Report: $81 million in health care expenses anticipated from port pollution
Health care expenses related to port pollution could cost Charleston residents $81 million a year, according to a new study commissioned by the Coastal Conservation League.
The report, produced by Massachusetts-based Abt Associates, finds that the new terminal planned at the former Navy base would account for $27 million in medical expenses and that the existing terminals would account for $54 million in health care-related costs. It also determined that, if the Port of Charleston switched its operations to cleaner low-sulfur fuel, the $81 million figure would drop to $36 million.
“It’s like paying a high power bill if your window is open,” said League official Nancy Vinson.
She said the nonprofit organization plans to take the data to lawmakers and to new port chief executive Jim Newsome. The League paid $32,000 for the study.
Coastal Conservation League to release pollution report
The report analyzes the amount to which diesel engines contribute to air pollution in the Charleston area and recommends ways to reduce the emissions and save on health care costs.
The group says that people in the Charleston area are suffering from diseases that could be prevented if emissions were reduced.
