UCI to study links between local port pollution and health

Pollution and public health concerns around the Long Beach and Los Angeles ports are being targeted by researchers at UC Irvine’s Institute of Transportation Studies. They’ve received a grant to study commercial traffic patterns along routes serving the ports and evaluate alternative freight strategies that could help alleviate traffic and improve the quality of life for nearby residents. The research team, led by co-principal investigators Stephen Ritchie (pictured) and Jean-Daniel Saphores, includes six faculty experts in engineering, economics, planning and public health. The project is scheduled to receive about $220,000 in funding over two years.