Chapter 5 - Ground Crew Supplement

Environmental Impact

122.  The local Environment Canada representative should be contacted for information on the detailed requirements for protection of the environment from the adverse effects of deicing fluids.

123.  Aircraft deicing or anti-icing fluids that are allowed to enter surface waters can have an adverse effect on aquatic life. For this reason, it is recommended that the runoff from deicing operations be contained and diverted to either a water treatment system or a glycol reclamation system.

124.  A portion of the deicing fluid applied to the aircraft surfaces during deicing operations drains onto the apron surface and subsequently enters drainage runoff or percolates into subsurface soils.

125.  Although some glycol has been found in the air and groundwater, the most significant environmental concern is associated with storm water discharges to surface waters. As glycol has a high biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), the discharge of untreated runoff containing aircraft deicing fluids into receiving waters creates an unacceptable pollution problem and a potential hazard to aquatic life.

126.  To ensure that airport effluent does not negatively impact on the environment, a number of airports throughout Canada have implemented a program of sampling and analyzing storm water. Water quality programs have also been established at Local Airport Authorities and Canadian Airport Authorities. Although existing environmental legislation does not specifically require water monitoring, federal, provincial, and municipal laws do specify water quality standards and guidelines to be followed by industry.

127.  To ensure responsible environmental management of glycol based chemicals used in deicing operations the Air Operator, Service Provider and local Airport Authority shall prepare detailed glycol management plans and procedures.