Stewardship
Our Commitment
At the Alabama Port Authority, we believe responsible growth starts with responsible stewardship. That’s why we weave environmental sustainability into every part of our work—from daily operations to long-range planning and port development. Our goal is simple: go beyond what the regulations require and do what’s right for the environment we all share.
We are continuously strengthening our efforts to protect air and water quality, improve soil and sediment conditions, preserve wildlife habitat, manage waste responsibly, and reduce energy use. Ultimately, we’re working to support a cleaner, healthier environment for Mobile, neighboring communities, and the entire State of Alabama.
How We Deliver on
This Commitment
- Spill prevention
- Reduction of greenhouse gases and air pollutants
- Responsible dry-bulk handling and storage
- Industry environmental leadership
- Community impact measures (lighting, noise, housekeeping)
- Comprehensive waste management
Examples of Our
Sustainability in Action
- Electric ship-to-shore cranes at McDuffie Coal Terminal, Pinto Island Steel Terminal, and the Container Terminal
- Locomotive repowering with smart-idle and EPA-certified off-road engines, cutting diesel particulate matter and nitrogen oxides by more than 90%
- A strict no-idle policy to reduce unnecessary emissions
- Robust recycling programs for metals, batteries, ink and toner cartridges, paper and cardboard, oils and lubricants, rubber, lightbulbs, plastics, and coal residues
- Advanced dust-control measures across operations
- Twice-weekly near-shore and shoreline inspections with immediate cleanup wherever waterway impacts are possible
Upper Mobile Bay Wetlands Project
Planning is underway for the creation of 1,200 acres of wetlands in the Upper Mobile Bay through the beneficial use of dredged sediments. The project, known as the Upper Mobile Bay Beneficial Use Wetland Creation Site (Planning) Project, considers an area in the bay about 1.5 to 2.5 miles south of the causeway and I-10.
The $2.5 million planning project is funded by the Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities and Revived Economies (RESTORE) of the Gulf States Act. It is a Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council-approved project and is sponsored and directed by the Alabama State Port Authority.
Each year, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Alabama State Port Authority remove approximately six million cubic yards of sediment from Alabama’s Mobile Harbor federal navigation channel and adjacent public berths. Current practices place dredged materials in permitted open-water or upland management areas. These valuable sediments can be used to create wetlands and habitat. Currently, Mobile Bay Estuary Program (MBNEP) wetland mapping indicates there are 6,200 acres of wetlands (emergent marsh) in the Upper Mobile Bay/Lower Mobile-Tensaw Delta area. By constructing this project, sediments could remain in the Upper Mobile Bay system, increasing these important wetland habitats by 15%.
Upon completion of the planning phase at the end of 2021, the Port Authority anticipates requesting construction funds for the first 100 acres of wetlands from the RESTORE Council in 2022. It is anticipated that an additional 1,100 acres of wetlands will be created over the next 10-20 years. Additional information may be found at uppermobaywetlands.com.
What is Green Marine?
- Annual corporate leadership approval
- Minimized environmental impact in operations/activities
- Development and promotion of environmental protection measures
- Integration of sustainable practices
- Port authorities, ship owners and terminal operators
- Environmental groups and governments at the federal, state and municipal levels
- Education and conservation institutions
More Initiatives
- Bike/commuting ride-share outreach
- Conversion to LED lighting
- Invasive species removal
- Shoreline trash removal
- Three Mile Creek
- Industrial Canal
- Garrows Bend
- Arlington Park
- Mobile River