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Last week, the Port of Los Angeles released a report showing air emissions generated by cargo-handling operations significantly declined between 2005 and 2010, including a 69 percent reduction in diesel particulate matter, even though cargo volumes rose 5 percent during the time period.

The new “2010 Inventory of Air Emissions” report also shows emissions of sulfur oxide plummeted 76 percent, nitrogen oxide plunged 52 percent, carbon monoxide fell 48 percent and hydrocarbon dropped 45 percent since the baseline year of 2005. The emissions inventory is based on records of activity by ships, trucks, trains, cranes and other yard equipment; data on equipment types and ages; and up-to-date information on emissions factors for various engines.

The port attributes the emission reductions to a clean truck program, the installation of pollution control devices on cargo-handling equipment and harbor craft engines, and increased usage of alternative fuels and power systems.

“The air quality in the L.A. harbor is improving as a result of the substantial investments the port, its tenants and other port-related businesses have made in recent years by purchasing cleaner equipment and participating in a variety of emission-reduction initiatives,” said Port Executive Director Geraldine Knatz in a prepared statement. “This is the second straight year we have achieved dramatic reductions in every emissions category.”