On-call Support
Partner regularly with the Port of Virginia on a variety of environmental consulting requests, meeting their diverse permitting, planning, and documentation needs as a trusted advisor
Strategic Progress
Navigate step-by-step planning through project completion in coordination with the Port of Virginia, ensuring they are prepared for their net-zero carbon emissions goal
Consistent Reporting
Create an annual sustainability report and progress presentation, communicating important metrics and milestones to the client and other stakeholders
The Port of Virginia—the fifth largest container port in the US with six terminals across the state—has taken a forward-thinking approach to make their operations more sustainable over the coming decades. Staying true to their mission to be the most modern gateway in America, the Port of Virginia announced their Net-Zero by 2040 Carbon Goal in April of 2022. Since then, they have taken deliberate steps to use more sustainable resources and clean fuels—such as electrifying terminals and using power from resources like nuclear, solar, and wind.
Kimley-Horn has partnered with the Port of Virginia since 2016 and provided on-call environmental services to continue supporting their net-zero by 2040 sustainability goals. The services our team has provided include:
- Air and water quality compliance
- Construction and industrial stormwater discharge permitting support
- Preparation of environmental assessments and environmental impact statements
- Stormwater pollution prevention plans
- Grant support and benefit-cost analyses
- Erosion and sediment control plans
- Programmatic training
- National Environmental Policy Act compliance
- Fuel tank compliance assistance
- Construction management of sites with contaminated soil and groundwater
Building Partnership in Uncharted Waters
Kimley-Horn is continuing an on-call partnership with the Port of Virginia, working closely with key stakeholders to navigate step-by-step through their trailblazing net-zero program. Following the port’s electrification advancement, our team has tracked air emission reductions to help them reach their staged goals. We also have facilitated the annual stormwater training program, conducted an electric vehicle feasibility study for freight trucks, and supported the integration of semi-automated technology into port operations for greater efficiency.
Additionally, our team has developed plans in partnership with our client and other stakeholders to dredge Norfolk Harbor and allow large vessels safer port access. To accommodate two-directional passage in the shipping channels, the project is set to expand channel depth to more than 50 feet and width up to 1,400 feet in some parts. As this project continues to evolve from plan through execution and completion over the next year, our team is working closely with the Port of Virginia to ensure the project streamlines port operations and boosts local economic opportunity.
In addition to our current services, our team is already strategizing on carbon sequestration opportunities for the future. With help from the Kimley-Horn team, the Port of Virginia is ahead of schedule in their goal to become carbon-neutral by 2040—in fact, they have reached their objective to have 100% of their energy come from clean energy sources in 2024.
Navigating Strategic Stakeholder Communications
To ensure that our client, stakeholders, and the community are informed on project plans and milestones, our team helps develop the port’s annual sustainability report, which is published on their website and informs the public about their progress toward net-zero and the steps taken to run a more sustainable operation. Additionally, for the yearly State of the Port event—which gathers multidisciplinary experts together to learn about port updates and related industry opportunities—our team supports the creation of the key presentation on the port’s current and projected progress. port updates and related industry opportunities—our team supports the creation of the key presentation on the Port of Virginia’s current and projected progress.
In our time working with the port, we have also served as conference presenters, speaking on behalf of our client’s ambitious goals at various industry events. This strategic communication helps the port stay integrated in the regional and national economy and supports knowledge-sharing for community members who will be impacted by port operations or who want to emulate their eco-conscious practices. As this project continues over the coming years, we will continue to support the Port of Virginia’s sustainability and efficiency goals as their go-to consulting professionals.