Park, Embarcadero Marina Parks North and South and Spanish Landing Park.

"If you use a pop-up spray head sprinkler you can only water on Monday, Wednesday and Friday for 10 minutes," said Kampe.

A resident reported a faulty sprinkler along Embarcadero Park and Kampe said that's a good thing. The area was being "stress watered" after the Red Bull Air Races damaged the grass.

"There was a main line break in one place and a sprinkler head that needs to be replaced. It was an isolated incident. But we depend on park watchers, that way we can respond quicker," Kampe said.

If you see any water-related issues, please report them 619-686-6200. The Port purchases water from three agencies: the City of San Diego Water Department, Sweetwater Authority and the California American Water Company. California has been operating under drought conditions for three years.

Citizens are encouraged to find ways to cut water usage. For more information, read about the Water Conservation Rebate Program.

Interactive Map Shows Marine Life in San Diego Bay

bmoreno@portofsandiego.org (Barbara Moreno) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 22:44:00 +0000

The Port of San Diego is responsible for protecting the natural resources of the San Diego Bay. In a continuing effort to raise public awareness of our unique surroundings, the Port invites the public to learn more about the plants and animals of San Diego Bay using Google Earth.

The new interactive tool, which maps San Diego Bay species, allows users to explore local habitats, discover unique species and become acquainted with all the Bay has to offer.

The application shows what animals live in the Bay, including endangered green sea turtles and local visitors such as the gray whale. Descriptions and extents of eelgrass beds and other important habitats will highlight the most productive regions of San Diego Bay.

In addition, you can also learn about efforts the Port is undertaking to preserve and enhance these valuable resources through the Green Port Program.

The feature will be continually updated with new and exciting species. Download the application and begin exploring!

Port of San Diego Lends Hands to Creek to Bay Cleanup

bmoreno@portofsandiego.org (Barbara Moreno) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 15:25:37 +0000

There's a lot less trash around San Diego Bay following the 7th Annual Creek to Bay Cleanup over the weekend. On Saturday, April 25, more than 4,000 volunteers got their hands dirty at 63 cleanup sites countywide. That included the Port of San Diego's volunteer crew, which cleaned up the D Street Fill along Port tidelands in the South Bay.

Forty-five people, consisting of Port employees, other volunteers and co-cleanup captains AMEC Earth and Environmental, Inc. worked to cleanup the 1.5 mile-site, south of the Sweetwater Channel, from 9 a.m. to noon. In the three-hour time, they collected 1.4 tons of trash. Among the items picked up were tires, plastic bottles and various plastic bags. The most unusual item found by a volunteer was a one-eyed alien costume headpiece. The volunteer who picked up the bizarre item was awarded two tickets to the Birch Aquarium.

Morgan Justice-Black, with I Love A Clean San Diego, the organizers of the event, said the cleanup left temporary dumpsters "filled to the brim countywide," with thousands of pounds of debris. The most unusual items collected across the county included a trophy from 1911, a disco ball, and a wallet full of money.

Port of San Diego tenant NASSCO/General Dynamics was among the sponsors of the cleanup. Their volunteer group helped cleanup more than 5,000 pounds of trash from Southcrest Community Park on the corner of 40th and Alpha streets.

Innovative Wind Blade Project Creating Green Jobs in San Diego

bmoreno@portofsandiego.org (Barbara Moreno (619) 686-6216) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 15:43:59 +0000

A renewable energy project from Port of San Diego tenant Knight and Carver Wind Group is being applauded by the federal government and creating green jobs in San Diego. The Department of Energy's Wind and Hydropower Technologies division named Knight and Carver's innovative wind blade, the STAR blade, as one of its top 10 accomplishments in the nation. STAR stands for Sweep Twist Adaptive Rotor, is being tested in Tehachapi, California.

"We received a contract from the Department of Energy for research and development of a new wind blade, and we developed over a three-year period, this new wind blade which we think will revolutionize the wind industry," said Gary Kanaby, Vice-President of Sales for Knight and Carver Wind Group, located in National City.

At just under 90 feet long, the STAR blade isn't linear like most wind blades. It is curved, like a wing and uses an airfoil to give the wind blade lift, working much like an airplane wing. The curve allows the blade to twist, shedding loads and enabling a larger than normal blade set to be installed on a wind turbine. The blade takes maximum advantage of all wind speeds. Test results show the blade produces 8 percent more energy than regular wind blades.

Knight and Carver's Wind Blade division evolved from the company's composite expertise. For 30 years, they have built and repaired large yachts and other vessels. So in 1996, when an electric company asked for help repairing worn fiberglass blades, Knight and Carver jumped at the chance.

"Our engineers put their heads together and found a way to fix these wind blades. This really got our feet wet and got started on this wind blade repair," said Kanaby.

Currently, the Wind Group has repair projects in 15 states as well as work in Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, Spain and the UK. The company stands out as one of few U.S. companies that both manufacture and service wind turbine blades. Knight and Carver's work is one example of the Port of San Diego's Green Port initiative in action.

"We hire San Diego people, we train them in San Diego and we send them all over the country," Kanaby said. "We're taking blue collar workers and turning them into green collar workers. And the green collar workers in our case is one of our workers who can go out and inspect and repair the wind blades."

"Renewable energy and the use of renewable energy is really a priority for the Port under our Green Port program," said Michelle White, Manager of the Port of San Diego's Green Port Program. "As an organization, the Port supports using renewable energies and we're really fortunate that we have some tenants that are being very proactive in enhancing the green tech. field and also creating green jobs."

The goal of the Dept. of Energy is to have 20 percent wind energy by the year 2030. 2008 saw a record-breaking year of wind power installation.

"The excitement's there because look at all the jobs. All these companies have been importing these machines - most of the machines come from other countries. They all now are building their factories in the U.S. because they see the U.S. is going to be the big market," said Kanaby.

Green Port Program Setting Green Office Example

bmoreno@portofsandiego.org (Barbara Moreno) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 22:28:48 +0000

There's never been a better time to start thinking about going green. Earth Day 2009 will be recognized on Wednesday, April 22, but the Port of San Diego has adopted a Green Port Program that is in effect every day of the year.

The Green Port Program was developed to support the goals of the Green Port Policy that was approved by the Board of Port Commissioners in 2008. The program unifies the Port's environmental sustainability goals in six key areas: water, energy, air, waste management, sustainable development and sustainable business practices. It continues the Port's existing environmental efforts and expands these efforts through new programs and initiatives.

Green Office Projects.org recently featured an article on the Green Port program, citing it as a good example of what happens when a business or organization is "flexible, open to change and willing to work with like-minded businesses."

Kelly Makley, Associate Environmental Specialist in the port's Environmental Services Department, explained to Green Office Projects.org what it took to get the program off the ground and how the Port is continually looking for new ways to go even greener. (Read the article.)

A new addition to the program came in March, when the San Diego Board of Port Commissioners entered into a memorandum of understanding with San Diego Gas and Electric on an "Energy Road Map." The goals of the partnership are to identify opportunities to deliver net energy savings, peak demand savings and greenhouse gas reductions through implementation of energy efficiency activities in Port operations.

Recommendations from SDG&E that the Port plans to implement include facilities retrofits to improve energy efficiency and outreach to educate Port employees, Port tenants, and the public on energy efficiency and related opportunities. The next steps in this Partnership are to develop a Climate Protection Plan to supplement the Port's Master Plan, create a Sustainable Energy Plan to explore opportunities to use renewable energy on tidelands, and explore opportunities for acquiring electric vehicles and equipment.

The Port also publishes environmental tips and lists green resources that are useful to the general public.

Waterwise Landscaping Planted at Spanish Landing Park

gbatuyon@portofsandiego.org (Glenn Batuyong) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 23:22:03 +0000

Bermuda Grass has been replaced with water-saving succulents and sage at the entrance to the west end of Spanish Landing Park along San Diego Bay.

"The main objective is to save water while creating attractive landscaping," said Stan Baczynski, Port Construction Inspector for this project and a certified arborist.

Once the waterwise plants are established, it is estimated water use for this 6,600-square-foot area will be reduced by 80 percent.

"Turf that had to be mowed, fertilized and irrigated was replaced with drought tolerant, waterwise plants that are low maintenance in addition to needing little water," said Baczynski.

The Port's Environmental Fund paid for this $36,000 project that also includes conceptual designs for possible installation of drought tolerant plants at other Port parks. The multi-million dollar Environmental Fund pays for projects that assist the Port in its quest to restore, protect and enhance San Diego Bay and the surrounding tidelands.

The recently completed waterwise project included grass removal, design, and installation of plants and a rock dry-stream element that now flags the entrance to the park at the intersection of North Harbor Drive and Spanish Landing West.

"This is a pilot installation program to replace turf areas that are little used for picnicking or other recreational activities with waterwise landscaping that complements the existing turf and trees in Port parks," said Baczynski.

The landscape architects are Wimmer Yamada and Caughey. The installation contractor is North San Diego County-based Green Horizon Landscape. The contractor will irrigate the plants weekly for a couple of months to assist in establishing the plants. Eventually, the waterwise plants may be self-sustaining except for during the hottest summer months.

"The area demonstrates how someone could create a landscape for their own yard using low-water plants that look attractive," said Bacynski.The Santa Barbara Mexican Bush Sage, (Salvia Leucantha), a commonly used waterwise plant, has already produced purple flowers, and yellow flowers will appear on the Blue Chalk Sticks succulents (Senecio Mandraliscae) during the summer. The golden Regal Mist Muhly grass (Muhlenbergia Capillaris) adds texture to the lively mix.

"With upcoming water regulations expected in the near future, projects of this type can benefit the entire region," said Michelle White, Manager of the Green Port Program. Water conservation is a key element of the Green Port Program, which unifies the Port's environmental sustainability goals in six key areas: water, energy, air, waste management, sustainable development, and sustainable business practices. The Green Port Program both continues the Port's existing environmental efforts and expands these efforts through new programs and initiatives.

Additional waterwise plant information is available from the Water Conservation Garden at Cuyamaca College. Or, check out the San Diego County Water Authority's new Nifty 50 List, which showcases 50 watersmart plants including shrubs, succulents, vines, groundcover, grass, perennials and trees.

Green Port Goes Greener, Provides Compost for Port Flowerbeds

gbatuyon@portofsandiego.org (Glenn Batuyong) — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 22:06:09 +0000

In addition to growing organic vegetables, Port employees have provided compost material to gardeners for use in flowerbeds around San Diego Bay.

"Using this natural organic compost nourishes the plants without having to use fertilizer that could leech chemicals into the Bay," said Craig Sweeting, Unified Garden Society member and Building Maintenance Coordinator.

Port gardeners recently placed the first batch of compost around plants near the Harbor Police facility at the tip of Shelter Island.

"It was good, high quality compost," said lead gardener Don Jones. "We're hoping to get more."

So far, the Port is producing about 300 pounds of dark, rich compost each month. "We've got a great pilot program going and hope to soon increase production," said Sweeting.

The compost is made from food waste obtained from Café Café Ole, located in the Port administration building. Coffee grounds, eggshells, melon rinds and leftover vegetables are put into the composter.

"We provide an average of 100 pounds of food waste every week," said Café Café Ole owner Yan Yanez. "That's 100 pounds of waste that can now be processed to use as fertilizer instead of taking up space in a landfill," he said.

Composting has diverted nearly 1,000 pounds of food waste so far and supports the Port's Green Port Program. This program unifies the Port's environmental sustainability goals in six key areas: water, energy, air, waste management, sustainable development, and sustainable business practices. Progress with composting is tracked and managed by the Port's Green Port team in the Environmental Services department.

Port staff monitors the compost quality, and also sprinkles some in planters at the administration building where an array of organic vegetables and herbs are grown by the Port's Unified Garden Society.

"Fifty percent wet material such as food waste and 50 percent dry material makes perfect compost," said Sweeting. About once a month, gardeners provide leaves or grass clippings to add to the mixture.The cylindrical compost bin is turned once a day, stirring the material to keep it evenly decomposing. A small amount of water is added to keep it moist.

Port staff visited the City of San Diego Environmental Services Department to research the selection of a compost bin, now located in a corner between the administration building and the annex.

Anyone interested in composting at home can obtain more information about composters from the Unified Garden Society or online at Gardeners Supply Company, Amazon, The ComposTumbler, and Easy Living Organics.

The Port's Green Port program continues the Port's existing environmental efforts and expands these efforts through new programs and initiatives.

Hornblower Cruises Volunteers for Copper-Free Paint Study

bmoreno@portofsandiego.org (Barbara Moreno (619) 686-6216) — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 22:46:29 +0000

The Newport Hornblower is cruising the waters of Southern California with an experimental paint job on its hull. Port of San Diego tenant Hornblower Cruises and Events volunteered to test 10 eco-friendly paints on one of its vessels. The test is part of an EPA-funded study to find an alternative to copper antifouling hull paints. The donated paints were applied on Monday, March 23 at Knight and Carver YachtCenter in National City.

"We're doing some experimental painting," said Jim Unger, Vice President of Hornblower Cruises and Events. "Traditionally bottom paint has had toxins, either heavy metals or other biocides, that get into the water system and what we're doing here is experimenting with paints that have very little or none of each."

In 1996, the San Diego Regional Water Control Board identified high levels of dissolved copper in the water of Shelter Island Yacht basin. The high copper levels in the water were the result of the boats that have copper based paint. Boaters use the copper paints to prevent the growth of marine organisms on their boat hulls.

"The downside to using these copper paints is that the copper leaches off these boat hulls and gets into the water column," said Karen Holman, Environmental Specialist with the Port of San Diego. "At that point it becomes potentially toxic to the marine organisms in the water and becomes a water quality problem."

In the summer of 2008, the Port's environmental services team tested copper-free paints, submersing painted fiberglass panels into the Bay. In addition to being tested on recreational boats through the EPA funded study, the top performers from the panel test are now being tested by Hornblower.

"Our partnership with the Hornblower is a great adventure in this study because we are able to take several different test coatings and put all of these test coatings onto one boat hull for a side by side comparison," said Holman.

Port of San Diego tenant Knight and Carver YachtCenter in National City is already using some of the eco-friendly paints on clients' vessels. They helped applying the test paints to the Hornblower's hull.

"We're really pushing to go green, so we feel really passionate about looking after the environment," said Graham Rutherford, project manager at Knight and Carver. "The feedback we have now is great. What I've heard are good results (from boaters)... we're reapplying, which is a good thing."

Comparisons of the test paints will be made over a two-year period, the normal life expectancy of copper-based paint. In the meantime, Hornblower is helping spread the word about the study.

"What's great is this will actually be done pictorially -- and somewhat in video on our everyday cruises - on Harbor cruises and whale watching at San Diego Bay, aboard our Adventure Hornblower," said Unger.

The Newport Hornblower will be rebranded overall to talk about the work being done on the Port tidelands to improve the environmental condition of the water and its surround.