The Airport and the Environment

Deicing Concerns 

Every winter certain airports run into issues during winter. The aircrafts have to be deiced, and the runways salted. However, this process sparks concerns for the environment. Additionally, managers run into the issues of getting the aircraft up and running in colder environments.  “Airports across the country spray millions of gallons of deicing chemicals onto airliners and allow the runoff to trickle away. When the chemicals end up in nearby waterways, the deicing fluid can turn streams bright orange and create dead zones for aquatic life” (2009).

Harsh winters have an impact on aircrafts, that’s why the deicing process is critical for the overall performance of the aircraft. “The buildup of ice and snow on critical surfaces of an aircraft decreases lift and can lead to disastrous results” (2010). The process is essential for aircrafts and progression of the aviation industry. However, those same chemicals should have just as much an impact in protecting our environment as well. The industry can improve the situation in three easy steps. The first step, acknowledge and address the problem. Secondly, develop the best course of action to clean up the hazardous chemicals. The third step, implement and support the course of action to clean up the hazardous chemicals. If the environmental program is proactive with those three steps, environmental hazards in the aviation industry could be an afterthought down the road.

Deicing chemicals are a growing issue that needs to be addressed. Certain airports have started implementing restrictions and banning certain compounds in deicing products. However, there is still a lot of work that needs to be done to improve the problem. Additionally, manufacturers need to be more accountable for what they are producing while developing improved methods for those products. Also, the aviation industry must come together in agreement with the FAA regulations and implement those regulations immediately. Until that happens, hazardous chemicals from the deicing process will continue to deteriorate the environment and be a growing concern for years to come.

References

Associated Press. (2009). EPA: Limit plane deicing chemical runoff. Retrieved from http://www.nbcnews.com/id/33071411/ns/us_news-environment/t/epa-limit-plane-deicing-chemical-runoff/#.XKLtGphKhPZ

Joe McGrail. (2010). Deicing/ Anti-icing: Environmental Innovation in Deicing Fluid. Retrieved from https://www.aviationpros.com/gse/deicing-anti-icing-equipment-services/article/10370775/deicingantiicing-environmental-innovation-in-deicing-fluid