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OR&R Briefs American Association of Port Authorities on Benefits of ESI Data
JULY 11, 2022 — The nation’s ports are vital links for the movement of people and goods, and their protection is of critical importance. Recently, the manager of OR&R’s Environmental Sensitivity Index program and the chief of OR&R’s Emergency Response Division gave a presentation to the American Association of Port Authorities about the benefits of using ESI data to support port activities across the country.
The association represents port authorities from all corners of the United States and is invested in helping them reduce their environmental impact and maintain compliance with environmental regulations. ESI datasets contain information that is helpful for assessing potential environmental impacts and conducting environmental compliance activities, including the presence of sensitive shorelines, vulnerable species of plants and animals, and important human-use resources, such as infrastructure and parks.
OR&R is always excited to work with partners to enhance coastal resiliency, prepare our nation’s coastal communities for disasters and spills, and to respond, assess impacts, and restore habitats and resources in their aftermath. ESI maps and data are a crucial piece of these activities and can be used for planning, response, compliance, and many other elements of the work that takes place at ports. We look forward to continuing to work with the association and other groups to advance this important cause.
For more information, please contact Nicolle Rutherford, ESI program manager, at nicolle.r.rutherford@noaa.gov.