United States Department of Transportation
i
Preliminary data summary : airport deicing operations (revised)
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2000-08-01
[PDF-2.19 MB]
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Abstract:The deicing and anti-icing of aircraft and airfield surfaces is required by the Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA) to ensure the safety of passengers; however, when performed
without discharge controls in place, airport deicing operations can result in environmental
impacts. In addition to potential aquatic life and human health impacts from the toxicity of
deicing and anti-icing chemicals, the biodegradation of propylene or ethylene glycol (i.e., the base
chemical of deicing fluid) in surface waters (i.e., lakes, rivers) can greatly impact water quality,
including significant reduction in dissolved oxygen (DO) levels. Reduced DO levels can
ultimately lead to fish kills.
This Preliminary Data Summary provides information about the air transportation
industry and the best practices being employed for aircraft and airfield deicing operations, as well
as for the collection, containment, recovery, and treatment of wastewaters containing deicing
agents. This study was conducted to meet the obligations of the EPA under Section 304(m) of
the Clean Water Act, in accordance with the consent decree in Natural Resources Defense
Council and Public Citizen, Inc. v. Browner (D.D.C. 89-2980, as modified February 4, 1997).
EPA hopes that this study will serve as an objective source of information that can be used by
airports, airlines, state and local regulators, and citizen groups.
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