The Massachusetts Port Authority and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency have teamed up to establish a program which will give owners of older trucks servicing Conley Container Terminal an incentive to replace the vehicles with ones that are 2007 emission compliant or newer. With a $500,000 EPA Diesel Emissions Reduction Act grant announced today, a total of $1.5 million will be available to provide truck owners with 50 percent of the replacement cost, up to $25,000, of older trucks which are a primary source of port-related air emissions.

The two government agencies expect up to 60 older trucks will be replaced, with truck owners contributing at least half of the replacement cost. The newer trucks will dramatically reduce lifetime emissions resulting in significant air quality and public health benefits. The program is expected to improve air quality in and around the South Boston terminal at a time when container shipments are projected to grow by up to 50 percent in the coming years.

“This is an innovative program which will have a measurable effect on air quality, and therefore the quality of life of residents in South Boston,’’ said David S. Mackey, Interim CEO of Massport. “Massport’s facilities are economic engines for the region, but we are always aware of the impact our facilities have on our neighbors and we will continue to work to lessen those impacts as we continue to grow the economy.’’

"Reducing diesel emissions is a proven and effective way to improve air quality. Investing in Clean Diesel projects here in Massachusetts will protect peoples’ health, improve air quality and help our economy by keeping jobs here in our communities," said Curt Spalding, regional administrator of EPA's New England Office. “Reducing diesel emissions means cleaner air for everyone, which is especially important for people who suffer from asthma and other respiratory problems. This funding for Massport will help dozens of truck drivers to upgrade their trucks and clean the air.”

The Clean Truck Program, modeled after similar efforts at the Port of Los Angeles and the Port of New York and New Jersey, is expected to start yielding results later this year or in early 2012. While the exact emissions reduction will not be known until each replacement vehicle is identified, it is estimated the program will eliminate more than 400 tons of hydrocarbons, 2800 tons of carbon monoxide, 630 tons of nitrogen oxides and more than 30 tons of particulate matter from the environment.

“Conley Terminal serves a vibrant, working port that brings jobs and commerce to the Commonwealth,” Congressman Stephen F. Lynch said.  “As truck traffic increases, I am pleased to see that Massport is working with the EPA to reduce harmful emissions that negatively impact our communities.  This grant will go a long way in helping to improve air quality for South Boston."

Older trucks serving Conley are a primary source of port-related air emissions. In January, Massport submitted a grant application to the EPA for $500,000 to replace trucks that are 15 to 26 years old with a 2007 emission compliant truck. The government funding would cover 50 percent of the cost for the replacement truck, and the truck owner would cover the remaining 50 percent. In June, the Massport Board voted to get the Clean Truck Program underway with or without federal funding, by providing $1 million in support. The Authority felt the commitment was important given additional service to Conley in the form of weekly service from Southeast Asia region through the Suez Canal and the initiation of a new feeder service from Halifax, Canada. The EPA funding will be used in the first phase of the program, and it will be expanded with Massport funding.

To ensure truck upgrades would provide long term environmental and health benefits to the South Boston community, agreements with each truck owner will require the truck owner to perform all required maintenance and repair, and require the owner continue to use the upgraded truck to regularly haul containers to and