See how the port is committed to environmental and sustainable practices. read more
Water Quality
Protecting water quality and estuarine habitats in the Chesapeake Bay are central components of MPA's environmental programs. The following are a few examples of how MPA protects water quality.
Air Quality
Commerce at the Port of Baltimore depends on ships that work the water, as well as trucks, trains, and heavy equipment that handle cargo on the docks. Each burns fuel that adds emissions and ground-level ozone pollution to the air.
Habitat
MPA is committed to the stewardship of the Chesapeake Bay, including the wildlife that depends on aquatic and shoreline habitat. MPA conducts a variety of habitat enhancement & ecosystem restoration projects that benefit fish, crabs, oysters, and waterfowl.
Waste & Recycling
The Port of Baltimore is a collection of state and private maritime operations, combining cargo handling, transportation, construction, and administrative activities. Each of these activities provides opportunities to reduce and recycle waste.
Education & Outreach
MPA's economic and environmental achievements are dependent on strong relationships with local residents, elected officials, and non-governmental organizations.
The Port of Baltimore is a complex of private and public marine operations with ties to both global and local communities. Commerce is at the core of those ties, but the Port's success is also measured by its actions as a global neighbor and good steward of the Chesapeake Bay. As a leading partner in this effort, the Maryland Port Administration (MPA) is committed to responsible environmental management and a sustainable relationship with our shared natural resources.
MPA is combating air pollution and global climate change by reducing harmful emissions and encouraging its partners to do the same. This supports Maryland's Greenhouse Gas Reduction Act, as well as the Presidential directive to reduce the use of traditional fossil fuels and the emission of greenhouse gas.
MPA is also in vigorous compliance with state and federal environmental regulations.
A senior-level manager is responsible for spearheading the MPA's environmental initiatives and coordinating its environmental programs. Those programs are largely driven by an Environmental Management System and the Dredged Material Management Program
- The Environmental Management System (EMS) is a formal, voluntary process for preventing environmental problems and fixing the root causes when they occur. All MPA employees participate in basic environmental awareness training and become partners in identifying and reporting potential environmental concerns.
- The Dredged Material Management Program is a team of managers, scientists, and citizens who manage the placement of dredged material. This includes the "beneficial use" of dredged material to restore wildlife habitat on Bay islands, and mitigation projects that have resulted in recreation areas, green schoolyards, and a new nature center.
MPA believes that sustainable management strategies are good for business, as well as the environment. A strong suite of stewardship actions continues to attract world-class shipping companies that share the MPA philosophy and value their partnership with the green Port of Baltimore.
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Safe Passage
Ensuring safe and navigable channels and clean, safe, and protected waters. 
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