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Airline and airport operations can cause widespread contamination
Airline operations have long been associated with significant environmental contamination, particularly affecting soil, hard surfaces, and groundwater. Jet fuel spills, diesel used in auxiliary airline operations, and the widespread use of industrial solvents during aircraft maintenance contribute to hydrocarbon and volatile organic compound (VOC) pollution. These substances often penetrate soil or accumulate on impervious surfaces, where they are mobilized by stormwater runoff. Over time, contaminants leach into groundwater, posing risks to ecosystems and drinking water sources.
Additionally, de-icing agents – rich in glycols and alcohols – are frequently applied during cold weather operations, further exacerbating chemical loading in surrounding environments. Firefighting foams containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), used in emergency response and training exercises, have also left a legacy of persistent contamination at many aviation sites.
Containment issues at airports and related facilities have compounded these environmental challenges. Aging infrastructure, such as underground storage tanks and fuel hydrant systems, often suffer from undetected leaks, while inadequate stormwater management systems allow contaminated runoff to escape into nearby soils and waterways. Aircraft washing, maintenance, and fueling areas are typically exposed to the elements, increasing the likelihood of spills and surface contamination. In many cases, containment systems – such as lined retention ponds or oil-water separators – have proven insufficient to prevent the migration of pollutants, especially during heavy rainfall or equipment failure. PFAS contamination from firefighting foam use is particularly troubling, as these chemicals resist degradation and have been found in groundwater near airports across North America. Together, these factors underscore the complex and ongoing environmental risks posed by the air transportation industry.
BioNorth's airline and air transportation solution
Addressing and mitigating soil, hard surface, and groundwater contamination inherent within the airline and air transportation industry requires a collaborative approach between airlines, airport authorities, and remediation companies.
Unfortunately, traditional remediation solutions are costly, can have negative impacts on the environment, can permanently damage or destroy critical infrastructure, and can potentially interrupt operations.
Fortunately, BioNorth has a proven track record of providing cost-effective, green technology, bioremediation solutions for the air transport industry. Our solutions include on-site remediation, preventative maintenance, and emergency response spill containment and spill kits. We have also tailored our bio solutions to the unique requirements of the industry in order to tackle contamination involving solvents, glycols, and PFAS.