Port of Corpus Christi Authority

Port’s Environmental Management System Leads the Way  

The Port of Corpus Christi Authority (PCCA) is a leader that goes above and beyond in demonstrating environmental excellence. PCCA implemented a strategic plan to ensure its continued economic success while guaranteeing that its operations and activities are environmentally sustainable and resilient.

PCCA is the first port in Texas to receive Green Marine Certification and is also the first in the United States to have their environmental management system (EMS) certified to meet the newest internationally recognized standards (ISO 14001:2015).

PCCA’s EMS identifies five key precepts that are considered when evaluating new developments and operations—air quality, water quality, soils and sediments, wildlife habitat, and environmental sustainability. Environmental projects at the authority include air monitoring at their bulk terminal, storm water quality improvements, landscape enhancements, development of a spill prevention program, dredge material reuse, using green-energy for 100 percent of their power needs, and a recycling program.

Since 2006, PCCA has recycled almost 1,000,000 pounds of materials—including 60,000 gallons of fluids and 11,000 components such as batteries, light bulbs, and electronics. Their recycling program generated about $59,500 of revenue from materials that would have previously been sent to a landfill.

PCCA reduced their energy consumption by nearly 50 percent since 2007, and the authority also decreased their water consumption by 25 percent.

However, the most impressive part of the Port’s EMS is its strong educational, training, and outreach components. For example, the PCCA requires all Port users and tenants to comply with federal, state, and local regulations and is one of the first that requires customers to implement an EMS at their own sites.

PCCA established a Tenant Audit Program to help employees better understand each lessee’s operations, activities, and compliance with applicable regulations. As an incentive for promoting environmental stewardship, PCCA is also developing a scorecard system to be able to recognize tenants whose environmental programs go beyond regulatory requirements.

PCCA shows their commitment to building strong partnerships with stakeholders, customers, and their neighbors. Each year, the authority demonstrates that a balance between the environment, community, and the economy can be achieved.