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The Port of Seattle says it has today 'set the record straight' on maritime air emissions following the issue, on Saturday December 8, of 'inaccurate information' regarding air emissions from Port of Seattle related truck traffic.

In a statement, the port said that it encouraged honest, factual discussion of environmental issues in the region and, as a result, has issued the following information:

* According to the 2011 Puget Sound Maritime Air Emissions inventory, total maritime related emissions of diesel particulate matter in the Puget Sound airshed are 16 percent lower than they were in 2005, when the first inventory was conducted.

* Port of Seattle maritime related emissions of diesel particulate matter in the Puget Sound airshed are 27 percent lower than in 2005.

* The 2005 data was updated using the same methodology as the 2011 inventory in order to ensure an “apples to apples” comparison.

* Both the 2005 and 2011 inventories were conducted by Starcrest LLC. Starcrest is a widely recognized leader in the field of maritime emissions inventories and has conducted studies for many ports around the country, including Los Angeles and Long Beach.

* The 2011 study was more comprehensive than the 2005 study in that it included port related truck traffic throughout the Puget Sound airshed, rather than just traffic on port facilities.

Further information on the Puget Sound Maritime Air Emissions inventory can be found at: http://www.portseattle.org/Environmental/Air/Seaport-Air-Quality/Pages/Puget-Sound-Maritime-Air-Emissions-Inventory.aspx