…is an extension to the deadline for comments on the EPA’s proposed effluent limitation guidelines to address stormwater runoff from airport and airline deicing activities. (Put that in a song!)
Apparently I was good this year because EPA granted my wish. In yesterday’s Federal Register, EPA officially announced that the original comment deadline of December 28, 2009 has been extended 60 days to February 26, 2010. While I personally appreciate this extension because it means I can take a few days off to enjoy the holidays with my family and friends, it is even more important because it affords a greater opportunity for me to put together more comprehensive comments that fully assess the potential impacts of this seemingly simply rule on our complex aviation system.
ACI-NA has been engaged with EPA on this issue for several years, striving to help the Agency understand the technical, operational, and financial intricacies of the aviation industry and its deicing management systems. We have also been quick to point out that, unlike my Christmas shopping habits, airports have not been waiting until the last minute to address the environmental impacts of deicing. Across the country, airports have expended millions of dollars developing systems that reduce pollutant discharges while meeting the needs of passengers to travel safely and efficiently this, and every, winter holiday season.
Now EPA has proposed a rule that is unworkable at many airports. I would advise EPA staffers to think of designing deicing management systems the same way they would think about buying gifts: like each person on their list, every airport is unique. And just as a size small orange sweater is not appropriate for everyone on their list, a deicing pad may not be appropriate for every airport.
I have been, and will continue to, work with our member airports to put together comments that explain the problems with EPA’s proposed regulation by highlighting the need for airports to design deicing management systems that meet their site-specific needs while helping to maintain safe and efficient operations. But thanks to this deadline extension, I won’t be thinking about those comments as I open my stocking.