Denver First Airport to Hit EPA Performance Track
Denver International Airport (DIA) has become the first airport in the nation to be awarded membership into the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Performance Track. The program recognizes facilities that exceed regulatory requirements and excel in protecting human health and the environment.
Owned and operated by the city of Denver, the airport is the 11th-busiest airport in the world and, situated on 53 sq. mi., one of the largest.
With a state-of-the-art Environmental Management System that covers everything from alternative fuel vehicles to deicing fluid collection and recycling, the airport now could be one of the greenest.
To qualify for Performance Track, facilities must adopt and implement an Environmental Management System; demonstrate specific past environmental achievements; record sustained compliance with environmental requirements; and commit to continued environmental improvement, public outreach, and performance reporting.
The airport’s management system includes comprehensive solid and hazardous waste reduction and recycling, air emissions management, and storm water management programs.
One example of the airport’s environmental accomplishments is a more than 75-percent reduction in hazardous waste generation from 2003 to 2005. This large reduction resulted from product substitution, including the elimination of oil-based paints and thinners.
In addition, for the 2005/06 deicing season, DIA recycled more than 370,000 gals. of aircraft deicing fluid at its onsite glycol recycling facility.
DIA has committed to a one-percent annual decrease in gasoline used in its fleet vehicles each year. These reductions will result from the purchase of additional electric/gasoline hybrid or CNG/gasoline vehicles as replacements for older fleet vehicles and employee education regarding the idling of engines.
