APCD board signs CARB at-berth MOU for Port Hueneme; approves contracts, grants and 2025 rule calendar

The Ventura County Air Pollution Control Board on Dec. 1 received an update from the Air Pollution Control Officer, approved an agreement with the California Air Resources Board to enforce at‑berth vessel opacity limits at Port Hueneme, authorized a $95,000 increase to a software services contract, changed the funding source for one Carl Moyer grant, approved the district—s 2025 rule development calendar and took several routine administrative actions.

The board voted to approve a memorandum of understanding with the California Air Resources Board that will allow the district to inspect and enforce at‑berth vessel opacity requirements at ports within its jurisdiction, including Port Hueneme. Keith Macias, compliance division manager, told the board the CARB at‑berth regulation affects container, passenger and refrigerated cargo ships now and will add tanker vessels in 2027, and that the regulation implements opacity standards referenced in the Health and Safety Code (transcript reference). The board moved and seconded the item and voted in favor.

The agreement responds to long‑standing state rules intended to reduce ship emissions in California ports; Macias said enforcement under the MOU will be focused on vessels at berth or at anchor in California—s regulated waters. Supervisor Giro asked whether the Port of Hueneme had commented; Macias said staff had not seen direct comments and noted the port has been focused on shore power repairs after storm damage and is undertaking a multi‑year,…