Commission says 'aye' to environmental testing, rail project actions

VANCOUVER, Wash.-In a rescheduled meeting, the Port of Vancouver Board of Commissioners today approved two action items, and earned recognition and praise.

Commissioners Nancy Baker, Jerry Oliver and Brian Wolfe voted unanimously to authorize Executive Director Larry Paulson to sign a task order for the port’s West Vancouver Freight Access Project, and to award contracts for analytical testing services needed by the port’s environmental services staff.

The commission was also recognized with a certificate from Renewable Northwest Project (RNP), for the port’s recent green energy purchase. The port’s commitment to buy green energy credits – specifically from wind sources – equaling 60 percent of its electricity in 2008 met the standards of RNP’s Clean Energy Challenge.

Diane Zipper represented RNP in making the presentation.

“The Renewable Energy awards program is a mechanism to recognize businesses who step forward to make a significant difference in the use and promotion of green energy,” Zipper said. “This purchase is significant in support of what the port is doing in terms of wind energy.”

Rail project action

The commission voted 3-0 to authorize Paulson to sign Task Order No. 1 with Wiser Rail Engineering, for the not-to-exceed amount of $150,000, expiring on December 31, 2008.

Services provided under the task order will include support for port staff in discussions and meetings with consultants, railroad officials and outside entities; Advice to port staff on appropriate course of action relating to rail design and construction; Preparation of preliminary plans and cost estimates for rail improvement projects and more.

Contract awards for analytical services

The commission also voted 3-0 to authorize Paulson to award environmental testing contracts to Columbia Analytical Services, Test America and Pace Analytical.

Columbia Analytical Services’ contract is for the amount of $300,000, while contracts with Test America and Pace Analytical are in the amount of $150,000 and $50,000, respectively.

The port annually spends approximately $200,000 for laboratory analysis of soil, ground water and air samples, as required to support development projects, cleanup initiatives, dredging and stormwater and drinking water monitoring requirements. The port evaluated six proposals and selected three in this process.

Included in the scope of work is analytical testing of groundwater, stormwater, drinking water, process water, surface water, sediment, and soil samples on an approved fee-for-service basis. By working with contracted laboratories, the port saves more than $25,000 annually in mark-up costs that would otherwise be charged through consulting firms.

Commissioners needed to reschedule the meeting – originally set for July 22 – in order to attend the Washington Public Ports Association (WPPA) Commissioners Seminar.

Wednesday’s meeting will be televised live on CVTV, and will be streamed live on www.cvtv.org.

At A Glance

Who: Vancouver Port Commission: Brian Wolfe, Nancy Baker, Jerry Oliver
What: Regular meeting of the Vancouver Port Commission
When: Wednesday, July 23, 2008, 9:30 a.m.
Where: Port of Vancouver USA Commission Room
Quick Facts: The commission authorized two action items, one for environmental analytical testing services, and another for the West Vancouver Freight Access Project...the meeting was televised live on CVTV Channel 21, and will be available for online viewing this afternoon on www.cvtv.org.

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The Port of Vancouver, USA, created by Clark County taxpayers in 1912, is one of the major ports on the Pacific Coast. Its competitive strengths include available land, versatile cargo handling capabilities, vast transportation networks, a dependable labor force and an exceptional level of service to its customers and community.

- POV -